AMG – the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz – has developed the new-generation SLK to use a modified 5439-cc V8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque for 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.9 seconds. Based on the Mercedes-Benz five-liter V8, the larger-displacement AMG powerplant features a forged-steel “stroker” crankshaft with special lightweight aluminum pistons and modified camshafts.
Design Cues from the F1 World
Already serving as the official safety car of Formula 1 racing, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is inspired by the formidable presence of F1 racing cars. The latest SLK is a powerful looking sports car with muscular shoulders and a dynamic wedge shape. The front of the car suggests power and performance by drawing from Formula One characteristics such as an arrow-shaped nose and a long front hood. This muscular appearance is reinforced by two horizontal wing sections in the radiator grille, as well as an extended front apron with a large lower air intake. The designers used styling features like these to emphasize the width of the body, which is nearly three inches wider than the previous generation SLK. Muscular design lines beginning on the hood sweep over the closed retractable hardtop and C-pillars down through the rear apron.
Continuing the same design theme, the interior of the SLK 55 AMG reflects its dynamic and emotional exterior design. The cockpit is an instant focal point as the driver opens the door to reveal two large, clear dial instruments supplying the vehicle speed, engine speed, time and fuel level. These high-quality chrome-trimmed chronometer gauges are slanted toward the driver, providing an excellent view of the gauges at all times. The flowing lines of the hood continue through the dashboard and the center console. Vertical air vents accompany the design lines that flow through the interior of the SLK, blending the door panels with the center console, and completing the cockpit feel of any true sports car.
Design Cues from the F1 World
Already serving as the official safety car of Formula 1 racing, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is inspired by the formidable presence of F1 racing cars. The latest SLK is a powerful looking sports car with muscular shoulders and a dynamic wedge shape. The front of the car suggests power and performance by drawing from Formula One characteristics such as an arrow-shaped nose and a long front hood. This muscular appearance is reinforced by two horizontal wing sections in the radiator grille, as well as an extended front apron with a large lower air intake. The designers used styling features like these to emphasize the width of the body, which is nearly three inches wider than the previous generation SLK. Muscular design lines beginning on the hood sweep over the closed retractable hardtop and C-pillars down through the rear apron.
Continuing the same design theme, the interior of the SLK 55 AMG reflects its dynamic and emotional exterior design. The cockpit is an instant focal point as the driver opens the door to reveal two large, clear dial instruments supplying the vehicle speed, engine speed, time and fuel level. These high-quality chrome-trimmed chronometer gauges are slanted toward the driver, providing an excellent view of the gauges at all times. The flowing lines of the hood continue through the dashboard and the center console. Vertical air vents accompany the design lines that flow through the interior of the SLK, blending the door panels with the center console, and completing the cockpit feel of any true sports car.
Stops Like It Goes – Fast!
To balance its impressive engine power, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG comes with ventilated, perforated front brake discs that are 340 millimeters (over 13 1/3 inches) in diameter and six-piston calipers. Borrowing another race-proven AMG trick from the track, the compound front discs have an iron friction surface mounted on an aluminum hub that reduces unsprung weight and increases heat dissipation. The compound discs are 20 percent lighter than conventional one-piece discs.
The SLK 55 AMG’s sport suspension includes revised springs, shocks and stabilizer bars for stable, flat cornering as well as exemplary ride comfort.
The Beauty is in the Details
The AMG V8 engine features a wealth of technological details that go well beyond sheer displacement. For example, engineers refer to nearly equal bore and stroke measurements as “square“ design, and many consider a square engine to strike the ideal balance between piston speed (primarily a function of stroke) and allowable valve size (largely determined by piston diameter).
Hollow, forged steel rods are made in one piece, then “cracked” hydraulically, instead of being machine-cut and reground. This irregular fit results in unusual strength and durability, shortening the production process as well, since regrinding isn’t necessary.
To ensure smooth, low-vibration power, the forged “stroker” crankshaft is spin-balanced, while connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons are selected in weight-matched sets. Oil jets driven by a high-volume pump cool the underside of each piston, enhancing durability.
The SLK 55 AMG represents the first time AMG has made use of the Mercedes-Benz seven-speed automatic transmission, which helps make the car both faster and more economical. What’s more, the seven-speed provides smooth, barely noticeable gearshifts.
Even the Retractable Hardtop is Faster
The automatic retractable hardtop of the original car set the SLK apart from its competition. With the top up, it’s a quiet coupe – push a button, and 25 seconds later, the car was topless. The roof of the new-generation SLK goes up and down even more quickly – now 22 seconds – and the folded roof takes up less trunk space, thanks to its pivoting rear window. Like the retractable hardtop of the larger SL model, the rear window of the new SLK pivots to match the curvature of the top, providing nearly two cubic feet of increased trunk room.
source: rsportscars
1 comment:
I recently bought a 2007 slk 55, it is truely a great great fun car. I think it is one of the best value for money cars on the market. Build quality is outstanding, and surely this model will become one of those classic status. Oh and the best is that gruntal throaty exchaust
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