While waiting for the next generation SLK to come out of the Mercedes production facility, we have to "settle" for customized versions of the current sports car. The latest SLK to undergo a tuning set-up comes from VATH and is based on the SLK 55 AMG.

Naturally, the biggest changes that were made on the SLK can be found under the hood where the engine's capacity has been improved to 5.8 liters and, when combined to a compressor, helps deliver an impressive 565 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque.

In addition to the engine upgrade, VATH also added sports pistons, sports distribution shafts, exhaust manifolds, catalysts of high-grade steel, sports exhaust silencers, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter and a long-stroke crankshaft with the result of a top speed of 192 mph (up from the standard version's 155 mph top speed).

Meanwhile the aerodynamic package includes, among other things, carbon front spoiler lips, varnished in black here, a rear diffuser and 19" polished rim wheels made from high-grade steel.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Understatement cannot be qualified as one of the advantageous features of VÄTH V58. This is considered to be the same as with SLK AMG R171. Not only the outside appearance of VÄTH V58 cannot be ignored, but also the SLK performance cannot be recognized under the motor hood. A high-performance 565 hp and 770 Nm engine is running in the motor compartment. The increase in performance and thus engine upgrading is achieved by cylinder capacity improvement by 5.8 liters combined with a compressor.

These upgrades include sports pistons, sports distribution shafts, exhaust manifolds, catalysts of high-grade steel, sports exhaust silencers, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter and a long-stroke crankshaft. Together with fine adjustment of electronics, this is enough to launch the cabriolet with a speed of 310 km/h. The cost of such performance improvement amounts to 30,785 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees.

Optionally, the VÄTH tuning company supplies a locking differential for 5,224 Euro and its home-produced and patented fuel cooler for 2,070 Euro.

19-incher wheels guarantee an impressive appearance with mirror polished rim wells of high-grade steel. They are available off-the-shelf in silver, black or the car colour at your choice. High durability tyres with the front size of 235/35 and 275/30 at the back axle ensure excellent contact with the road.
Custom-made threaded sports chassis (3,677 Euro including installation works and wheel alignment) draws the car nearer to the road surface – from 20 to 65 mm (user adjustable).

To improve stoppage characteristics, VÄTH provides high-performance brake system (6,009 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees). Six-piston saddles with 378-millimeter brake disks are provided at the front.

What is more, VÄTH has made SLK more streamlined thanks to carbon components. The aerodynamic package includes carbon front spoiler lips (1,404 Euro), varnished in black here, and a rear diffuser (1,952 Euro) with visible carbon Finns and prolongation of the underside.

Interior package (2,975 Euro) consists of climate control system, ashtray protective coating, gear shift gate, gear knob, light-reflecting door coatings and left/right seat position control coverings.
To be in harmony with the car’s interior climate, VÄTH offers sports steering wheel, if desired, with leather, carbon or fine wood trimming for 1,416 Euro.