Shortly after the release of the 2012 Mercedes SLK-Class, members of the automotive community began wondering what the AMG versions would be carrying under their bonnets. After a few months of teasing and spying, Mercedes has finally released the details surrounding the 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG leading up to its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
With all the details and information we received about the car, it seems that most of them will come with the version we’ll see in Frankfurt, including changes like an improved hood/nose shape with a new front spoiler, a new air dam with larger intake inlets, and rectangular quad-tipped tailpipes. The Mercedes will also get its usual array of large and shiny forged alloy wheels, big brakes, AMG badging, and color options.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG is powered by a new 5.5-liter V8 engine that will deliver 422 horsepower with a peak torque of 398 lbs/ft. This engine will be mated to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic with AMG SpeedShift technology.
UPDATE 12/29/2011: Mercedes has unveiled yet another new video of their latest SLK 55 AMG in action. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Mercedes SLK55 AMG after the jump.
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The 2011 Bologna Motor Show will play host to a special collaboration between Mercedes and Ducati that includes a special edition model from both companies.
On the side of the German automaker, the vehicle is based on the 2012 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG. Inspired by the new Ducati Streetfighter 848, the SLK 55 AMG comes dressed with a "Streetfighter Yellow" exterior paint finish, an extraordinarily unique and aesthetically pleasing color scheme that is available as an optional special color variant courtesy of the AMG Performance Studio. Other unique highlights of the SLK 55 AMG Streetfighter Yellow include an interior that has been dressed with Black Nappa leather with contrasting yellow stitching. This material can be found on the door center panels, the beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter, and the AMG Performance steering wheel. The yellow theme of the SLK 55 AMG Stealthfighter Yellow continues with illuminated AMG door sill panels that feature LED technology, further accentuating the overall theme of the most powerful SLK of all time.
Speaking of power, the SLK 55 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces an impressive 422 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque. Those figures translate to a 0-62 mph time of just 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
It may not have any performance boost, but you only need to look at the car to understand that even without power modifications, the SLK AMG 55 Stealthfighter Yellow is delightfully awesome.
Fresh off of revealing their new tuning program for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG, German tuning company Vath is pulling the wraps off their latest work: a comprehensive program for the 2012 SLK-Class.
The visual improvements done on the new SLK roadster include a new carbon front spoiler, a bootlid spoiler, a new rear diffuser, AMG-style tailpipes, and a new set of 20" tinted wheels with upgraded brake discs and calipers. Inside, Vath put in new aluminum sport pedals, Vath floor mats, and a modified instrument cluster, among other things.
For all the goodies that come with the aesthetic and aerodynamic modifications, the biggest part of Vath’s tuning program for the SLK includes power upgrades for all the engines in the SLK’s range, with the SLK55 AMG being the only exception.
The SLK200, with it’s 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, received a noticeable bump in output from the standard 184 horsepower to 210 horsepower and 229 lb/ft of torque with a new top speed of 150 mph.
Then there’s the SLK250, which is powered by a 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 204 horsepower. After the Vath power upgrade was put in, the sports car received an increased output of 244 horsepower and 265 lb/ft of torque with a top speed of 155 mph.
Finally, there’s the 3.5-liter V6-powered SLK350, which saw its own power increase from the standard model’s 304-horsepower output all the way up to 330 horsepower and 288 lb/ft of torque with a top speed of 167 mph.
Project Kahn, a British tuning firm with eyes for Land Rover models, has switched its focus this time around to take a look at the brand new Mercedes SLK 200 Blue Efficiency. The tuner’s new package works on adding more power to improve performance and provide a unique sense of motor supremacy.
To achieve this, Project Kahn began with a full AMG sport pack, including front and rear bumpers and side skirts. The black exterior finish is molded into something a little more spectacular with a matte black and carbon finished grille, carbon front splitters, red calipers, matte black side vents, brushed aluminum roll bars, and a remote control roof. The interior was only slightly tweaked with a black and red quilted leather interior.
As for the engine upgrade, Kahn opted for a Brabus engine with a powerful, supercharged four-cylinder that increases the output by 30 HP and a plug-and-play auxiliary control module that adds another 26 HP. This brings the total output up to 240 HP. The Mercedes was then given a lowered suspension and a Kahn exhaust, as well as a 7g Tronic 7 speed automatic transmission.
The Mercedes SLK 200 Blue Efficiency by Project Kahn is priced at about £42,875, or about $58,854 at the current rates, give or take any additional modifications the customer chooses.
Mercedes-Benz has announced that they will be debuting their updated model for their flagship SLK convertible at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but with an unprecedented twist by the German luxury brand: it’s a diesel.
That’s right, for the first time, the SLK will feature a turbocharged-four diesel engine. The 2012 SLK 250 CDI comes full of new features and a few drips of technology including their 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission, magic sky roof, and the airscarf.
More than just a few upgrades, the new super-sleep SLK offers an elongated ride lending to more cabin and trunk space, an improved steering control and braking system to handle the diesel oomph, and three other petrol engines if you so choose.
At $60,065, it’s one of the more expensive roadsters in its market, but promises to be fun, and of course, luxurious.
Hit the jump to read on about the 2012 SLK 250 CDI.
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