Introduced for the 2012 model year, shortly after the redesigned, third-generation SLK->ke1683 was launched, the SLK55 AMG soldiered on without any significant changes through 2014. Although the previous model received a facelift in its fourth year on the market, the current SLK55 AMG sits in showrooms with the same exterior appearance and the same 5.5-liter V-8 engine under its hood. That's likely to change sooner than later, but Mercedes-Benz->ke187 has no plans to do that for 2015. Fortunately enough for those looking for a slightly updated model, AMG's->ke8 Performance Studio is trying to save the day with a bespoke take on the powerful roadster.

Sadly, the fact that the SLK55 AMG is long in the tooth is evident in this "Performance Studio" package as well. Exterior changes aren't very significant, with only a new paint job, a set of wheels and a new exhaust up for grabs. The interior received a bit more attention and even a set of SLS AMG seats, but is that enough to make up for the lack of body updates? Read on to found the answer to that question.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes SLK55 AMG "Performance Studio" Edition.

Exterior

There isn't much to say about the exterior of this bespoke SLK55 AMG, aside from the new wheels, the paint job and the new exhaust. AMG's Performance Studio went with a matte-black exterior for this project and lightweight, ten-spoke wheels finished in gloss black with Pepper Red accents. The package is rounded off by a matte-black, twin-pipe, AMG high-performance exhaust system. Although there are no other modifications whatsoever, the matte-black does help the SLK55 AMG appear a bit more aggressive.

Interior

The interior received more attention from AMG's Performance Studio. The cabin's main features are the AMG sport seats borrowed from the SLS AMG. The bucket seats are wrapped in plush Designo Red Pepper leather, which is also present on the door panels and on the steering wheels. Speaking of which, the SLK's standard steering wheel has been replaced by an AMG Performance unit stitched in two-toned Alcantara.

The red-and-black theme trickles onto the floor mats as well, while the gear selector is now wrapped in black Nappa leather and Alcantara.

Drivetrain

While the roadster's exterior and interior are truly unique, its drivetrain is bone stock. Not to worry though, the AMG-prepped, 5.5-liter, V-8 engine is good for 416 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, making the SLK55 AMG the most powerful SLK of all time. Mated to a 7G-Tronic, seven-speed automatic with AMG SpeedShift technology, the mill pushes the roadster from naught to 60 in 4.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

The EPA estimates the SLK55 AMG can return 28 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city, making it more fuel efficient than its German rivals, the Audi TT-RS and the BMW Z4.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

There's no word on pricing for the SLK55 AMG Performance Studio edition as of 11/13/2014, but customers should expect to pay more than $80,000 for this bespoke roadster. The standard SLK55 AMG retails from $70,900 for the 2015 model year.

Competition

BMW Z4

The Z4 is the SLK's traditional rival for quite a few years now. Unfortunately, BMW no longer offers a high-performance version of the roadster, which means U.S. customers are stuck with the sDrive35is as the range-topping version. Power comes from a turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline-six engine rated at 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Although the Z4 misses 87 ponies and 66 pound-feet of torque when compared to the SLK55 AMG, it's only 0.2 seconds slower from 0 to 60.

Surprisingly enough, though, the Z4 can only return up to 24 mpg on the highway, four mpg less than its competitor from Stuttgart. The Z4 wins the battle as far as pricing goes, retailing from $65,800 before options.

Audi TT-RS

Audi is working on a brand-new TT-RS as we speak, but the U.S. won't be getting it until 2016. Meanwhile, the second-gen model comes with a 2.5-liter, inline-five engine under the hood and with 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque traveling to the wheels. Despite being less powerful, the TT-RS is quicker than the SLK55 AMG from naught to 60 mph, hitting the benchmark in only 4.1 seconds. Its top speed is also superior, sitting at 174 mph. The mill mates to a six-speed manual transmission and Audi's iconic quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Although quicker than the SLK55 AMG, the TT-RS lags behind in terms of fuel economy. According to the EPA, this German vehicle returns 25 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city.

Conclusion

The current SLK55 AMG is a bit long in the tooth and although this "Performance Studio" edition is supposed to add a bit of freshness to the roadster, the package is much to basic for a vehicle in desperate need of a facelift. Sure, the SLS AMG seats are a nice addition, but the exterior is much too bland for what AMG's Performance Studio is capable of.