As the only eight-cylinder roadster in its segment, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG delivers an exceptional driving experience. Now the two-seater is becoming even sportier: Mercedes AMG has developed an exclusive, emphatically puristic special series as a coupé variant, a car that sets new standards in handling dynamics - the SLK 55 AMG Black Series.
With the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine, which has been boosted to 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm, the numerous lightweight components, the non-retractable carbon-fibre roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable sports suspension and AMG high-performance composite brakes, the special SLK 55 AMG brings its sports car talents to bear even more convincingly - and cuts an impressive figure especially on racing circuits.
Broad, brawny and low-slung — it’s clear at first glance that the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is something very special. It offers a captivating view from the front with a redesigned AMG front apron and its broad openings, which supply the added transmission-oil cooler and the high-performance steering-oil cooler with plenty of fresh air. In addition, new side outlets made of carbon ensure effective ventilation for the engine-oil coolers.
The front wings, now wider, are made of reinforced plastic with ultra-light carbon-fibre composite material and feature black outlined air outlets. The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of carbon-fibre composites, and the black central section with a visible carbon-fibre structure provides appealing visual effects.
The elimination of the vario roof and the entire roof hydraulics not only makes possible a significantly lower centre of gravity but also leads to a notable reduction in weight: With a kerb weight of 1495 kilograms according to EC standards, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is 45 kilograms lighter than the basic vehicle. That improves the weight/power ratio from 4.3 to 3.7 kg/hp.
AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm of torque
Engineers not only optimised the weight but also gave the Black Series an optimised AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm of torque. A modified air intake, reduced-resistance AMG sports air filters, new high-performance headers and a new valve-timing scheme ensure a more efficient charge cycle and make the eight-cylinder unit even more responsive to accelerator pedal movements — which is also evident from the inimitable and even more impressive AMG V8 sound.
The combination of low vehicle weight and a powerful AMG eight-cylinder engine ensures first-class performance. This SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds (standard model: 4.9 s), and it takes just 15.5 seconds for the Black Series to reach 200 km/h (standard vehicle: 17.5 s). Power transmission is accomplished using the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with manual drive program ("M") and AMG aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
AMG adjustable sports suspension, forged wheels and composite brakes
The suspension and the brake system are the ideal partners for the dynamic power package. The AMG adjustable sports suspension, optimised for the racetrack, allows impressive cornering speeds. In this chassis technology taken from motorsport, the compression and rebound stages of the front and rear-axle shock absorbers can be tuned harder or softer — making it possible to adjust the damping comfort and driving behaviour to one’s individual purpose. The ride height can also be lowered or raised by five millimetres.
The modified elastokinematics at the front axle and the specially tuned mounting of the major assemblies ensure more precise steering and stability when braking — which is particularly advantageous in the intense driving on racetracks. A brace in the engine compartment guarantees additional rigidity to cope with higher lateral forces.
The SLK 55 AMG Black Series has large, ultra-light, forged AMG aluminium wheels in the sizes 8.5 x 19 and 9.5 x 19. Compared to the 18-inch light-alloy wheels of the standard vehicle in widths of 7.5 and 8.5 inches, the full wheel assemblies, including tyres, weigh four kilograms less. The advantage is even clearer when compared with equally wide, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. In this case, the weight savings come to 31 kilograms. The weight reduction results in a greater responsiveness on the part of the speed-sensitive power steering — which is also equipped with a more powerful servo pump.
The elegantly proportioned multi-spoke forged wheels fill the striking wheel housings perfectly and are fitted with tyres of sizes 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and 265/30 ZR 19 (rear). As an option, and at no extra cost, the customer can also choose special Pirelli sports tyres with a very high grip factor and outstanding wet-driving properties. Superb braking is ensured by the AMG high-performance brakes with large composite brake discs (360 x 32 millimetres) and six-piston fixed callipers at the front axle.
Interior with the functional atmosphere of a real racing car
The racing features are consistently carried over into the interior. Two specially developed AMG sports bucket seats without sidebags in black pearl velour and with a silver AMG logo provide the best possible lateral support; the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara permits optimal vehicle control. An abundance of carbon fibre on the interior door linings and the trim elements, as well as the black roof lining, give the interior the functional atmosphere of a real racing car — and thereby affirm the almost 40-year motorsport history of Mercedes-AMG. The Black Series lettering on the carbon-fibre trim over the glove compartment and on the boot lid signals the special status of this powerful and puristic two-seater.
Despite handling dynamics suitable for the racetrack, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, manufactured by hand in the Performance Studio, offers all the features that set a real Mercedes-Benz apart: fitness for everyday use, durability, safety and quality. The first models of the unlimited AMG special series will be delivered to customers beginning in July. The price in Germany is € 107,300 (incl. 16 % VAT).
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