2012 SLK 55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the 2012 SLK 55 AMG. Although it had been rumoured that a switch to V6-turbo power was a possibility, AMG has stuck with a 5.5 litre, normally-aspirated V8 engine.



However, compared to the previous version, output is up by a considerable 60 bhp (44 kW / 61 PS) to 415 bhp (310 kW / 422 PS). Maximum torque meanwhile has risen to 540 Nm (398 lb/ft).

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. Scroll down for more images.

The result is a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).



Undoubtedly a quick car then, but its rivals aren’t much slower despite having significantly less power. The Audi TT RS Roadster and BMW Z4 sDrive35is both have ‘only’ 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS), yet they reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.6 and 4.8 seconds respectively. As with the Mercedes, they too are restricted to 155 mph.



But while the focus of the SLK 55 AMG is naturally performance, the car also features technologies to make it relatively efficient, too.



Foremost among these is the AMG Cylinder Management system, which shuts off four of the eight cylinders under partial throttle load. This facility is available between 800 and 3,600 rpm, provided the driver has the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic transmission in Controlled Efficiency mode, rather than Sport or Manual.



Other fuel saving aids include a stop-start system, variable pressure for the direct fuel injection and lightweight, low-friction engine internals. Consequently, it’s reckoned that average fuel consumption should be 33.2 mpg (8.5 l/100km), which would just better the 31.4 mpg (9.0 l/100km) achieved by the SLK’s Z4 and TT competitors.



As expected, AMG has made sure that its latest offering stands out with a body kit, boot lip spoiler, unique alloy wheels and twin chrome-plated exhaust pipes. Arguably, some previous AMG styling attempts have appeared rather messy, but the same can’t be said about the new SLK. Everything integrates nicely with the original design, and overall it’s an appealing look.



The interior gets an AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles, sports seats, leather upholstery and the Airscarf neck-level heating system. As well as the standard arrangement, buyers can choose a tinted polycarbonate panorama roof. Alternatively, a third option is Magic Sky Control which switches the roof from virtually transparent to dark at the touch of a button.



There’s no word on pricing or a European launch date, but the SLK 55 AMG is due to go on sale in the United States in early 2012.

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