Merc way

3:27pm Tuesday 15th January 2008

MERCEDES revised SLK range reaches the UK in April and spearheading the line-up will be the super quick eight cylinder 55 AMG.

To reflect its more dynamic intentions the SLK 55 AMG features: a new front apron with a more pronounced arrow-shape, enlarged air dams, black-painted transverse fin, dark-tinted headlamps, round foglamps with chrome surrounds and side outlets in the front apron.

Reinforcing the sporting stance, specific AMG bodystyling also includes AMG side skirts, 18-inch AMG light-alloy multi-spoke wheels, AMG rear apron with a black insert and the AMG spoiler lip.

Inside, an AMG instrument cluster uses silver/red needles and AMG lettering with new graphics so that vehicle speed and rpm are more easily legible.

The AMG sports seats (part of the leather upholstery package) feature pronounced side bolsters for improved lateral support when cornering at speed and Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas.

The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened.

For the first time it features direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 360bhp two-seater more agile and responsive.

Power comes from a 5.5-litre AMG eight-cylinder engine which pushes the two-seater from zero to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 155 mph.

Power is transferred by an AMG speedshift 7G-tronic transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles where gearchanges are around 10 per cent faster than before.

For those who want even more exhilleration there is an optional performance package featuring internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, AMG performance suspension, AMG performance steering wheel and AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior.

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