Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new sports package for the 2007 Mercedes SLK-Class. A lowered sports suspension with 18-inch wheels, a more beefy braking system, an AMG breakaway edge at the rear and, as an option, the new 7G-TRONIC Sport automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles improve the agile handling characteristics of the Roadster even further. In models equipped with V6 engines, a specially developed air filter creates an even more throaty sound. The most noticeable highlights in the interior include red seat belts, red topstitching, black roof lining and carbon-like black trim. Depending on the engine version, sports package for the SLK-Class is between 1,148.40 and 1,612.40 euros. So far, no word on U.S. pricing or availability.

DaimlerChrysler’s little roadster SLK is about to get a facelift. The photos are showing a prototype during some testing on the roads of Stuttgart. It has still some disguise over the front and rear end, meaning that the car will get new head- and taillights, and a new front skirt with new air intakes.
The two seater SLK was first launched in 1996. In 2004 an AMG version with V8 engine (360 HP) came on the market, and now an overall facelift for the line up is expected to launch in 2008.

The new Black Series from Mercedes-Benz is an even more driver-focused variant of the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG Roadster, using motorsport-inspired technology to deliver scintillating performance and enhanced driving dynamics.

Output from the 5.5-liter AMG engine is boosted from 360 bhp to 400 bhp and 45 kg has been shaved off the kerbweight through the use of lightweight components including a new fixed hard top. As a result, the 0 to 60 mph dash drops to 4.3 seconds, while 125 mph is, where permitted, clocked up in just 15.5 seconds – a full two seconds quicker. Top speed is no longer restricted to 155 mph, and the car can reach 173 mph.

The exclusive nature of the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is signaled by even more muscular front wings made from ultra-light carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CRP) and a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fiber inlays. Large air intakes and side air outlets ensure a sufficient flow of air to the enlarged engine oil cooler and new transmission and steering oil coolers.

The SLK’s standard vario roof with its hydraulic closing mechanism has been replaced with a purposeful fixed hard top which has a central section in black carbon-fiber CRP. It means that not only is the car’s centre of gravity lower, there is also a significant weight loss – it now tips the scales over seven stones lighter than the standard car, at 3295 lbs.

The motorsport theme continues inside: two specially developed AMG sports bucket seats without side airbags offer superb lateral support and are trimmed in a black pearl velour complete with silver AMG logos. They are complemented by a leather and Alcantara trimmed steering wheel derived from that used in the FIA Formula One World Championship Official Safety Car, and lightweight AMG carbon fiber internal door centre panels.

The V8’s power output of 400 bhp at 5,750 rpm compares with the standard AMG model’s 360 bhp, produced at the same engine speed. It develops an even more muscular 384 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm. Key enhancements include a modified air intake, an AMG sports air filter and a newly-developed exhaust system. Power continues to be fed through an AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC transmission with a manual drive program and steering wheel-mounted aluminum shift paddles.

Naturally the chassis has been modified to match the increased performance capability of this special series SLK 55 AMG. Racetrack-optimized, AMG height-adjustable torsion suspension, including adjustable dampers permits even more impressive cornering ability. 19 inch ultra-light AMG forged alloy wheels with 235/35 ZR19 (front) and 265/30 ZR19 (rear) Pirelli P Zero Nero tires replace the 18 inch items of the standard car. Greater body rigidity is provided by a brace across the engine bay, and for those looking for even sportier handling, there’s a limited slip differential available, priced at 3,475 euros in Europe.

There is stopping power to match the performance and the front wheels continue to feature composite technology to minimize braking distances, optimize sensitivity and ensure high resistance to fading. The composite brake discs are now 360 mm in diameter, up from 340 mm. The 330 mm internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at the rear are retained.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series may possess a level of driving dynamics orientated towards track use, but it is also a car eminently suited to everyday driving and provides the safety, durability and quality that come as standard across the Mercedes-Benz range. The Black Series is also offered with three additional AMG packages for even greater exclusivity: an AMG Leather package includes leather seats, dash, centre console, centre armrest, door panels and doorbags, and anti-roll bars for 6,310 euros. An AMG Interior Carbon Fiber package includes carbon fiber instrument cluster covers, steering wheel multi-function button covers, gearshift lever and door sill panels for 2,630 euros. An AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber package has carbon fiber front grille inserts, external mirror covers and rear boot spoiler trim, for 4,325 euros.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series is priced at 92,500 euros and is available by special order from Mercedes-Benz Retailers in Europe now. Prices and availability in the US is not yet confirmed.

The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 360-bhp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges.

The appearance of the sporty roadster now reinforces the car’s claim to special status even more emphatically. The redesigned front apron with a more pronounced arrow-shape, the modified Mercedes star, enlarged air dams and a black-painted transverse fin on the lower section ensure a distinctly masculine aura. Large, round foglamps with chrome surrounds are now positioned further outwards, enhancing the impression of width. The hot air from the integral engine oil cooler is vented via side outlets in the front apron. The specific AMG bodystyling also includes AMG side skirts, the muscular AMG rear apron with a black insert and the AMG spoiler lip.

AMG Eight-cylinder Engine

The striking bonnet with its characteristic longitudinal fins conceals the 5.5-liter AMG eight-cylinder engine, which has an output of 360 bhp and develops 376 lb-ft of torque – figures which remain unrivalled in this segment. Enormous torque, immediate responsiveness and the typical AMG V8 sound characterize the driving experience, together with outstanding performance: the two-seater accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, reaches the 124 mph mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 155 mph. Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now ensures even greater agility: gearchanges in the "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual) driving modes are around ten percent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which also ensures that the gearshifts are smoother.

Functional Interior

In the functional and sporty interior of the SLK 55 AMG, the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design gives a visual hint of the direct steering feature. The grip area is specially shaped and lined with perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished by a silver-colored insert. Two aluminum AMG shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

The AMG instrument cluster, silver/red needles and AMG lettering also has a new look, and the new graphics ensure that vehicle speed and rpm are even more easily legible. In "M" mode, the AMG main menu is able to display the currently selected gear including an upshift recommendation, as well as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The AMG sports seats with their special upholstery layout feature pronounced side bolsters for improved lateral support when cornering at speed; Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas improve this lateral support even further. Fine nappa leather upholstery is part of the standard appointments of the SLK 55 AMG. It is available in a choice of four attractive colours, with a stylish combination of black/gullwing red as a new entrant to the range.

Performance Package

The AMG performance package is available for the SLK 55 AMG on request. This package developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO incorporates even higher-performance components. The result is an ultra-exciting driving experience for sports car enthusiasts who sometimes like to put their AMG model through its paces on the racetrack.

The AMG performance package for the SLK 55 AMG consists of:

- AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm, with six-piston fixed calipers at the front
- Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 330 x 26 mm, with four-piston fixed callipers at the rear
- 18-inch AMG multi-piece light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, size 7.5 x 18 with tire size 225/40 R18 (front) and size 8.5 x 18 with tire size 245/35 R18 (rear)
- AMG performance suspension
- AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened lower section and silver-colored aluminum shift paddles
- AMG carbon-fiber trim in the interior
- With the exception of the AMG high-performance composite braking system, all the components of the AMG performance package can also be ordered individually

The SLK roadster has served Mercedes Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, and it's been spotted on numerous occasions testing in Germany.

Aside from the car's general proportions not much is clear thanks to generous slabs of camouflage cladding. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position.

The sharper angle between the rear of the hard top and the rear deck area also mimics the 2010 SLC to a degree, though the real design cues shared with that car are expected to be located around the front fascia. At any rate, it's clear that Mercedes has dumped the controversial front end of the current models for something new. In addition to the spy shots, we have these new computer generated renderings previewing the final design of the stylish roadster.

Powertrains expected for the next-generation SLK include the 2.2L four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK.

Petrol engines featuring evolutionary developments on the current range are expected, though there is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.5L V6 generating over 470hp (350kW) for an AMG version. More details and specifics will emerge as the car moves forward in its development cycle.

The next-generation SLK is expected to make its debut in late 2010. Pricing for the current model starts just under $46,000 in the U.S., and the next model is expected to stay near that mark.