New SLK 55 AMG Hopes to Blend High Power and High Efficiency

Mercedes really wants to make sure that there is a version of the SLK to appeal to every audience. Last week we posted a story about the SLK 250 CDI with a diesel power plant. Now Mercedes has revealed the top of the line SLK 55 AMG.

As we covered a few weeks ago, this is not just AMG's tried and true 5.5 liter V8. This new AMG V8 combines cylinder deactivation and start/stop technology to make an already powerful engine quite efficient as well. The new engine makes 422hp and 540Nm of torque. It consumes 8.4l/100km of petrol and emits 195g/km. It is capable of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 250km/h. The new SLK 55 AMG makes 67hp over the previous version and is about 30% more efficient.

Unique to the AMG version are exclusive light-alloy wheels, AMG lip spoiler, LED daytime running lights and chrome-plated dual exhaust. The exhaust is the first time an AMG Mercedes has used flaps to balance a loud, aggressive sound when driving hard and a softer note when in town. The flaps are activated based on throttle input and engine speed.

The SLK 55 AMG comes with all of the technological innovations a buyer would expect to find in a modern Mercedes. The convertible hardtop uses Mercedes' Magic Sky Control system that allows drivers to lighten or darken the glass top at the touch of a button. It comes with adaptive cruise control and adaptive braking. The system can anticipate an accident and implement the brakes to avoid it. The Intelligent Light System allows for lighting through a corner as well as modes tuned for country driving or the motorway.

The SLK 55 AMG will start at €72,590. The AMG handling package that adds stiffer suspension tuning, a rear axle differential lock, front composite disk brakes and a three-spoke Alacantara steering wheel, will add €4,641 to the price.