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| Photo: Autocar |
| Hot SLK Aims to Burn BMW from
"Autocar" written by Coram Williams.
Mercedes will launch a storming AMG-engineered 320bhp supercharged SLK aimed straight a arch rival's BMW Roadster before the end of the year. Following in the footsteps of the recently launched C 43 AMG and E 55 AMG, the SLK AMG represents the next step in Mercedes' plans to capture a slice of the performance car market hitherto dominated by BMW's M cars. Likely to go on sale in the UK in limited numbers by the middle of 1999, priced at about British Pounds 45.000, the sizzling SLK will be powered by a supercharged version of the 220bhp 3.2-litre V6 recently launched in the E-class. However, the addition of a blower will boost power by just under 50 per cent to about 320bhp, matching the 3.2-litre M Roadster's 321bhp. Maximum torque of over 300lb ft will comfortably eclipse the BMW. Since Mercedes does not traditionally offer manual gearboxes on engines with more than 200bhp, the hot roadster will be offered only in five-speed automatic guise. But performance should still be electric; expect 0-60mph in about 5.5 sec and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. |
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Apart from its performance, the SLK AMG will be marked out from its lesser brethren by a standard AMG body kit, pictured here fitted to an SLK 230. Other styling tweaks will include a perforated aluminium grille similar to that first shown on the SLK concept unveiled at the Turin show in 1994, 17in alloy wheels, chromed rollover bars and new complex lens headlights behind clear glass fairings. |
| Photo: Autocar |
| Underneath the skin, the SLK AMG will feature electronic
stability control (ESP) as standard. It will retain the standard car's
suspension suitably tweaked to deal with the car's new-found speed.
The only aspect of the car that has yet to be finalised is where to build it, since the Bremen plant that builds the standard SLK is operating at full capacity. Reports in the German press suggest that coachbuilder Karmann`s Osnabrueck plant - which is about to start building the CLK cabriolet - is favourite. End of article Thanks to Colin from the UK for sending the article and the two photos! |
Mercedes SLK with six-cylinder engine
SLK 320 Kompressor with 400hp
Mercedes works on stronger versions of the SLK with V6-engines.
Actually undergoing tests is a SLK with 3.2-litre V6-engine which with
the help of a supercharger shall come to roughly 400hp and a maximum torque
of 540Nm. The two-seater equipped with a four-flute exhaust is said to
have reached a top speed of 303km/h ((187mph)). No decision has been made
yet about a production of the possible BMW M Roadster competitor.
End of article - translation by MBEP webmaster.
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