First look: Benz gets crazy with SLK

MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed a lighter, more powerful and blisteringly quick limited-edition version of the SLK roadster – and if enough well-heeled Benz performance fans put their money where their mouths are it may even be seen on Aussie roads.

Powered by a tweaked version of the current SLK55 AMG flagship’s 5.5-litre V8, the special-edition roadster delivers 294kW and a bahnstorming 520Nm of torque – a considerable improvement on the regular AMG model’s 265kW peak thanks only to a more efficient air-intake, an AMG sports air-filter and new "fan-type" exhaust outlets.

But expect a substantially higher pricetag than the standard SLK55 AMG’s $163,400 asking price to go with the extra mumbo.

Based on the only V8-engined roadster in its segment, the wildest and purest SLK yet seen may eschew AMG’s new 6.2-litre V8, but it makes up for this with extensive weight-saving features.

These include a carbon-reinforced plastic, non-retractable hard-top and 19-inch forged AMG wheels with 235/35-section front and 265/30-section rear tyres, while height-adjustable torsion sports suspension and a high-performance AMG composite braking system are aimed at harnessing the ferocious new two-seater’s urge.

Benz says the elimination of the standard SLK’s Vario roof system both lowers the car’s centre of gravity as well as drops kerb weight by 45kg to 1495kg.

The result is 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 4.5 seconds – four-tenths quicker than the SLK55 AMG.

A restyled AMG front bumper incorporates oversized air-intakes to feed the additional (AMG seven-speed Speedshift auto) transmission and steering gear oil-coolers, while new carbon side air outlets suck more air past a larger engine oil-cooler.

Inside there are specially-developed AMG sports bucket seats without side airbags in black pearl velour with a silver AMG logo, a new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara, and lashings of carbon-fibre highlights.

First European deliveries in July.