Mercedes-AMG unveiled the new high-performance SLK 55 AMG at this year’s Melbourne Motor Show.

The new SLK 55 AMG is destined to take pole position in the compact-roadster segment. With a 5.5-litre, eight-cylinder AMG engine developing 265 kW and a peak torque of 510 Nm, this dream open-top model brings a whole new meaning to the term driving enjoyment. No other vehicle in this segment can boast a V8 powerplant and no competitor can match the unique two-seater in terms of engine data and performance figures.

The new SLK 55 AMG, priced from $161,900, is the latest addition to the very successful SLK-Class family. In just six months, a record 500 new SLK-Class roadsters have been delivered to Australian customers.

The new V8 roadster will complement the wide range of Mercedes-AMG models currently available in Australia, including the C 55 AMG, CLK 55 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet, E 55 AMG Saloon and Estate, S 55 AMG, CL 55 AMG, CL 65 AMG, SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG.

Last year, 367 Mercedes-AMG high-performance cars were delivered to Australian customers, the second best year on record, with the E 55 AMG accounting for the bulk of sales. Since 1995, approximately 1,800 Australians have taken delivery of a high-performance Mercedes-AMG.

“The new SLK 55 AMG will further ignite interest in the very successful SLK-Class,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“The car is further testament to the expertise of Mercedes-AMG when it comes to developing unique, high-performance cars,” he said.

Featuring breathtaking styling, this dream car is the only vehicle in its class to boast an eight-cylinder engine. There is no competitor to rival the SLK made by Mercedes-AMG in terms of engine data and performance figures: with a displacement of 5439 cc, an output of 265 kW at 5750 rpm and a peak torque of 510 Nm at 4000 rpm, the AMG V8 powerplant accelerates the two-seater model from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and enables it to reach the 200-km/h mark in 17.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. With its immense pulling power and classic AMG V8 sound, the SLK 55 AMG has a dynamic appeal all of its own.

The eight-cylinder AMG engine incorporates high-tech developments from the world of motor racing such as ultra-lightweight pistons made from cast aluminium, oil spray nozzles for cooling the piston crowns, "assembled" camshafts, a newly developed twin-pipe intake system and a specially adapted variable intake manifold.

The most important SLK 55 AMG data at a glance:

7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel gearshift

The SLK 55 AMG is the first AMG high-performance car to feature the new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission which naturally includes AMG SPEEDSHIFT, steering-wheel gearshift function and a manual transmission mode ("M"). The seven closely-spaced gears – vital for ensuring just the right ratio every time – greatly enhance the car's sporty character. Torque converter lockup is now possible from first gear, thus optimising dynamism and efficiency as there are no losses in the torque converter. Furthermore, in order to enable particularly fast downshifts, the transmission has a function similar to kickdown: instead of engaging the gears in sequence, the electronic control system can skip a gear if necessary, thus enabling a straight change from seventh to fifth gear and fifth to third gear, for example.

The 7G-TRONIC transmission with AMG SPEEDSHIFT adapts itself to the driving style – be it dynamic or more laid-back. Furthermore, the driver can select automatic or manual mode and change gear using either the Touchshift selector lever or the formula-1-style gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

If manual mode ("M") is selected, the driver can make the most of the V8 engine's immense pulling power, since automatic downshifts are prevented, even at full load or when the kickdown position is reached. In other words, the driver can be sure that the selected gear will remain engaged. Selecting manual mode also prevents AMG SPEEDSHIFT from performing an automatic upshift when the engine speed limit for a particular gear is reached, thus enabling sportier drivers to make the most of the considerable power at their disposal.

Further technical highlights of AMG SPEEDSHIFT include torque converter lockup, active downshifting, the optimum gear function and more responsive gear changes that are executed up to 35 percent more quickly, all of which combine to provide an extremely direct driving experience.

AMG sports suspension and new composite brakes for superlative driving dynamics

AMG sports suspension and new AMG composite brakes make the new SLK 55 AMG extremely agile as well as ensuring outstanding sports-car feel on the road. Specially adapted AMG spring struts, gas shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are also part of the specification, thus enabling the new two-seater to provide unbridled driving pleasure on all kinds of route, regardless of whether the vario-roof is up or down. New composite brakes for the front wheels minimise stopping distances, optimise sensitivity and ensure high resistance to fading. This composite technology makes allowance for the expansion of the grey cast-iron brake discs which are internally ventilated, measure 340 mm in diameter and are connected to an aluminium bowl. The combination of these discs and the large pad surfaces of the six-piston fixed calliper ensure outstanding thermal capability. Solid brake discs measuring 330 mm in diameter and four-piston callipers are fitted for the rear wheels. All the dynamic handling control systems – ESP®, ASR and BAS – have been configured with the car's outstanding driving dynamics in mind. The new traction function, for instance, meets the very highest standards in this regard.

Design and equipment based on the SLR McLaren and SL 55 AMG

The SLK 55 AMG has a unique design that is in a class of its own. The central styling element at the front end is undoubtedly the V-shape which is strongly reminiscent of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Distinctive projection-beam headlamps with clear-glass lenses are also sure to draw admiring glances. Externally the SLK 55 AMG resembles its elder brother – the SL 55 AMG with V8 supercharged engine. Major features shared by the two AMG high-performance Roadsters include 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in four-spoke design, mixed-size tyres, AMG bodystyling, distinctive fins running the length of the bonnet and an AMG sports exhaust system with two sets of twin tailpipes as well as darkened glass covers on the tail lights and third brake light.

At the front end of the SLK 55 AMG, the engine oil cooler is integrated in the exclusive, powerfully contoured AMG front apron. Side outlets allow the hot air to escape. Expressive AMG side skirts make the Roadster's centre of gravity appear lower. Further distinguishing features which set the flagship AMG V8 model apart from the rest of the SLK-Class line-up include round, clear-glass fog lamps with chrome surrounds integrated in the front apron, the black painted fin across the radiator grille and the spoiler lip on the boot lid, which reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by up to 36 percent.

New AMG sports seats in nappa leather with Alcantara inserts

Characteristic interior features of the new AMG dream car include exclusive appointments which exude quality and imply sporting prowess. The seats, door centre panels and armrest are covered with fine nappa leather which comes in a choice of four colours. The AMG sports seats feature an exclusive AMG pattern and powerfully contoured backrest side bolsters to optimise lateral support, whilst the Alcantara inserts in the shoulder area further enhance lateral support when cornering at speed. An additional dynamic note is struck by the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel which is adjustable for height and reach and is equipped with gearshift buttons. And the attractively designed AMG instrument cluster houses a 320-km/h speedometer dial.

The comprehensive standard-equipment package also features THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control and head/thorax bags, bi-xenon headlamps, rain sensing windscreen wipers, COMAND with a DVD-based navigation system, six-disc CD changer in glove compartment, heated seats and infrared remote control for roof operation. Notable options include AIRSCARF neck-level heating, tyre pressure loss warning system, designo leather appointments and fine-wood trims.