The most striking aspect of the SLK 55 “AMG Ultimate Experience Asia” is its hardtop made from carbon-fibre composite (CFRP), a high-tech material commonly used in Formula 1 and the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). The unpainted, silk matt black roof with its visible carbon-fibre structure is a highly attractive feature that appears to change colours, depending on which angle it is viewed from and how the light strikes it. This special SLK 55 AMG also provides visual clues to its motor racing genes with, for example, new 19-inch AMG forged light-alloy wheels featuring multi-spoke styling.

Lightweight construction for further-enhanced handling dynamics

Around 25 kilogrammes have been saved simply by using the carbon-fibre roof with its plastic rear window and dispensing with the vario-roof mechanical and hydraulic systems. These measures lower the vehicle's centre of gravity, helping to improve handling dynamics thanks to reduced body pitch and roll combined with higher cornering speeds. Additional lightweight construction measures – including forged wheels, an optimised AMG sports exhaust system, leaving out insulating materials, fitting lighter door linings as well as a fibreglass-reinforced plastic bucket seat – compensate for the extra weight of the braking system, the larger 80-litre racing tank, the roll cage and the fire extinguishing system. The kerb weight of the SLK 55 “AMG Ultimate Experience Asia” is considerably less than 1,500 kg.

Transfer from motor racing: suspension, wheels and brakes from the safety car

The suspension, wheels and braking system on the uncompromising SLK-Class are based on the safety car: for instance the set-up with firmer spring/damper tuning and harder torque strut bearings at the front axle is essentially the same as that used for the 2004/2005 official Formula 1 safety car. The wheel/tyre combination with 235/35 R 19 (front) and 265/30 R 19 (rear) tyres was likewise taken from this car. The ultra-light 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels produced using sophisticated forging technology are new. Each wheel weighs around a third less than a conventional cast-aluminium wheel.

Another feature the “Ultimate Experience” shares with the safety car is the braking system: 360 x 22-millimetre composite brake discs with six-piston fixed callipers and special racing brake pads provide the deceleration at the front axle. Thanks to the innovative composite design with a grey cast iron brake disc connected to an aluminium bowl, peak temperatures can be avoided extremely effectively, giving the brakes outstanding fade resistance in harsh racing-circuit conditions. 330 x 26-millimetre steel brake discs with four-piston brake callipers are used at the rear axle. All the discs are internally ventilated and perforated; the front brakes, which have to deal with particularly high stresses, have specially designed cooling ducts – yet more technology adopted from motor racing.

AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with an output of 265 kW and a new sports exhaust system

The AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 265 kW and 510 Nm has been lifted straight from the standard-production car. Modified especially for the racing circuit, the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chromed tailpipes at the rear provides a more dramatic sound experience at the racetrack. An auxiliary engine oil cooler has been integrated in the new-look AMG front apron; another engine oil cooler (right) and a transmission oil cooler (left) have replaced the standard-fit fog lamps. Side openings allow the warm air to be dissipated effectively. A more powerful cooling system for the power-steering oil pump and an active cooling system for the rear axle differential have also been added. These measures ensure trouble-free operating temperatures whatever the weather conditions. The transmission control system has also been specially configured for the racetrack: for example, the gears can be shifted entirely using a manual mode. There are two manual modes available – “M1”, and “M2” which allows even faster gear changes. Steering-wheel gear-shift paddles, now the norm in motor racing, have also been fitted.

Optimised weight distribution for superlative handling on the racetrack

Optimised weight distribution is another decisive factor in producing handling on a par with a racing car: by moving the battery from the engine compartment to the boot and fitting an 80-litre racing tank in the boot, the weight has been distributed almost perfectly between the front and rear axle (52 to 48 percent). The racing tank with its typical foam inserts also prevents fuel from sloshing from one side to the other – the ideal set-up for minimum body movements on fast S-shaped bends. The dominant note in the interior is the practical look and feel of a racing car: the fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) bucket seat with a six-point belt and fireproof fabric cover provides optimum lateral support whilst the roll cage and the fire extinguishing system ensure optimum safety.

Hungarian Award For Audi Chief
16th March, 2006
Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the AUDI AG Board of Management, received an award at the Hungarian parliament in Budapest: in recognition of his commitment to the development of the Hungarian automotive industry ..... more

Zetec Arrives To Complete New Fiesta Line-Up
16th March, 2006
Ford Australia's new 2006 Fiesta range is now complete, following the addition of the sporty Zetec models to the line-up ..... more

Australia's Cadillacs For 2007
15th March, 2006
Cadillac, the luxury car division of America's General Motors Corporation, is expanding the availability of right-hand drive models, hence putting Australia on their 'radar' ..... more

ForMotion Sees An Increase In VW’s Earnings
15th March, 2006
The Volkswagen Group significantly increased its earnings last year thanks to the ForMotion programme and a comprehensive new model initiative ..... more

Land Rover 2006 Heritage Weekend
15th March, 2006
The annual Heritage Land Rover Weekend will take place during the British May Day Bank Holiday weekend, at the Heritage Motor Centre ..... more

Audi To Compete With Diesel Power In ALMS
15th March, 2006
Audi AG has announced it will contest the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the new R10 diesel sports car during the second half of the season ..... more

Saab Concept Named Geneva "Best of Show"
15th March, 2006
The Saab Aero X concept car, which made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show, has been named “Best of Show” by the editors of AutoWeek Magazine ..... more

Holden Safety Recall
14th March, 2006
GM Holden has issued a safety recall on specific locally built vehicles from April 2003 to December 2005 sold in Australia and export markets and fitted with side impact airbags as standard or optional equipment ..... more

Ford Adds Fuel To The Energy Debate
14th March, 2006
Calling on American lawmakers to "act with urgency," a Ford executive has told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee that policies are needed to support an aggressive, integrated approach by industry and government ..... more

Le Mans Dress Rehearsal For Audi R10
14th March, 2006
This weekend, Audi AG will unleash its high-performance R10 sports prototypes at the 12-hour race at Sebring, Florida ..... more

The Passat is Europe’s Number One
14th March, 2006
The Passat has won what is one of Europe’s most prestigious and important readers’ polls, in which over 40 million readers of 24 European magazines published by the AutoBild Group took part ..... more

Land Rover's E-terrain Technology Concept
13th March, 2006
Land Rover is showcasing innovative technologies – collectively known as the e-Terrain System – that reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while also improving the outstanding breadth of capability of Land Rover’s 4x4 vehicles ..... more

Evo IX Finishes Debut Rally, But Misses Podium
13th March, 2006
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has achieved its primary aim with the debut of its first Evolution IX Lancer by finishing the season-opening Capital Rally in Canberra ..... more

New Ford Courier Debuts in Thailand
10th March, 2006
Ford Australia has indicated the all-new Courier light truck range will go on sale here at the end of 2006 ..... more

Mitsubishi Colt Gets New Engine and More
8th March, 2006
The '06 Colt gets a new 1.5 litre all-alloy DOHC four-cylinder engine with MIVEC that replaces the previous 1.5 litre cast iron block engine ..... more

Renault at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show
8th March, 2006
Renault has chosen Geneva for the public appearances of new Mégane, new Espace and its Altica concept car and the unveiling of the new Clio Renault Sport ..... more

Audi Names Driver Teams for Le Mans
8th March, 2006
Audi will compete at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race on 17/18th June, with a brace of high-calibre driving squads. Six seasoned campaigners, who have all won the endurance classic at least once ..... more

Precious Metal - The Peugeot 407 Coupe
7th March, 2006
Peugeot have announced the pricing structure for the stunning new 407 Coupe, which goes on sale in Australia later this month ..... more

Ford Announces New Racing Manager
7th March, 2006
Ford Australia yesterday announced the appointment of Ray Price as the new Ford Racing Manager in Australia ..... more

Ford Duo Claim Points Finish In Rally Mexico
6th March, 2006
BP-Ford World Rally Team drivers Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen and team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen both claimed points finishes on the Rally Mexico ..... more

Small Cars Lead in Softer Motor Vehicle Market
6th March, 2006
The growth in sales of light cars continued in February against the background of a general softening in the Australian motor vehicle market ..... more

Exceptional Sales for Suzuki
6th March, 2006
Suzuki has proved itself as a major player in the automotive industry, with global sales in 2005 reaching a record 2,010,000 units, a 107% increase on the previous year ..... more

Mitsubishi Sales Continue To Build
6th March, 2006
Mitsubishi's sales continued to build in February with an increase in overall market share, a 41% lift in 380 sales and the car gaining further market share against its rivals ..... more

Ford Unveils Tough Truck Concept in Brisbane
3rd March, 2006
Ford today drove home the importance of the light truck market by staging the local premiere of a stunning concept truck at the Brisbane Motor Show ..... more

New Volkswagen Passat At Brisbane Motor Show
3rd March, 2006
The new Volkswagen Passat Sedan and Wagon made their Australian debut at the Brisbane Motor Show today ..... more

There's A Pajero VR-X Coming Soon
2nd March, 2006
Mitsubishi is introducing a limited edition Pajero VR-X this month. Based on the GLX, and available with both the 3.8 litre V6 petrol, or 3.2 litre diesel engine ..... more