2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series
Affalterbach, Jul 21, 2006 – As a result of its new performance studio, AMG will be continually expanding its range of complete vehicles, components and custom solutions. To start, there is the new SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a special coupe version of the unique eight-cylinder roadster and a car with very strong appeal for purists.
With its AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine, many lightweight components, high-strength carbon roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable suspension and AMG high-performance composite brake system, the special SLK 55 AMG is even more of a sports powerhouse.
It’s clear at first glance that the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is something very special. It offers a distinct view from the front with a redesigned AMG front apron and its broad openings, which supply the added transmission-oil cooler and the high-performance steering-oil cooler with plenty of fresh air. In addition, new side outlets made of carbon ensure effective ventilation for the engine-oil coolers. The front wings, now wider, are made of reinforced plastic with ultra-light carbon-fibre composite material and feature black outlined air outlets. The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of carbon-fibre composites, and the black central section with a visible carbon-fibre structure provides appealing visual effects. The elimination of the vario roof and the entire roof hydraulics not only makes possible a significantly lower centre of gravity but also leads to a notable reduction in weight.
Engineers not only optimised the weight but also gave the Black Series an optimised AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 400 hp (294 kW) and 520 Nm of torque. A modified air intake, reduced-resistance AMG sports air filters, new high-performance headers and a new valve-timing scheme ensure a more efficient charge cycle and make the eight-cylinder unit even more responsive to accelerator pedal movements.
The combination of low vehicle weight and a powerful AMG eight-cylinder engine ensures first-class performance. This SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds (standard model: 4.9 s), and it takes just 15.5 seconds for the Black Series to reach 200 km/h (standard vehicle: 17.5 s). Power transmission is accomplished using the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with manual drive program (“M”) and AMG aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.
The suspension and the brake system are the ideal partners for the dynamic power package. The AMG adjustable sports suspension, optimised for the racetrack, allows impressive cornering speeds. In this chassis technology taken from motorsport, the compression and rebound stages of the front and rear-axle shock absorbers can be tuned harder or softer, making it possible to adjust the damping comfort and driving behaviour to one’s individual purpose. The ride height can also be lowered or raised by five millimetres. A brace in the engine compartment guarantees additional rigidity to cope with higher lateral forces.
The SLK 55 AMG Black Series has large, ultra-light, forged AMG aluminium wheels in the sizes 8.5 x 19 and 9.5 x 19. These offer weight reduction which results in a greater responsiveness on the part of the speed-sensitive power steering, which is also equipped with a more powerful servo pump. Superb braking is ensured by the AMG high-performance brakes with large composite brake discs (360 x 32 millimetres) and six-piston fixed callipers at the front axle.
The racing features are consistently carried over into the interior. Two specially developed AMG sports bucket seats without sidebags in black pearl velour and with a silver AMG logo provide the best possible lateral support; the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara permits optimal vehicle control. An abundance of carbon fibre on the interior door linings and the trim elements, as well as the black roof lining, give the interior the functional atmosphere of a real racing car.
Market launch is scheduled for July 2006. In Germany, the vehicle costs 107,300 Euros (incl. 16% VAT).
Story by DaimlerChrysler, edited Supercars.net
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $136 100 USD |
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| block material | Aluminum Alloy |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Sequential Multipoint Injection |
| displacement | 5439 cc / 331.9 in³ |
| bore | 97 mm / 3.82 in |
| stroke | 92 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| power | 298.3 kw / 394 bhp @ 5750 rpm |
| specific output | 72.44 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 263.55 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 520 nm / 383.5 ft lbs @ 3750 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD w/ESP |
| wheel type | Forged AMG Aluminium Wheels |
| front tires | 235/35 ZR 19 |
| rear tires | 245/35 R 18 |
| front brakes | Composite Discs w/Six Piston Calipers, ABS |
| rear brakes | Composite Discs w/ABS |
| front wheels | F 48.3 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19 x 9.5 in |
| steering | 65/30 ZR 19 |
| f suspension | McPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1495 kg / 3296 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2431 mm / 95.7 in |
| length | 4087 mm / 160.9 in |
| width | 1793 mm / 70.6 in |
| height | 1270 mm / 50.0 in |
| transmission | 7-Speed 7G-Tronic Automatic |
| top speed | ~280 kph / 174.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.4 seconds |
