The 2012 SLK55 AMG has been announced for January of 2012!
Highlights from the official press release:
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring cylinder shutoff combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a peak output of 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft, the 2012 SLK55 AMG is poised to outperform all of its direct competitors. High-performance driving is ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. The 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012.
The SLK55 AMG accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
Key figures at a glance
2012 SLK55 AMG
Displacement 5,461 cc
Bore x stroke 3.86 in x 3.56 in
Compression ratio 12.6 : 1
Output 415 hp at 6,800 rpm
Max. torque 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 412 lbs
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph 4.5 s
Top speed 155 mph**
* provisional figures; ** electronically limited
In line with its “AMG Performance 2015” strategy, the new V8 engine continues to reduce both the fuel consumption and emissions of new models over the next few years – while reaching new heights with the central brand claim of “Driving Performance”. At the same time, AMG is also demonstrating its social responsibility with the M152 engine.
Numerous design features are identical, such as the displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO stop/start system and direct gasoline injection technology. Distinguishing features versus the M157 include the new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, the modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system and an optimized crankcase.
The AMG Cylinder Management cylinder shut-off system – developed completely by Mercedes-AMG – significantly improves efficiency: cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off under partial load, which lowers fuel consumption considerably. In similar form, this technology is also used in the 750-hp V8 engines used in Formula 1. As efficiency also plays a major role at the pinnacle of motor racing, two or four of the eight cylinders are cut off e.g. when cornering at slow speed, during Safety Car laps or for pit stops.
Other measures to optimize efficiency:
weight-optimized cast aluminum pistons with special piston skirt coating
special ventilation holes in the crankcase
oil pump with electrically controlled pressure stage
separate oil pump for cylinder shut-off as a controllable, low-friction vane cell pump
engine cooling using especially efficient cross-flow principle
electronically controlled fuel pressure, fully variable and demand-related between 1,450 and 2,900 psi
The Controlled Efficiency stop/start function further contributes to the low fuel consumption. This system is standard equipment on the SLK55 AMG and active in the fuel economy transmission mode “C”. Once the driver brakes to a stop e.g. at a red traffic light, the V8 engine is automatically switched off. Once the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is depressed, the engine is immediately restarted and the car is able to move off quickly.
AMG is premiering a new sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust flap on each side. This technology resolves the trade off between an emotional exhaust note during spirited driving and a more discreet engine sound in the partial load range. The main focus of the sound design was to achieve a perfect synthesis of perceptible performance and the long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes.
The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct- Steer system provides both impressive lateral dynamics as well as agile handling. Looking for a highly aggressive driving style or comfortable cruising? The new SLK55 AMG is able to offer both. Independent suspension struts with stiffer spring/damper tuning, torque strut bearings on the front axle featuring higher rigidity, stiffer stabilizers at all four corners as well as a more negative camber on the rear axle result in high cornering speeds and low body roll in fast S-shaped bends.
The optionally available AMG Handling Package enhances the vehicle’s sportiness even further. It comprises an AMG Performance suspension with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas.
Classic roadster proportions with typical AMG design characteristics as well as a hint of the SLS AMG -are striking visual highlights of the 2012 SLK55 AMG. The AMG designers have complemented the exciting basic forms of the long hood, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and crisp rear section with typical AMG styling at the front, sides and rear. The new AMG front apron has large air inlets and AMG-specific LED daytime running lights. Inspired by the SLS AMG super sports car, the wide radiator grill features a large, centrally-positioned Mercedes star. In the case of the SLK55 AMG, the slats in the front apron and the lower cross strut are painted in a high-gloss black finish. Darkened clear-lens headlamps and darkened bicolor tail lamps also come as standard exclusively on the top-of-the-range V8 model. Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination are also available as an optional extra.
The vent grilles with chrome-plated fins in the front fenders are not only reminiscent of the SLS AMG, but also evoke memories of the famous Mercedes- Benz 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s. The “V8 AMG” lettering beneath the grilles highlight the top-of-the-range eight-cylinder model from the rest of the SLK model series.
Functional, stylish, high-quality: the interior design of the SLK55 AMG is also reminiscent of its bigger brother, the SLS AMG Roadster. Associations with the super sports car are evoked courtesy of the four air vents in the style of jet engines, as well as the center console finished in brushed aluminum. Placed in the center of the dashboard is an AMG-specific analog clock featuring an IWC design.
The AMG sports seats feature optimized lateral support and premium leather upholstery with AMG badges in the backrests and standard AIRSCARF necklevel heating system.
The 2012 SLK55 AMG sets new standards when it comes to safety: a whole host of the latest assistance systems support the driver and help secure the new AMG Roadster’s exceptional position in its segment. Standard equipment includes new, fiber-reinforced roll-over bar, two-stage driver and front passenger airbags, headbags, thorax airbags, knee airbags, seat belt tensioner with belt force limiters, NECK-PRO crash-active head restraints, three-stage ESP® and also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.