Putting a five and a half litre litre V 8 in a car the size of a Mazda MX5 is bound to result in startling performance... and when that V8 is made by Mercedes Benz performance arm AMG the effect is exhilarating to say the least.
Others have decried the sound of the V8 in the SLK as not befitting a performance car but I have no problem with the growl both under the bonnet and at the exhaust.
Under load it's at its best....howling through the seven speed gearbox with amazing speed.
Exhaust system flaps open further under hard acceleration to give even more enjoyable V8 noise.
It develops 310 kw and 540 nm of torque.
Th engine also has cylinder deactivation when just lazing along, cutting out four cylinders to aid economy.
The AMG SLK hits 60 in just 4.6 seconds, yet returns an amazing economy around town of around eleven litres per 100 kays.
Combined city/ highway figure is eight and a half litres per 100k
The idle stop system which cuts the engine when the car is stopped for even short periods takes getting used to and can be overridden, but it's said to offer some small fuel savings.
Riding on huge 18 inch wheels with multi caliper ventilated discs the size of large dinner plates, the AMG 55 hauls off speed as quickly as it accerelates.
At six feet tall or over 183 cm. I still found a comfy driving postition with adequate leg and head room with the top erect.
The speed and cruise control wand is now a very familiar part of the instruments layout and in cruise held speed easily despite hilly terrain.
Heated seats and a warm " Airscarf" vent on the driver and passenger's necks is a welcome feature on chilly top down days.
I found the ride to be excellent, supple yet firm enough to encourage spirited cornering.
However the rear end does have its moments when pressing on in the bends.. feeling a little unsettled as the suspension takes up the extra loadings.
The seats are very supportive and not too firm, unlike other German made vehicles that are just a little too hard for every day comfort
Black alloys, bonnet vents and four exhaust pipes are external signs that this car is something special.
The metal folding roof does its work in seconds and stows neatly away in the boot leaving a fairly usable space beneath it for some soft luggage.
For those into audio the Harmon Kardon sound system is marvellous.. rich tones and good clarity.
The SLK 55 AMG is more of a cruiser than an outright sports machine, and that's no bad thing as not everyone wants or needs rock hard " sports " suspension.
Mercedes has slashed the price of this car by 25 thousand dollars to 155 thousand, making it even more attractive for those wanting something that bit different. Peter Sellen
Peter Sellen
No comments:
Post a Comment