| |||||||||||||
Forming part of the third-generation of the SLK launched in June,
the new AMG model catches the eye at first glance: distinctive AMG
light-alloy wheels, exclusive AMG body styling with AMG spoiler lip
and twochrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the
classic roadster proportions, while adding a distinct athletic
touch. The expressive design of the 2012 SLK55 AMG is both
eye-catching and unmistakable.
The SLK55AMG is the perfect embodiment of the new AMG brand claim
of "Driving Performance": in the compact high-performance Roadster
segment there is nothing to compare to its combination of tangible
driving dynamics, superiorsportiness, unique high-technology and
low fuel consumption. 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
Helping to set new fuel efficiency standards for V8's, the 5.5
liter engine combines low consumption figures with superior power
delivery and the typical exhaust growl which only a
large-displacementeight-cylinder engine can produce.
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 - whilereaching 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.
New naturally aspirated eight-cylinder closely related to the V8
biturbo
The new M152 is based on the AMG M157 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine
presented in 2010, which powers theE63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, S63 AMG and
CL63 AMG. Numerous design features are identical, such as the
displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO
stop/start system and direct gasoline injectiontechnology.
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.
Exclusive combination of advanced technologies
The high-tech M152 motor dazzles with a combination of advanced
technologies which is unequalledanywhere in the world. No other
gasoline engine features direct injection at a pressure of 2,900
psi, spray-guided combustion and piezo injectors, all in
conjunction with map-controlled cylinder shut-off, anall-aluminum
crankcase with "spectacle" honing, fourvalve technology with
continuous camshaft adjustment, a high compression ratio of 12.61,
a stop/start system and generator management - while revving to
amaximum speed of over 7,000 rpm. All of these features lead to
high thermodynamic efficiency which is essential for high fuel
efficiency and low exhaust emissions. Using a large-displacement,
naturally-aspiratedeight-cylinder engine with cylinder shut-off
resolves the trade-off between high output/torque delivery and low
fuel consumption figures.
AMG Cylinder Management
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, whichlowers 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 theeight cylinders are cut off e.g.
when cornering at slow speed, during Safety Car laps or for pit
stops.
The cylinder shut-off function is available over a wide engine
speed range from 800 to 3,600 rpm if the driverhas selected
transmission mode "C" - Controlled Efficiency. The AMG main menu in
the instrument cluster informs the driver whether cylinder shut-off
is active, and whether the engine is currently running in four
oreight-cylinder mode. No less than 170 lb-ft of torque is still
available in four-cylinder mode - enough power to ensure plenty of
acceleration in most driving situations. As soon as the driver has
a need for more power andleaves the partial load range, cylinders
two, three, five and eight are activated. The switch from four to
eight-cylinder operation is immediate and imperceptible, leading to
no loss of occupant comfort. At an enginespeed of 3,600 rpm the
activation process takes no more than 30 milliseconds.
Valves closed, fuel delivery and ignition deactivated
Cylinder shut-off is made possible by the intelligent engine
management system, with 16 hydraulically compensating actuators and
a sophisticated oil supply system in the cylinder head. The
compensatingactuators are integrated into the cylinder head, and
keep the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders two, three, five
and eight closed when cylinder shut-off is active. At the same time
their fuel supply and ignitionare deactivated. This not only
enables the loadchange losses of the four deactivated cylinders to
be reduced, but also increases the efficiency of the four remaining
cylinders. This is because the operating pointis transferred to the
higher load range. The actuators are compact and lightweight,
allowing taut valve train operation and engine speeds up to 7,200
rpm.
All-aluminum crankcase with Silitec cylinder liners
The crankcase of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine features a
diecast allaluminum construction. The low (dry) engine weight of
just 412 lbs is the result of uncompromising lightweight
construction methods. The bearingcovers for the main crankshaft
bearings are grey cast iron, and are bolted to the crankcase, as
well as on the sides, for high rigidity.
The piston rings are carbon-coated to minimize internal friction
and reduce wear. Cast-in Silitec cylinder liners ensure low
friction for the eight pistons. Unique "Spectacle" honing is
another measure to reducefriction and therefore fuel consumption:
in this sophisticated and complex process, the cylinder liners
receive their mechanical surface treatment when already bolted in
place. As honing would no longer be possible withthe cylinder head
installed, a jig resembling spectacles is bolted to the crankcase.
The cylinder liners distort as if the cylinder head were in place,
and are only then given their mechanical surface treatment. As
aresult, any static distortion of the cylinder liners caused by
tightening the cylinder head bolts can be completely eliminated.
Other measures to optimize efficiency:
The forged crankshaft of high-grade 38MnS6BY steel alloy rotates in
five main bearings, has eight counterweights and has been optimized
with respect to torsional rigidity, inertia, low rotating masses
and along operating life. A twomass viscous damper mounted at the
front reliably eliminates vibrations. Each connecting rod journal
on the crankshaft carries two forged, cracked connecting rods.
Four-valve technology with variable camshaft adjustment
Perfect charging of the combustion chambers is provided by large
intake and exhaust valves, four percylinder. The exhaust valves,
which are subject to high thermal loads, are hollow and
sodium-cooled. Four overhead camshafts operate the 32 valves via
low-maintenance, low-friction cam followers. The infinitelyvariable
camshaft adjustment within a range of 40 degrees on the intake and
exhaust sides adapts to engine load and engine speed, leading to
high output and torque values. This also provides consistent idling
at a lowspeed. Depending on the engine speed, valve overlap can be
varied for the best possible fuel/air supply to the combustion
chambers and efficient removal of the exhaust gases. The variable
camshaft adjustment iscarried out hydraulically via four pivoting
actuators. These are electromagnetically activated and controlled
by the engine control unit. The camshafts are driven by three
high-performance silent chains, which haveconsiderable advantages
in terms of noise comfort compared with cylinder roller chains.
Controlled Efficiency stop/start function as standard
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 thedriver 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 tomove off quickly. Intelligent
technology provides a comfortable and immediate starting procedure:
a crankshaft sensor recognizes the direction of rotation and
registers the resting position of all eight pistons.For an
automatic engine start, the cylinder with the most favorable piston
position receives an injection of fuel into its combustion chamber.
The precise piezo-electric injectors greatly assist this process,
as theymake especially fast starts possible. The M152 always starts
in eight-cylinder operation.
A framed "ECO" symbol in the AMG main menu shows the driver that
the Controlled Efficiency stop/startfunction is active. When
cylinder shut-off is active, the driver is informed by the symbol
"ECO4", while "ECO8"stands for eight-cylinder operation. In the two
more performance-oriented driving modes "S" (Sport) and
"M"(Manual), the stop/start function is always deactivated. If
required, the driver can also switch it off while in "C" mode as
well. In this case neither a "stop/start" nor an "ECO" symbol
appears.
Alternator management helps to save fuel
An alternator management system makes a further contribution to
fuel economy: whenever the V8 engine isin overrun or when braking,
kinetic energy is used to charge the battery rather than wasted as
heat. In all other operating modes a combination of onboard network
and alternator management enables the electricalsystem to be kept
at a low voltage.
New AMG sports exhaust system with integrated exhaust flaps
AMG is premiering a new sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust
flap on each side. This technologyresolves 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 ofperceptible performance
and the long-distance comfort that is a hallmark of Mercedes.
Each of the two rear silencers has a flap which is variably
activated on a logiccontrolled basis depending onthe driver's power
requirement and the engine speed. At low loads and engine speeds
below 2,000 rpm the flaps remain closed. This causes the exhaust
gases to cover a longer distance and flow through an
additionaldamping element, so that the engine sound is pleasantly
subdued and disruptive frequencies are effectively suppressed -
resulting in a mellow tone especially in four-cylinder operation
when cylinder shut-off is active.
When the driver accelerates, the flaps open at an angle of 15, then
30 and up to 50 degrees so that some of the exhaust gases cover a
short distance while the remaining follow the longer, acoustically
dampened pathproducing a sonorous engine note. Under full load at
higher engine speeds in eight-cylinder mode, both flaps are fully
opened so that the occupants are able to enjoy the distinct
muscular sound typical of an AMG V8.This emphasizes the performance
potential of the 415 hp naturally aspirated AMG eight-cylinder
engine.
The two-pipe AMG sports exhaust system with two chromed twin
tailpipes has a pipe diameter of 2.56 inchesfrom the manifolds to
the pre-silencer. The diameter is reduced to 2.36 inches from the
pre-silencer to the rear silencers.
Effective emissions technology with new catalytic converter boxes
Low exhaust emissions, compliance with country-specific standards
and a characteristic engine sound - the requirements for the
exhaust system of the new, naturally aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8
engine were multipleand complex. The 2012 SLK55 AMG complies with
the current Euro-5 emission standard, as well as meeting all the
requirements of the US market (LEV-III standard, On- Board
Diagnosis II).
Air gap-insulated manifolds ensure a rapid catalytic converter
response. For efficiency and to save space, this design has a
tandem catalytic converter housing on each side of the vehicle:
adjacent to the firewall,two thin-walled ceramic substrates are
grouped into each housing. This setup makes the previous,
additional underbody catalytic converters unnecessary. The two
ceramic substrates differ to ensure rapid and efficientemissions
control: the front one is coated with palladium, while the rear one
has a bimetal coating of palladium and rhodium. One lambda sensor
per row of cylinders is located in front of each catalytic
converterhousing, and there is a lambda diagnostic sensor between
each of the two thin-walled substrates.
Highly variable: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
Power is transferred to the rear wheels by means of the AMG
SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission which features
three transmission modes: "Controlled Efficiency" (C), Sport (S)
and Manual (M).The automatic rev-matching function when
downshifting as well as the brief, precisely defined interruption
of ignition and injection when upshifting under full load shorten
shift times and increase emotional appeal. Adouble turbine
torsional damper with centrifugal pendulum adapts to engine speed
and helps minimize vibrations in four-cylinder operation as well as
enhances comfort.
Perfect combination: highly expressive driving style and
comfortable cruising
The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG
Direct- Steer system provides bothimpressive 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 stifferspring/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 bodyroll in fast S-shaped bends.
In critical cornering conditions, the Torque Vectoring Brakes
produce a defined rotational movement of thevehicle about the
vertical axis in fractions of seconds, through selective brake
actuation at the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. This results
in the SLK55 AMG steering into the turn precisely and under
fullcontrol, without any compromises where performance is
concerned. Complementing this feature is the AMG Direct-Steer
system which enhances handling and agility compared with the
standard steering, while alsoreducing the amount of physical effort
required when parking. A new power steering pump helps to reduce
fuel consumption by using energy only when the driver is actually
steering. In addition, the AMG Direct-Steersystem has a parameter
function adapted to match the AMG sports suspension. This results
in optimum response from the central position, outstanding road
feel and sharp handling in all driving situations.
The AMG-exclusive 3-stage ESP gives individual control choices at
the touch of a button: the ESP buttonin the center console allows
the driver to choose between "ESP ON", "SPORT Handling Mode" and
"ESP OFF".The AMG highperformance brake system has internally
ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels, measuring 14.2
in. x 1.4 in. at the front and 13 in. x .9 in. at the rear. The
system is characterized byoutstanding responsiveness, short
stopping distances and excellent fatigue resistance.
Optional AMG Handling Package for even greater driving dynamics
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 discsat the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance
steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara inserts
in the grip areas.
Unmistakable: uniquely styled design and appointments
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 basicforms 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 LEDdaytime 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
lowercross 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 ActiveCurve 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, butalso 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.AMG-specific, distinctively styled side sill panels continue
the design of the front apron through to the new rear apron. With
its own unique shape, black diffuser insert with three fins as well
as the two chromeplatedtwin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust
system, it gives a distinctive finishing touch to the vehicle. The
spoiler lip on the trunk lid, painted in the vehicle body color,
reduces lift at the rear axle and therebyincreases driving
stability at high speeds.
Inspired by the SLS AMG: high-quality, stylish interior
Functional, stylish, high-quality: the interior design of the
SLK55 AMG is also reminiscent of its biggerbrother, 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
thecenter of the dashboard is an AMG-specific analog clock
featuring an IWC design. The AMG Performance steering wheel, with
its flattened top and bottom sections, also boasts metal trim,
aluminum shift paddlesand grip areas finished in perforated
leather. The clearly-arranged AMG instrument cluster is positioned
perfectly in the driver's field of vision and features four
circular instruments, distinctive dials and the AMGmain menu. The
button for the transmission modes C, S and M is also located in the
center console.
The AMG sports seats feature optimized lateral support and premium
leather upholstery with AMG badges inthe backrests and standard
AIRSCARF necklevel heating system.
Magical: the panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The standard retractable hardtop opens and closes in less than 20
seconds, transforming the open-top Roadster into a closed-top Coupe
with rigid roof at the touch of a button. Alternatively, a panorama
roofpanel in tinted polycarbonate can also be chosen. The third
variant is a world premiere - the panorama roof with MAGIC SKY
CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark as required at
the press of a button.When activated it is virtually transparent,
offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark
state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior
from heating up from the sun's intense rays.In other words: a
comfortable atmosphere at the touch of a button.
The frames of the three roof variants are made of magnesium. This
makes each roof around 13 lbs lighterthan in the previous model,
giving the car a lower center of gravity - which benefits its
agility. A comfortable alternative to the standard wind-stop is the
new AIRGUIDE pivoting wind-stop. It consists of pivotingtransparent
plastic wings which are attached to the back of the rollover bars.
The advantage: no installation or removal effort required.
Exceptional position: modern assistance systems on board
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-PROcrash-active head restraints, three-stage ESP and
also ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection.
Further assistance systems are available on request:
Three generations: the SLK made by AMG
The 2012 SLK55 AMG is already the third generation of the
exclusively dynamic Roadster model made byAMG. It all started in
2001 with the SLK32 AMG. Its supercharged AMG V6 engine with a
displacement of 3.2 liters produced 349 hp and maximum torque 332
lb-ft - as such, the SLK32 AMG was the most powerfulvehicle among
the competition.
At the end of 2004 this was followed by the SLK55 AMG. With its AMG
5.5-liter V8 engine, which developed355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque,
it also took the lead in its segment. No other vehicle in this
class offers a large-displacement eightcylinder engine - and
Mercedes-AMG has remained consistently true to thisphilosophy with
the successor model. The new 2012 SLK55 AMG will celebrate its U.S.
market launch in early 2012.
Standard Equipment
Comfort/Convenience
Performance/Handling
Safety/Security
Optional Packages
Multimedia Package ($TBD)
Lighting Package ($TBD)
AMG Handling Package ($TBD)
Stand Alone Options
Paint
Black, Obsidian Black, Mars Red, Arctic White, Steel Grey, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Pearl Beige, Diamond White, Indium Grey, Silver Mist*, Lunar Blue,* designo Mystic Blue, designo Mocha Black, designoGraphite, designo Magno Alanite Grey, designo Magno Cashmere White
Upholstery
Black Premium Leather, Sahara Beige Premium Leather, Bengal
Red/Black Premium Leather, designo Auburn Brown, designo Espresso,
designo Saffron Beige, designo Classic Red, designo Porcelain,
designo PlatinumWhite, designo Light Brown, designo Jet Black,
designo Red Pepper, designo Deep White, designo Red Pepper
Two-Tone, designo Platinum White Two-Tone, designo Light Brown
Two-Tone, designo Deep WhiteTwo-Tone, designo Sand Two-Tone,
designo Saffron Beige Two-Tone, designo Classic Red Two-Tone,
designo Porcelain Two-Tone, designo Auburn Brown Two-Tone (note:
sun-reflecting leather)*
* = highlight for 2012MY
2012 BMW M5 - At a glance Fifth generation of the world's most successful high-performance saloon in the premium segment of the executive class; new ...
THE NEW 2012 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT New, sculptured exterior exudes quality and design integrity. Contemporary, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading ...
2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Camaro SS & ZL1 Highlights LSA 6.2L supercharged engine will produce an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW) and is matched ...
Featuring 121 pounds less weight and the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche, the 330-hp Cayman R has been created for one reason: pure ...
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Debuts the Sportiest, Most Fuel-Efficient Beetle Ever Market launch, North America: September / October 2011 Market ...
2012 Honda Civic The all-new 2012 Honda Civic represents the ninth generation of one of the company's most popular and globally recognized products. ...
