Iconic German manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, is continuing its
aggressive approach towards the Indian car market as the brand is
planning to introduce yet another model. After the launch of C-Class
Edition C, the company is reportedly bringing in SLK-55 AMG in India on
2nd December 2013. The differences between the regular model and SLK-55
AMG lie in appearance (both exterior and interior) and some
technological features. Notably, engine configuration of both cars
remains the same.
Touted as the sportier version of the regular SLK model, the AMG
variant shall be powered by the naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 engine
that develops almost 420 bhp of power alongside maximum torque of 540
Nm. With this massive engine, the car can power itself from 0 kmph to
100 kmph in just 4.6 seconds. However, top speed of SLK-55 AMG will be
electronically restricted to around 250 kmph, sources have claimed. In
terms of transmission, the engine will be mated to a AMG Speedshift
7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox. In order to cater the different moods
of the driver, Mercedes-Benz has given three modes on the car, namely
Controlled Efficiency, Sports and Manual. Some of the other mechanical
tweaks include AMG sport suspension, performance oriented Torque
Vectoring Brake and AMG Direct-Steer system.
Talking about exterior changes, Mercedes-Benz SLK-55 AMG gets
restructured front and rear bumpers and side skirts. Furthermore, the
company has also given a mesh grille and 18-inch AMG alloys with AMG
sports exhaust. On the interiors, the car gets Nappa leather, aluminium
and carbon fibre inserts.
Going by the European specification model, the SLK-55 AMG is almost
30 per cent more fuel efficient than last generation model. Apart from
being fuel efficient, the SLK-55 AMG is quite low on emissions as it
produces 195 g/km. According to trade analysts, Mercedes-Benz SLK-55 AMG
would be offered in a ex-showroom price range of Rs. 1.3 crore to Rs.
1.4 crore.
The upcoming roadster of Mercedes-Benz shall be provided with a
retractable hardtop, lower ground clearance and large air take system.
Like other roadster models, SLK-55 AMG gets typical long front end with
the seating for the passengers given close to the rear-axle.
Currently, the AMG line-up of cars include E-63, C-63, G-63 and SLS
AMG coupe apart from the roadster model of the same. After the launch of
SLK-55 AMG, the tally for these vehicles will further stretch to six.
Once launched, SLK-55 AMG is expected to compete with cars like Porsche
Cayman S, Jaguar F-Type and Audi R8.
AMG is a performance oriented division of Mercedes-Benz that is
particularly known for tuning cars in order to derive more power and
torque. Apart from mechanical changes, AMG also customises the exteriors
and interiors of the car to give them a sporty look. The launch of
SLK-55 AMG will be the third addition in performance division of
Mercedes-Benz as it also introduced G63 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and
E63 sedan earlier this year.
