Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG is the tuning arm of the Mercedes-Benz car company. Mercedes-Benz acquired AMG in 1999. Production climbed from 500 cars a year to 20,000 AMG vehicles in 2005 (half of which were delivered to the United States).

AMG or Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach was founded in 1967 as AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd.) by former Mercedes engineers Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in a town near Stuttgart called Großaspach.

“AMG” is an abbreviation that stands for: Hans Werner Aufrecht (A) and Eberhard Melcher (M) who were partners, while Aufrecht’s birthplace of Großaspach (G) supplied the third letter in the company name.

 

Pop Culture reference

The SLK also featured in a video game known as Need for Speed: High Stakes in 1999. The game was available as a computer and PlayStation game.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-class was also available for racing in the PlayStation 2 video game Gran Turismo 4, as a convertible and as a coupe.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK with tank treads instead of wheels is also drivable in the PC game Carmageddon.

 

2004 - R171

The SLK was updated in 2004 with a new Formula One-inspired appearance and serious performance. For 2005 the new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and Driver’s Ten Best list, and it also won the Canadian Car of the Year’s Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand’s Lucire magazine announced it as its ‘Car to Be Seen in’ for 2005. The current SLK is also built in Bremen, Germany. Both cars have been claimed to be fun to drive with the SLK350 going from 0-60mph in a short 5.4 seconds. There are rumours that Mercedes-Benz is going to produce a SLK 63 AMG model with their new 6.2L naturally aspirated engine designed from scratch by AMG division.

Models of the new SLK include:

* SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 120 kW (163 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the US)
* SLK 280 - 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
* SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).
* SLK 55 AMG - 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 hp DIN) V8 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited). A tuned version of this was used as the Formula One safety car, replaced by CLK 63 AMG at the beginning of 2006 Season.

 

1997 - R170

The R170-platform SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, though its additional weight dented the performance of the 185 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The SLK was on Car and Driver’s Ten Best list for 1997.

Very few toys or scale replicas of this car were produced and parts can also be a bit hard to come by in some markets.

A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999, but it was the introduction of a 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 SLK 320 that really brought the Sportlich to the car.

An AMG model was added in 2001, with a 354 hp supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It is only offered with automatic transmission. The SLK AMG engine is also hand built.

Not all Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany, the SLK 320 being built in South Africa. The very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997 and last on April 7, 2004.

Summary of all versions and engine specifications:

R170 Pre-facelift

* SLK 200 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 136 hp I4 engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). NB Exported only to Portugal, Italy and Greece.
* SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 192 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, top speed of 236 km/h (147 mph).
* SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 193 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph).

R170 With Facelift

* SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 163 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 223 km/h (138 mph). NB Not exported to North American markets.
* SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 197 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 240 km/h (148 mph).
* SLK 320 - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 218 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).

* SLK 32 AMG - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 354 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, generally electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Maximum torque is 450Nm, of which 400Nm is available at 2300rpm. To achieve the superlative power output of 354 hp a Lysholm or “twin-screw” supercharger was fitted between the cylinder banks of the hand built V6 engine. While the engine uses the same block as the 320, virtually all the internal components are replaced with superior parts and the oil flow rate increased by 70% over the 320 engine, ensuring longevity even under hard use. The engines are generally reliable, the only consistently reported weakness being a tendency of the supercharger intercooler pump to fail. Modifications to take the power output up to and sometimes over 400hp are relatively easily and cheaply achieved, primarily by fitting a larger crankshaft pulley (thus turning the supercharger faster), free-flow air filters and exhaust systems. No reliability issues appear to have been reported consequent upon such modifications. The automatic transmission is also different to other SLKs’ and ensures faster shifting (Mercedes claim faster than the best manual), lock-up in all gears, automatic downshift engine braking during hard deceleration and a feature that holds the transmission in the current gear during hard cornering. When new the SLK32 AMG was the fastest accelerating car ever produced by Mercedes Benz, leaving aside the SLR McLaren. AMG offered as an option an increased limited top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). These vehicles were factory fitted with Y-rated tires. There are reports of unlimited vehicles reaching speeds of 306 km/h (190 mph). While such claims should perhaps be approached with caution, Car & Driver report that the 136 kg (300 pound) heavier C32AMG is reputed to be capable of achieving 306 km/h (190 mph) using the identical engine but with a non-standard final drive. The SLK32 AMG is probably among the rarest of all SLKs produced to date, having been built in relatively small production numbers with a total of 4,333 produced. Production commenced in August 2000 and ended in March 2004. 979 units were retained for Germany. Production figures were: 2000, 10 units; 2001, 2193 units; 2002, 1336 units; 2003, 742 units; 2004, 52 units. Fewer than 300 were imported to the UK. Many Mercedes enthusiasts consider the SLK32AMG to be the closest thing to a “hairy sportscar” Mercedes has produced in recent years (Mercedes Enthusiast Magazine, Issue 45, July 2005) and more enjoyable to drive than the more refined SLK55 AMG.

 

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company’s intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light) and Kompakt (compact). To date there have been two generations of SLK.

The SLK is perhaps most famous for its retractable hardtop. While it did not pioneer this feature, the SLK revived it in modern automobiles. It was soon followed by the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

 

2005

The following Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadsters are offered Worldwide for the year 2005. Prices are listed in US, 2005 dollars.

* 2005 SL350 (Europe only)
o 3.7 L (3724 cc) 18-valve V6 245 hp (182 kW) at 5,000 rpm 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 7.2 s

* 2005 SL500 Roadster
o Driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift control
o Aluminum hardtop (automatic retraction: 16 seconds)
o US$90,620
o 5.0 L 24-valve V8 engine 306 hp (228 kW) at 5,600 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 6.1 s

* 2005 SL55 AMG
o Manual shift buttons
o Sensotronic brakes with 8-piston front calipers
o AMG Active Body Control suspension.
o US$122,220
o AMG supercharged 5.5 L (5439 cc) 24-valve V8 engine 497 hp (367 kW) at 6,100 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.7 s

* 2005 SL600 Roadster
o Active Body Control suspension
o Sensotronic Brake Control with enlarged front and rear disks
o Heated and ventilated multicontour seats
o US$128,220
o Twin turbocharged 5.5 L (5513 cc) 36-valve V12 engine 493 hp (367 kW) at 5,000 rpm, 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) 4.7 s

* 2005 SL65 AMG
o 5-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift programming
o AMG 8-piston composite calipers brakes
o 19 inch dual spoke AMG wheels
o US$179,720
o AMG-built twin-turbocharged 6.0 L (5,980 cc) SOHC 36-valve V12 engine 612 hp at 5500 rpm while having 738 lb torque.

 

2001

As the new millennium approached, the SL was a decade old and customers were turning to more modern cars like the Jaguar XK8.

In 2001, an all-new SL (initially just a 5.0 L SL500 version) went on sale, boasting the “Vario-Roof”, an electric folding steel roof which had been seen on the smaller, cheaper SLK in 1997. A 5.0 L 302 hp (225 kW) V8 was optional, with a 5.5 L AMG V8 appearing in 2004’s SL55 AMG. V12 engines are available in the SL600 and the limited-production SL65 AMG. This model has seen a marked downturn in quality when compared to previous generations, with the SL coming 132nd out of 152 cars in the 2007 Top Gear Survey.

2004 Mercedes-benz SL-class Specifications Model Lineup Mercedes-Benz SL500 ($88,500); SL55 AMG ($119,750); SL600 ($125,950)

Transmissions (optional) 7-speed automatic with manual shift (SL550 only); 5-speed automatic with SpeedShift Safety Equipment (standard) ABS, Brake Assist, automatic slip control, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, BabySmart, automatic-adjusting head restraints, automatic pop-up roll bar, 3-point seatbelts with emergency tensioner retractors Safety Equipment (optional) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance Assembled In Bremen, Germany

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG ($119,750) Standard Equipment leather upholstery with wood trim, retractable hard top, wind deflector, automatic climate control, power steering, power windows with express down, power locks, active body control (ABC) suspension, anti-theft system, cruise control, fog lamps, 3-button garage door control, illuminated glovebox with climate control, xenon headlamps with heated washer/wiper, auto-dimming mirror, dual heated power outside mirrors with memory and left-side auto dimming, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, night security illumination, right footwell parcel net, 12-way power seats with memory and lumbar support, leather-trimmed steering wheel, 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/CD sound system with weatherband, Tele Aid with GPS Destination Charge 720 Options as Tested (MSRP) Motorola V60 phone ($1995), Parktronic ($1035) Gas Guzzler Tax 1300 Price $124800 Layout rear-wheel drive Horse Power 493 @ 6100 Torque 516 @ 2750 Fuel Economy 14/20 Wheelbase 100.8 Length/Width/Height 178.5/72.0/51.0 Track Front/Rear Turning Radius 36.1 Seating Capacity 2 Front Head/Hip/Leg room 37.7/54.0/42.9 Middle Head/Hip/Leg room Rear Head/Hip/Leg room Trunk Volume 10.2 Payload Towing Capacity Front Suspension independent damper strut with triangular lower control arms, stabilizer, gas shock absorbers, coil springs Rear Suspension independent 5-arm multi-link, stabilizer bar, gas shocks, coil springs Ground Clearance 6 Curb Weight 4235 Stock Tires 255/40R18 front, 285/35R18 rear Brakes Front/Rear disc/disc electro-hydraulic with ABS, Brake Assist Fuel Capacity 21.1

 

AMG

The extremely rare SL73 AMG was sold through AMG in 1995, and at 525 bhp it offered the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time. After a brief gap, the SL73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001, although the engine was slightly updated to be more reliable. The same 7.3 L V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda. A total of 85 SL73 AMG roadsters were built. The SL73 was briefly reintroduced in September 1999 following the SL’s end of life facelift and a limited number were produced up until December 2001. The facelifted SL73 is the car that appears in the picture (right).

The SL60 AMG was also extremely rare. Sold through MB from 1996 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litre V8 engine producing between 381 bhp and 384 bhp. AMG claimed a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) speed of 5.8 seconds. Its top speed was limited to 155 mph, but with the limiter removed, it was capable of approximately 185 mph. AMG later unofficially admitted that 0-60 mph was closer to 5.0 seconds and the engine produced between 405-410 bhp.

The SL55 AMG was sold through AMG in the R129 bodystyle from 1998 to 2001 in limited quantity. It was the predecessor of the production R230 SL55 AMG sold today.

Only about 300 cars in the SL-class were customized by AMG prior to 2003.

 

1989

The 1989 Mercedes SL base model was the 228 hp (170 kW) 3.0 L inline 6 300SL version. But it was the 322 hp (240 kW) 500SL (with a 5.0 L V8 engine) which made the most headlines. The specification was high, with electric windows, mirrors, seats and roof.

1994 saw a mild facelift for the SL, and the 300SL was replaced in Europe by the SL280 and SL320 (with 2.8 L and 3.2 L I6 engines). The SL500 continued with the same powerful engine. A 389 hp (290 kW) 6.0 L V12 SL600 topped the range in 1993.

The SL320 replaced the 300SL in the United States in 1995, but the SL280 was not offered. The 6-cylinder SLs were dropped from the US lineup in 1998, leaving just the V8 and V12. The SL500 got a new 302 hp (225 kW) 5.0 L V8 for 1999.

 

1963 to 1971

Next came the SL-Class 230SL, a new design with a low waistline and big curved greenhouse windows, and a Coupe Roadster whose distinctive roofline earned the nickname “pagoda top.” Around 1968 the engine received a displacement increase and the model became known as the 250SL. The last two years of production as the 280SL saw minor changes to switch knobs, and wheel trim rings became full hubcaps.