HIGHLIGHTS

SLK 55 AMG Black Series: The perfect mix of performance, handling and lightweight design

AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm of torque

Weight reduction through lightweight components and non-retractable carbon-fibre roof

19-inch forged AMG wheels and adjustable AMG sports suspension

As the only eight-cylinder roadster in its segment, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG delivers an exceptional driving experience. Now the two-seater is becoming even sportier: Mercedes AMG has developed an exclusive, emphatically purist special series as a coupe variant, a car that sets new standards in handling dynamics — the SLK 55 AMG Black Series. With the AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine, which has been boosted to 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm, the numerous lightweight components, the non-retractable carbon-fibre roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable sports suspension and AMG high-performance composite brakes, the special SLK 55 AMG brings its sports car talents to bear even more convincingly — and cuts an impressive figure especially on racing circuits.

Broad, brawny and low-slung — it's clear at first glance that the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is something very special. It offers a captivating view from the front with a redesigned AMG front apron and its broad openings, which supply the added transmission-oil cooler and the high-performance steering-oil cooler with plenty of fresh air. In addition, new side outlets made of carbon ensure effective ventilation for the engine-oil coolers. The front wings, now wider, are made of reinforced plastic with ultra-light carbon-fibre composite material and feature black outlined air outlets. The non-retractable hardtop of the two-seater is also made of carbon-fibre composites, and the black central section with a visible carbon-fibre structure provides appealing visual effects. The elimination of the vario roof and the entire roof hydraulics not only makes possible a significantly lower centre of gravity but also leads to a notable reduction in weight: With a kerb weight of 1495 kilograms according to EC standards, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series is 45 kilograms lighter than the basic vehicle. That improves the weight/power ratio from 4.3 to 3.7 kg/hp.

AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm of torque

Engineers not only optimised the weight but also gave the Black Series an optimised AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine with a maximum output of 294 kW/400 hp and 520 Nm of torque. A modified air intake, reduced-resistance AMG sports air filters, new high-performance headers and a new valve-timing scheme ensure a more efficient charge cycle and make the eight-cylinder unit even more responsive to accelerator pedal movements — which is also evident from the inimitable and even more impressive AMG V8 sound.

The combination of low vehicle weight and a powerful AMG eight-cylinder engine ensures first-class performance. This SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds (standard model: 4.9 s), and it takes just 15.5 seconds for the Black Series to reach 200 km/h (standard vehicle: 17.5 s). Power transmission is accomplished using the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with manual drive program ("M") and AMG aluminium gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

AMG adjustable sports suspension, forged wheels and composite brakes

The suspension and the brake system are the ideal partners for the dynamic power package. The AMG adjustable sports suspension, optimised for the racetrack, allows impressive cornering speeds. In this chassis technology taken from motorsport, the compression and rebound stages of the front and rear-axle shock absorbers can be tuned harder or softer — making it possible to adjust the damping comfort and driving behaviour to one's individual purpose. The ride height can also be lowered or raised by five millimetres. The modified elastokinematics at the front axle and the specially tuned mounting of the major assemblies ensure more precise steering and stability when braking — which is particularly advantageous in the intense driving on racetracks. A brace in the engine compartment guarantees additional rigidity to cope with higher lateral forces.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series has large, ultra-light, forged AMG aluminium wheels in the sizes 8.5 x 19 and 9.5 x 19. Compared to the 18-inch light-alloy wheels of the standard vehicle in widths of 7.5 and 8.5 inches, the full wheel assemblies, including tyres, weigh four kilograms less. The advantage is even clearer when compared with equally wide, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. In this case, the weight savings come to 31 kilograms. The weight reduction results in a greater responsiveness on the part of the speed-sensitive power steering — which is also equipped with a more powerful servo pump. The elegantly proportioned multi-spoke forged wheels fill the striking wheel housings perfectly and are fitted with tyres of sizes 235/35 ZR 19 (front) and 265/30 ZR 19 (rear). As an option, and at no extra cost, the customer can also choose special Pirelli sports tyres with a very high grip factor and outstanding wet-driving properties. Superb braking is ensured by the AMG high-performance brakes with large composite brake discs (360 x 32 millimetres) and six-piston fixed callipers at the front axle.

Interior with the functional atmosphere of a real racing car

The racing features are consistently carried over into the interior. Two specially developed AMG sports bucket seats without sidebags in black pearl velour and with a silver AMG logo provide the best possible lateral support; the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather and Alcantara permits optimal vehicle control. An abundance of carbon fibre on the interior door linings and the trim elements, as well as the black roof lining, give the interior the functional atmosphere of a real racing car — and thereby affirm the almost 40-year motorsport history of Mercedes-AMG. The Black Series lettering on the carbon-fibre trim over the glove compartment and on the boot lid signals the special status of this powerful and puristic two-seater.

Despite handling dynamics suitable for the racetrack, the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, manufactured by hand in the Performance Studio, offers all the features that set a real Mercedes-Benz apart: fitness for everyday use, durability, safety and quality.

CLK63 AMG Black Series - Back to top

From motor sport to pure culture: The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series based on the Official F1™ Safety Car – the high-performance AMG vehicle that has been providing Formula One safety since 2006. The coupe, optimized for the racing circuit, is powered by an AMG 6.3-liter V8 with its performance boosted to 373 kW/507 hp and 630 Newton meters of torque. Top-rank handling is assured by the sophisticated AMG threaded suspension with 19-inch AMG forged wheels, new steering and the generously dimensioned AMG high-performance brake system with its composite disks. Visually, too, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series clearly shows its descent from the Official F1™ Safety Car: its striking front apron with large cooling intakes, flared wheel arches, diffusor-type rear apron and carbon-fiber airflow breakaway edge, all demonstrate the car’s sporting and pur sang pedigree.

The new CLK 63 AMG Black Series is technically and visually oriented towards the Official F1™ Safety Car and thus addresses all sports-car enthusiasts who value high competitiveness. An output upgraded by 19 kW/26 hp accelerates the CLK 63 AMG Black Series from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – thus 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model with 354 kW/481 hp. The top speed (electronically limited) is 300 km/h.

Mercedes-AMG engineers achieved the increase in power to 373 kW/507 hp by completely redesigning the intake and exhaust systems. The high-revving, naturally-aspirated AMG engine, with its 6208 cc displacement, gets its fresh air via larger-dimensioned intake ducts. The new AMG sports exhaust system with full-length twin pipes stands out with its unmistakable, pleasant AMG V8 sound. Together with a newly calibrated engine control unit, these measures ensure not only efficient load change behavior, but also let this eight-cylinder unit respond to the accelerator with even greater alacrity.

An overview of the most important data:

*electronically limited

Seven Speeds with More Pronounced Sporting Feel

Power is transmitted through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC. Compared to the standard CLK 63 AMG, the rear-axle ratio of the pur sang special series has been made about six percent shorter – to confer even more agility in acceleration in all speed ranges. For maximum sporting dynamics, the transmission has only the “M” and “S” driving programs; the comfort-oriented “C” is deleted. The driver can switch between the seven gears by using the AMG aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel, while an indicator in the instrument cluster shows the gear selected at any given time.

In the “M” manual program, shift times are about 20 percent shorter than in “S”. Moreover, in the “M” program the driver benefits from the great tractive power of the V8, since there is no automatic downshifting under full load and kickdown; the transmission always remains in the gear selected. When the engine-speed limit is reached, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT does not shift up automatically in the manual drive program – and in this way supports a dynamic driving style on the race track. A visual upshift icon on the AMG main menu signals the recommended gear change.

Optimized Cooling for Top Stamina

The visual appearance of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series shows its racing inspiration. The redesigned front end is descended 1:1 from the Official F1™ Safety Car, and its generously dimensioned cooling-air intakes hint at the sophisticated cooling measures. For greater stamina under extreme operating conditions, a larger main radiator and an optimized power steering cooler, as well as an additional transmission cooler are built into the left front wheel arch. The engine oil cooler is located in the right wheel arch. The cooling measures are complemented by optimized air ducts with lateral openings in real carbon in front of the front wheels. The front fenders are made of high-strength and yet lightweight carbon-fiber composite material. On their flank, a “6.3 AMG” badge hints at the exceptional power of the naturally-aspirated V8. Redesigned side skirts extend to the broad rear fenders, which are in turn connected by a newly developed rear apron. The components taken over from the Official F1™ Safety Car include not only the carbon diffusor fins and the integrated chromed dual tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, but also a cooler for the heavily stressed rear axle. The separate oil cooler has an active extraction-type fan, which is particularly effective in suppressing temperature peaks. On the trunk lid, a new airflow breakaway edge, also made of carbon, is responsible for reducing lift forces on the rear axle.

Adjustable AMG Sports Suspension for Best Track Performance

Like its counterpart in the Formula One World Championship, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series also has a newly developed and quite special AMG sports suspension. The adjustable threaded suspension guarantees optimum road contact and maximum precision. For competitive driving, the driver can create his personal suspension setup: not only the level, but also the compression and rebound stages of the shock absorbers, front-axle track and camber, and rear-axle track are adjustable.

Both axles have newly developed components like spring links, wheel carriers, thrust arms, camber and torque struts, as well as completely reworked elastokinematics. Compared to the standard CLK 63 AMG, the Black Series has over 75 millimeters more track at the front axle and 66 millimeters more at the rear. Added stiffness under high lateral dynamics is provided by strut braces in the engine compartment and trunk. On the rear axle, a multi-plate locking differential ensures optimum traction, with 30 percent locking effect in the overrun and 10 percent under traction. Acceleration skid control (ASR) and the Electronic Stability Program ESP® are calibrated to meet more intense driving demands.

Lightweight Forged Wheels, Sports Tires for a Perfect Grip

The wheel and tire combination used forms a perfect partner for the AMG threaded sports suspension. Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tires in size 265/30 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) permit exceptional grip and amazing cornering speeds – with outstanding characteristics in the wet. The tires are mounted on handsome multi-spoke forged wheels. AMG aluminum wheels in size 9.00 x 19 and 9.50 x 19 are produced using advanced lightweight forging technology. The weight reduction results in improved response behavior from the parameter power steering, which is also modified for greater precision and agility.

AMG High-Performance Brake System with Larger Front Composite Disks

Looking through the tracery of the AMG forged wheels, you can catch a glimpse of the ventilated and perforated disk brakes. The front axle has larger 360 x 36 mm brake disks which were tested in racing. Their rear-axle counterparts measure 330 x 26 mm. Perfect deceleration, optimal apportionment of brake power and enormous fade resistance are hallmarks of the AMG high-performance brake system – even when being tested to the maximum on the track.

Interior with the Functional Feel of a Genuine Racing Car

The transfer of technology from motor sport, a Mercedes-AMG tradition fostered over decades, is equally evident in the interior of the CLK 63 AMG Black Series. This dedicated two-seater sports touring car not only dispenses with rear seats, but with its bucket-type seats, rich carbon trim and black headliner, displays the functional atmosphere of a true racing car – and thus documents 40 years of Mercedes-AMG motor sport history. The new AMG bucket-type seats come without side airbags and are covered in barely inflammable nylon velour with embroidered silver AMG logos. Carbon trim on the center console and on the inner door cladding, also with stamped AMG logos, aluminum door handles and anodized black trim strips, brings a feeling of quality to the interior. On the center console, the specially shaped selector lever and the new, matt-finish start/stop switch add further highlights.

Its diameter reduced by 15 millimeters, the new AMG performance sports steering wheel comes fitted with silver aluminum shift paddles. The steering wheel rim, 365 millimeters in diameter, is flattened on its underside to ensure that the driver of the CLK63 AMG Black Series always has a perfect seating position and vehicle control.

AMG Instrument Cluster with RACETIMER

The carbon-embedded AMG instrument cluster with its 320 km/h scale furnishes an exclusive ambience and high functionality at the same time. The AMG main menu in the cluster is perfectly tailored to serious racing: it shows the current gear engaged, as well as an upshift recommendation in “M” mode, or alternatively engine oil temperature or battery voltage, as well as the RACETIMER. This last function enables the driver to determine his lap times on a closed course. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, average and maximum speeds, and the length of the laps.

Despite its race worthy handling, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series retains those typical qualities that distinguish a true Mercedes-Benz: everyday practicality, longevity, safety and quality. Following in the path of the SLK 55 AMG Black Series, the new CLK 63 AMG Black Series was developed in the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO opened in 2006. The first units of the unlimited AMG special series will be delivered to customers starting in June 2007