Mercedes Powers Up With Special Edition SLK 55 AMG
At all four corners, the SLK has new 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels which are said to weigh a third less than the wheels fitted to the standard car. The 235/40 series front tires and 265/35 series rear tires that wrap these multi-spoke alloys were specially developed for the Asia Experience by Pirelli. These work hand-in-hand with the steering, which has been recalibrated for improved feel and responsiveness.
It must be said, though, that those expecting to find a traditional manual or some new sort of sequential-manual gearbox will be disappointed by the fact that even this, the most honed SLK, uses a five-speed automatic. On the plus side it features two manual paddleshift modes; M1, which is equivalent to the standard manual mode on the production SLK 55 AMG, and M2, which produces faster, more hard-edged shifts.
To commemorate the Ultimate Experience Asia model, Mercedes-Benz is planning on producing a limited run of road-going cars called the SLK Tracksport. Interestingly, the production version is more powerful than the sanctioned road car. It produces 400 horsepower thanks to reworked inlet and exhaust timing, and hits 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph); compared to the Ultimate Experience’s 0-100 km/h dash of 4.7 seconds and 280 km/h (174 mph) top speed. Of course, all of the other changes highlighted for the Asia Experience model are included on the Tracksport, sans the safety harness and rollcage, which are optional.
Although Mercedes has not stated how many Tracksports will be made, only 35 Ultimate Experience Asia models will see the light of day, with total combined production commencing at a rate of 10 to 20 units per week. Estimated price for the road-going SLK Tracksport is 100,000 euro (equal to $141,100 CAD or $120,850 USD).