2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is Sport’s-Car Magic

First introduced in the mid-90s, the SLK redefined the world for sporty, light and short cars, which is just what its name is in German: “Sportlich, Leicht, und Kurz”. Our present SLK models still have that vibrancy that was given to us since those days but has gone through a natural progression of facelifts and transformations. With the SLK55 AMG, the smallest in the AMG family, the roadster is a combination of that light and airy spirit with the brutal power associated with the AMG name that continues to stretch the boundaries of performance.

Expressing Mercedes-Benz design attributes the SLK, feels like the smaller and lighter although no less nicer of a roadster when compared to the upmarket SL and luxury beyond-market SLS. The new racing-style grille has more of a smile and denotes more a aggressive look, the car also appears longer thanks to its sharp tailoring. The roadster is more muscular and has broader shoulders than its predecessors and features smart-looking 18-inch wheels. In the end the design of the car continues with the trend that although it may not be the most serious sportscar available in the market it certainly is a formidable contestant thanks to its AMG-honed body work that adds a more aggressive stance. Another hallmark of the SLK55 AMG is its power retractable roof, which,folds into your trunk in 20 seconds and still leaves some luggage space as well as giving you a euphoric driving experience in the open air.

One the inside, we find two seats that keep you snug while you take quick corners or accelerate on the road. The inside of the SLK55 AMG is brings together edginess, comfort and functionality. The hand-fitted leather is supple and is set off by a modern aluminum trim on the console and also the on the roll bars adding a good contrast to the eye and touch. The power seats with precisely stitched leather are deeply contoured to better enjoy the adrenaline one gets when the car speeds. More details include the crisp metallic trim on the gauges a material inspired by those found in the company’s SLS AMG supercar as well as the racy flat-bottom steering wheel and the round air vents.

Although, the SLK55 is small and may give of a tame look its far from that once it hits the road. Keeping in mind that speed and comfort are the car brand’s dominant values, the SLK55 does not disappoint. With a 5.5-liter V-8, hence the “55″ portion in the SLK55′s name the can sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to its powerplant that puts out 415 horsepower and 398 lb-fit of torque. In order to balance that acceleration and speed, a top speed of 174 mph, up from an electronically limited 155 mph, the car has the AMG high performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs on all wheels that offers short stopping distances and good fade resistance. Another reason why its so fun to drive is the AMG suspension with stiffer spring and damper tuning that lets the car hit high cornering speeds and low body rolls in fast S-shaped bends. The SLK55 AMG offers a strong does of enthusiasm and refinement, the light and responsive steering with the paddle-shifts of its 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission occur quickly in any of the three driving modes that even include a fuel-saving ECO Start/Stop system for those days you want to be more green.

At the end, the SLK55 AMG is a sporty and solid car. Those interested tiny, fast and Eco-friendly roadsters might want to give the car a chance, especially with its newer redesigned more muscular look, as well as with all the features associated with AMG like its exceptionally powerful engine and wider fenders, for example. Direct competitors of the SLK55 AMG include BMW’s M3 convertible and Porsche’s Boxter S. Although the others do offer somewhat more precision on the road, the SLK55 AMG offers the most harmony in terms of combining power, comfort and luxury. In terms of price, the SLK55 carries a base price of $67,990 but will quickly set you back at least $75,000 with other features which is a bit pricy, but you do get a whole lot of power in a solid and fun drive.