I am first on the list for a SLK 55 in Vancouver, Canada. I am not sure if that is a good thing though! When I bought my C36 late 1996, I was told by the sales manager (also a close family friend) that MB would not put a V-8 or a 5 speed automatic in the C class. In fact he laughed at my question! Sure enough six month later MB comes out with the C 43 with the 5 speed automatic; it made me go bananas!

Do you know anything about the possibility that MB might put their supercharged 5.5 - litre OR their upcoming naturally aspirated 410 bhp 5.5 - litre V8 OR their 500 bhp 6.3 - litre V8 OR ... in the new SLK?

Do you also know anything about the possibility that MB might offer the ceramic brakes (SLR type) in the new SLK?

Also, any ideas about how to add some bass to the sound system without giving up a lot of space? I was thinking to put a custom made sub encloser behind the passenger side seat; resting vertically on the floor. Any idea, how much room there's between the back of the passenger seat and the rear side (on the floor)? In centimeters or inches. Any idea, how the spare tire comportment looks like, if any?

What the hell is that antenna in the new SLK? Please tell me it ain't so! I lived in Germany for five years and I remember that usually the antenna(s) were in the windshield(s) between the glass. Why can they not do the same here in North America?

BIS SPAETER!

How would you get reception when the top is down? :p
Thats why even the SL has the little stubby antena on the side. You can probably order that and have it installed to replace the ugly looking one that exists now.

By the way i have no idea if MB will put the supercharged V8 in there - the 6.5 V12 will probably not fit.
Cheers and good luck!

I bet when they have a face lift for the 171 slk, they might put in a new engine. But are you going to wait 3 yrs? And they might just put in a more tuned engine, but the hp might be similar. E.G. the C32 and the C55. I am a C32 owner, and now they came out with the C55, it sucks, but I drove the car for 3 yrs, and I am going to get a slk 55 to replace it, so I don't feel bad about it. Also, C32 is a damn fun car, NO REGRETS.

There is no space behind the back of the seats. I have been to the dealership 3 times in the past 5 days, so I have detailed out every single detail about the car

for 350 it comes with brembo breaks, and that's all I know....

Than'ks for your help. I didn't know I could order the smaller SL antenna.

I do not know of a single car in North America that has the antenna in the windshields. Anyway it is not a big thing.

I had a Lexus SC 400 and it had the best solution for the antenna. The antenna came out only when the radio was used!

You are right if it is going to be three years. But according to many magazine articles there's going to be a new 5.5 V8 with 410 bhp within a year. And it wouldn't make sense for MB to have to 5.5 V8. And you and I know exactly how much that would suck!

So, any idea about where I might put the sub encloser? Remember, it can be in any shape (fibreglass).

you might want to put it in your trunk. The trunk is pretty big, it'll fit a small golf bag with top down.

hi teufel!

the SLK55 will get a 6-piston break and discs with some kind of compound-material, it will weight less than the normal ones. and i think they will preform great!

do you have any german root?

Bis später =)

I recommend you talk directly to AMG in Aafalterbach. I am sure they will be planning their own aftermarket upgrades to the new SLK sound system like they have done for the R230 SL.

I am sure it will have great brakes. I just don't like brake dust. Specially on the SLK 55 wheels! They are extremly difficult to clean. And those spray on/hose off products just don't work! But ceramic brakes are a different story.

Nein, keine Deutche root. I just lived there for five years and had a blast. I love Germany and anything German.

Do you have a website address for mor infotmation on AMG aftermarket upgrades? In german or english