MrT

Alright, I'm posting this on Benzworld too to see what everyone thinks.

MB just released the Black Series SLK and will do so for the next few years with about 100 or so each.
Black SLK:
-5.5 engine
-400 hp
-fixed roof
-around $100,000 US

If there is to be an slk 63 within the next year or two, it might read like this:
SLK63:
-6.3 enigine
-between 400-475 hp (detuned like CLK63)
-folding roof
-around $70,000 US (about $10,000 more than the previous model-going with the CLK logic)


Why would anyone pay for the $100,000 black slk w/400 hp vs about $70,000 for the slk63 with more hp?? More importantly, why would MB make them? It would be like GM selling the ZO6 for $60,000 but ask their customers for $80,000 for the regular C6.
Unless of course they raise the Slk63 price pass the $100,000 mark which would put it close to the SLs league. I know the black Slk are limited production cars that's why they demand a higher price, but knowing the engine and specs, would'nt we all go for the 63?

Looking at the engine, roof, hp, and price, it seem like AMg had create a blockage for the slk63 with the black slk.

vraa

The black series might have better track times because it's ighter.

LETO

75 or so extra HP should easily equal that. The black series is not that much lighter.

Derelique

I agree Leto.

THE SLK63 WILL NOT COME OUT.

lennyr

I think the opposite. They _must_ release the SLK63. With a hardtop convertible 400HP M3 out next year, SLK55 sales will be hurting. And that's not to mention the 2008 turbocharged hard top convertible G35/Skyline and several other cars that are directly gunning for the SLK55. MB will need to release the SLK63, in more or less the same price bracket, to stay competitive. I don't think that the Black Series argument holds, as that is a limited production car desinged for a small, price insensitive set of hard core enthusiasts. Those people will just buy the Black Series version of the SLK63 when it comes out.

mmkSLK55

I am not sure if those 4 seaters are targetting our SLK55 or MB has a concern about them as competitors for the SLK55. I used to have a M3 (E43) and loved it but I will not buy the new M3 (400hp) because I do not need 4 seats anymore. If BMW changes the current design of the Z4 M a bit (to be specific, its front design)and put the new V8 400hp enginer in it, then I would be tempted to get it.

That siad, I think MB will release a SLK63 because AMG would like to have more models with its "home made" monster. Come on! (maybe with a DSG??)

mmkSLK55

I am not sure if those 4 seaters are targetting our SLK55 or MB has a concern about them as competitors for the SLK55. I think they are different animals, targeting a diffferent group of buyers.

That siad, I think MB will release a SLK63 because AMG would like to have more models with its "home made" monster. Come on! (maybe with a DSG??)

Germancar1

There will be a SLK63 and a C63, the SLK55 Black Series has nothing to do with the regular production models. The SLK55 Black Series is a 135K SLK track special that won't sell in any real numbers. Once the SLK55 Black Series is finished the SLK will get a facelift and the SLK63 will appear and they'll likely do a Black Series version of the SLK63 also. SLK55 Black Series has nothing to do with what AMG will do with the regular production SLK models.

M

Shinigami

I'm pretty sure AMG needs to first sell all Black Series cars before they will be happy selling a 63 model.

I think this will take about 18 months or so due to the cost. But after they are sold (being limited edition), who knows. The new SLK will most likely be built for a duration of 6-7 years like the previous one, and it's been just over 2 years so far.

In addition, AMG is phasing out the 5.5 engine. They said it themselves that they wish to have a ~500 and a ~600hp engine to offer to the masses, and that they will not bother building AMG versions out of the A and B classes. The old 32 engine (supercharged one) has now disappeared, meaning that they will also drop cars like the C coupé from their list, and with Mercedes having made a 388hp 5.5 liter engine, I just don't think the current 55 will last much longer.

Let's not forget that when the SL 55 came out, it was king of the hill, until Mercedes added their own 500hp SL (the 600). This was an MB decision to win over some sales from AMG, until that is, AMG released the 65.

Something tells me MB just might release an SLK 500/550 using their 5.5 DOHC engine, forcing AMG to retaliate with a more powerful 63 because they are all about image and power. If the MB 500/550 is same power or more powerful then the 55, AMG would be losing business (and everyone knows they build cars in low numbers).

Also, since the CLK came out with the 63 engine, it has become blatantly obvious that AMG IS interested in bringing out powerful versions of the other "lower spec" MB models. After all, what else is there in the same range as the CLK? It's the C class, and I'm pretty sure the C class will soon drop the 55 engine in order to go with a detuned 63. They'll leave the 515hp 63 on the E and S class, a 480hp version on the C and CLK, and this would mean only the SLK is left with a 55 engine, whilst the C coupé, A and B class are all left as "non-AMG" models.

I think this just doesn't make financial sense to continue to keep a 55 engine in stock with only 2000 built a year. All those parts and labor... no no no, keep things super simple. The kompressor 55 engine will be completely replaced by the 63 in the next 12 months, and even the C coupé isn't made with the now-dropped 32 kompressor engine...

Well, that's just my two cents. I think it's easier to mass produce the 63 and 65 engines as this leaves less parts and less complexity in the production lines for AMG.

LETO

mercedes will sell the black series and when that is discontinued, they will likely put out a SLK63. I dont think the company cares about the feelings of their black series customers.....once the car is sold why should they. The CLK55 used to cost 85K, now the CLK550 out performs that for a lower cost......talk about a nice kick in the groin.

Shark

I can't imagine that they would keep building the 5.5 engine for long unless the 6.2 simply won't fit in the SLK. Perhaps they might build a smaller displacement version of the new engine?

C43AMG

Bingo , the 6.3 doesn't fit in the CURRENT SLK -the motor has 2 fuel pumps and physically doesn't fit.Look for a new SLK in about 24 months.This came directly from Rob Allan-AMG Product Manager at the AMGFest on Aug. 26th at MB HQ.

PC Valkyrie

LOL.....anything can happen. Look at the W203 C-class AMG cars. When they decided to fit the 5.4L V8 into the C55, they bolted the longer front end of the CLK onto the car to MAKE the V8 fit.

SteveL

Therre will be no SLK63 on the R171 chassis.

dinko

Mercedes owns AMG. Your example sounds like BMW vs. Mercedes. Doesn't make sense.

bloflin

What Shini was talking about is that AMG is a seperate business unit with P&L (though within overall DBC).

It's not just MB designers releasing options for the standard product line.

Though surely the execs would limit too much "internal" competition (vs how they compete against outside competition like BMW), AMG still has to "do their own thang!"

Shinigami

You don't "just" build smaller displacement versions of an engine. You can bore out smaller engines to increase stroke and all that, but a "smaller displacement" engine is just that, a new design. Would require re-engineering, and AMG are known for their bigger engines.

Shinigami

I think bloflin said it best. There's some healthy internal competition going on in there as well

Shinigami

Maybe as a face lift, but it does not make business sense to release a brand new designed car. The current SLK came out "just over 2 years ago". Tell me one single MB vehicle chassis design that lasted only 4 years.

If there was a new SLK in 24 months time, the rumours would already be circulating.

MB releases new cars on a 6-10 year cycle. For a small volume car like the SLK, this has to be higher to recoup costs.

Companies are known to turn around in a very short time and just suddenly release something that was not even an option 6 months earlier. I don't count anything off with just a hunch or some bloke telling others that it ain't happening. MB has done some crazy twists as of late.

BUT, that's all in the future anyway. It might, or it might not come out. I hope it does, gives MB's opponents a run for their money. But I also believe MB probably knows that they don't need to do it at this time since there's no competition in this segment, and I doubt a 63 would actually increase sales of the SLK. It has to make proper financial sense, not just bragging rights

Germancar1

If the new 6.2L V8 won't fit in the current SLK then maybe that is what was meant in the recent interview on Edmunds with the AMG boss when he stated that the SLK and C would get a smaller capacity version of the new V8. There is no way that a brand new SLK is coming out in 2 years, that would mean only 5 model years for the current car and we all know that ain't happening. The SLK hasn't even been facelifted yet so to replace it will an all new car makes no sense, come on guys I thought this was a MB fan/owner board, i.e. we all know (or should) know better than that.

I stand by my original prediction that there will be a SLK63 when the SLK gets its facelift. Now if they don't use the new V8 maybe they will used the 400hp version of the 5.5L in the SLK Black Series, but either way there isn't going to be a totally new SLK in just 2 years. That is nonsense.

M

Shinigami

I think the SLK needs at least a 400hp version. They really should offer the 400hp engine in the 55 for a nominal fee, on top of the black series which is being made and sold...

This way, the SLK 55 would be seen just a little bit more seriously by people.

dsb

I think it will be the SLK63 detuned to 400hp. Why continue to make the 5.4 liter engine? Not real cost efficient. Another benefit is the competitive standpoint. MB will not like the idea that the M3, which may be a hard-top too, will outpower the SLK. 400-410hp should take care of that.

I don't think they make it with any more power than that. 1)they will not want this thing outperforming the SL in every way, 2)the car does not have sufficient traction, 3)anything greater than 410hp is way too much for the average MB owner.

Shinigami

But 40-50hp is less then 20% more

Even my GF finds it easy to drive my SLK 55 AMG, and she's only had her drivers license for a few years, and mostly drives an 80hp Smart.

The SLK is an easy car to drive, especially thanks to it being an automatic, and the accelerator pedal having some leeway. No, an extra 40hp won't be a problem in 90% of all driving situations, because you'll never be doing kickdown, 0-60mph drag races.

The only times when I really hit the pedal to the metal, is when I join a highway after a days work in the office. And since I'm already driving about 30mph when coming down from a curve, I never experience the tires spinning. I doubt there would be enough difference even if I had 40hp.

It's more for bragging rights anyway... But having 400hp won't magically make the SLK a much harder car to drive. It really depends on the car.

For example, a 500hp Viper can pretty easily lose its rear end on the highway if you let go of the accelerator. But the same applies to the 240hp S2000 which also needs some respect from the person driving it.

However, even a 500hp SL 55 AMG is a piece of cake to drive. There's not only a lot of driver aids, but the overall experience from the car is that it's "sure footed". It holds itself down quite well on the streets.

Just my 2 cents

termigni

simply put: 63 engine does not fit in SLK body unless there is major modification.

Shinigami

Wrong. According to AMG, the engine fits just fine. It's almost the same size as the 55 engine.

It's even 20lb lighter.

I think you don't drive an SLK 55 AMG (atleast according to your profile), but there's still a little space all around the 55 engine when you look into the engine space.