hantzis

I'm confused as to why Mercedes is reporting 0-60 in 4.9seconds for the new SLK55. I thought with the7 speed/50lb more torque over the SLK32, regardless of the added weight, it would be much faster?

Any thoughts?

moekuan

I think it has to do with marketing. MB has been known to report slower times for some of their cars, sometimes up to .3 seconds off the "best" numbers. MB wants to ensure that a less expensive model (such as SLK55 AMG) does not appear to obviously outperform a much more expensive model (such as SL500). In the latest Road and Track, they did a comparison test between an S4 and a C55, which has the same engine as the SLK55. The C55 is heavier by a few hundred pounds but yet managed a 4.9 sec 0-60 time. My guess is that the SLK55 will clock in at around 4.6 or 4.7, which would match the numbers on the latest 911.

steve-p

The quote everywhere I have seen is for 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) and therefore 0-60 will be slightly less than that, say 4.7 seconds. However, whatever they claim is a bit irrelevant. What is needed is for some reputable magazines to actually measure it on several different cars.

SLK55AMG

Last weeks Autocar magazine tested the SLK55 and reported the 0-62mph time to be 4.9 or quicker (I can't remember the exact time)..... more importantly they clocked the 0-124mph time at 17.6sec which is as quick as the new 997 Carrera S (a £65k car)

steve-p

I think you will find that 0-124 figure in Autocar is also a manufacturer's claim. AFAIK no magazines have yet been allowed to do anything other than drive a German spec car on a public road for a couple of hours. That's why all the 'exclusive' and 'world first' reports appearing in print and on the internet are mostly facts about the car's spec, with just a few paragraphs about driving impressions.

Teufel

I saw a 4.7 seconds 0-60mph in the new Motortrend magazine for the C55! The C55 is heavier and has the old 5 speed! MB claims the new 7 speed will shave off 2 seconds of the 0-60 or 0-100 (I can't remember which one). I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a best number of 4.4 or even 4.3! But I totally agree it doesn't mean anything by itself. We need to see how overall it measures against the rest (Porsche 911S?, Corvette C6?, BMW M5???, Audi S4?, Audi RS6???, BMW MZ4???).

ajoe

Motortrend had it at 4.9 0-60mph.

deedee545i

The latest Car and Driver tested the new 997 Carrera S... It covers 0-60mph in 4.1sec and finishes 1/4 mile in 12.6sec... Also it reached 120mph in 14.4sec....So I guess 0-124mph should be within 15sec which should be as fast as the new M5 and E55.... Porsche always shocks the world with its new models!! Remeber 997 Carrera S with 20mm lower suspension and LSD did 7:59 on NÜRBURGRING.Back to SLK55, I think it should be significantly faster than SLK32 especially during high-speed...

SLK55AMG

I don't think it will be that much faster than the SLK32 as the 55 actually has a slightly lower power to weight ratio.

percpsy

What I find interesting though is that Mercedes is quoting the 171 as 1/10 of a second slower than the older SLK 32. Manufacturers speed for the 32 is 4.8 on the printed material, and 4.9 for the SLK 55. It is a larger car. And isn't it normally aspirated as well?

SLK55AMG

The 32 has a better power to weight ratio.....

Teufel

I am sorry. I meant the November Edition of Car and Driver. They have it 4.7 0-60 mph. They also have a road test for the SLK 350. The how to turn off the ESP, ABS, BAS sounds CRAZY! I will do my best to try that complicated instruction!