AMGFUN

Mercedes SLK55 AMG: Edmunds on a Mercedes roll
Posted Sep 30, 2004, 7:45 AM ET by David Thomas of Autoblog Magazine
Related entries: Convertibles, Sports/GTs


Jim McGraw must be on vacation in Germany. Or Edmunds invested wisely so the auto journalist could not only bring us the world premiere of the CLS55 AMG but also the first drive of the SLK55 AMG. The good looking roadster continues the company’s new trend of sticking out from the crowd with its design. The large Mercedes symbol in the middle of two aviation-styled grill intakes is the stand-out feature on the outside, while a 5.5 liter V8 is the major performance element inside. 355 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque is a superb mix and will turn all Porsche Boxster S owners green with envy. Unfortunately the engine is matched to a seven-speed automatic with manual control on the steering wheel and shifter. Even without a manual transmission this beast is a beauty too.

SLK55AMG

Credit to you for posting the full quote..... the main reason I'm not buying the SLK55 is the auto box...... I hated it.

When I see an SLK55 on the road I will think "Nice car" to myself and I won't try to race one away from some stop lights in the Boxster S because I'd lose (as I've said in other threads) but if I see one one on a twisty road I'll either run off into the distance laughing quietly or will be right in the SLKs rear view mirror as the driver trys to show how fast his car is

I'll say it again...... the SLK55 is a GREAT all rounder...... but the new Boxster S is a GREAT sportscar...... I'd be very happy for the SLK55 community if a future track test shows that the car is quicker than the new Boxster S but I suspect that will be a while before we see that

However I have just come across a new Best Motoring video which features the SLK55, old Boxster S, S2000, Z4 and 350Z and in the small clip the SLK55 was at the front after starting at the back........ if you can find a copy you may enjoy it! heres the clip http://www.bestmotoring.jp/digest/BM/video/BM200503.asx

kimchiFLAVA

hehe

SLK55_AMG

hey dude did you buy the 987S? thanx god not a z4 hehe , boxster S is really cool

SLK55AMG

If that was aimed a me...... yes I've order the 987 S but I don't need it until June. Since making up my mind to go for the Boxster S rather than the SLK55 my choice would have been made for me anyway...... originally the SLK55 and Boxster S were only $200 a month appart (my company car is on a 3 year lease)...... but the lease company have just put the price of the 55 much higher so it would have cost me nearly $500 a month more to have the 55 over the S...... so in some ways I'm glad AMG don't do a manual gearbox as I'd be gutted if I liked the car and then found it was going to cost too much to lease!

I've specced the Boxster with sporting options only..... PASM adaptive suspension, Sport Chrono (more direct throttle response and a single button to put everything in sport mode..... the suspension firms up, the engine responds quicker, the traction control is backed off and a big smile appears on my face ) and sports gear shift.

SLK55_AMG

R170 wasn't that great, R171 is different, as for boxster S its better than a z4 , but SLK 55 ,,, it will be a hard choice + 997 S is a bit less powerful than the SLK 55

SLK55AMG

On paper the SLK is 5bhp more powerful than the 997S but the Carrera has a better power to weight ratio and it handles better...... however even with the AMG autobox I'd rather have the SLK....... the 911 is too common where I live and isn't worth £15k more than the Merc

lisamcgu

To speak so factually, you've driven an SLK55 with a Brabus full racing suspension kit?