2012 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG

Small convertible cars have lately been referred to as a hair dressers car, but when you think of such the Audi TT is one that comes to mind. Along with the BMW Z4, Mazda MX5, Porsche's new outstanding Boxter. Those are nice cars, the Boxter more than the others but none of them have a V8.

Well so it was, until now. One of the smallest production car to feature a V8 engine, had to come from Mercedes Benz AMG department and we agree. The New SLK is a nice, small, comfy, coast to coast cruiser, softy and with a huge price tag. However to make it different from anything else its size, some supplements had to be used.

Starting with the new-huge-and-beautiful 5.5L V8 engine fitted to other AMG models but without the twinturbo affair bolted onto it, which makes this little monster produce 415hp/310kw, 540Nm. Propelling it from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and on to a top speed limited to 250km/h, with the aid of AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC gearbox. Making it the fastest and most powerful SLK ever built.

The SLK AMG offers new start/stop technology and even shuts off four of the eight cylinders to help save fuel when stuck in traffic. New sports exhaust system with butterfly flaps help keep the little monster quiet and under control for when you just want to go for a cruise or unleash the God of Thunder. An optional AMG handling pack can be ticked in the options list to enhance your driving experience by offering stiffer springs, a limited slip rear differential and bigger brakes.

In one hand it’s a small, compact, fun to drive, but a rather expensive SLK. On the other, it’s not a lot for AMG. And we love it.

JohnV