One of the most exciting and successful sports cars is the Mercedes-Benz new SLK-Class. More attractive, more powerful and sportier than its predecessor, this appealing two-seater will be celebrating its European market launch in March of 2004.
The new model will offer a choice of three new engines with a performance range ranging from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. This will include for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The SLK 350 is powered by a new 200 kW/272 hp V6 engine delivering a dynamic driving experience.
The current CLK is four years old, so it is no surprise that the highlight here is the new, AMG-developed 6.2-liter V-8 beast that is spreading throughout Mercedes’ lineup of cranked-up AMG cars. It puts out 475 horsepower in the CLK63, making last year’s 362-hp CLK55 AMG seem a little tame. The new engine comes alive right off idle, heaving the tach toward the 7200-rpm redline and singing a refined yet seductive engine snarl that is nothing short of amazing.
Mercedes-AMG has taken a completely new route: the new AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine is the first in the world to mix the high-revving concept with a large displacement. Created entirely by AMG, this high-performance engine has a displacement of 6.3 litres and generates an output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm, plus a maximum torque of 630 Newton metres, which makes this new power pack by AMG the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder production engine.