2005 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG

The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from Formula 1 racing cars. The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader in this category of sports cars. The further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds, is joined on the list of standard equipment by head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. The car's chassis, steering and manual transmission have been given an even sportier edge, whilst the interior features a world first, in the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system.

Eight years after the first SLK premiere in Turin, the new Roadster displays its sporting prowess in much stronger terms than the outgoing model. Underpinning these enhanced performance credentials are the powerful new engines, a sporty suspension set-up, more direct steering and a precise six-speed-manual transmission.

The interior, meanwhile, features switches, buttons and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, creating a striking contrast to the dark of the instrument panel. Plus, customers can choose from a range of six shades for the leather trim, or any one of twelve designo colours.

The roadster also builds on the proven strengths of its predecessor – in the shape of a further developed, space-saving vario-roof, for example, even more innovative safety features and unique new systems such as bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF (optional).

With the SLK 55 AMG, the second generation of Mercedes compact roadster has produced a car which gives the sportscar elite a run for their money. No other model in this vehicle class can compete with the 265-kW/360-hp output and 510 Newton metres of torque generated by the top-of-the-range SLK. The V8 engine at the source of this prodigious power also has the distinction of being the only eight-cylinder unit available in this market segment.