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Stuttgart - With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster. All in all, about 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.” Read the rest of this entry »

With over a half-million sold worldwide, the Mercedes-Benz SLK has been a success story since it was first introduced as a concept car at the Turin Auto Show back in 1994. Production models arrived in 1997. To honor the SLK's 10th Anniversary, the SL Market Letter published the article, "Mercedes-Benz SLK - A Home Run!" that outlines the features and changes in the SLK since it was introduced.

Below we focus our discussion on the SLK AMG and provide excerpts of the SL Market Letter article (published in quotes below with John Olson's permission).

2002 SLK32 AMG

Introduced during 2001, the 2002 SLK32 AMG was the first SLK to wear the "AMG" badge. Originally priced at $55k, it features a supercharged and inter-cooled V6 engine that produces 332 lb-ft of torque.

2002: Enter the SLK32 AMG with a whopping 349 HP (0-60 in 4.8 seconds). Three engine choices: 1) 192 HP four valve, supercharged 4 cylinder, 2) 215 HP V6 and 3) the AMG V6. The SLK32 AMG's engine has twin spark plugs per cylinder for maximum combustion. A newly engineered five-gear "SpeedShift" boasts 35% quicker automatic shifts. The SLK32 AMG uses lower (numeric) transmission gears and a 3.07:1 rear axle for an electronically limited top-speed of 155 mph….

The AMG supecharger is the Lysholm-type (screw type), which provides boost virtually from idle speed. The AMG variant has reinforced suspension and newly designed wheels for better brake cooling. Brakes became 13.15" diameter vs. 11.8" standard. Revised air dams/spoilers minimize and balance aerodynamic lift front-to-rear and top speed. A small lip spoiler at the trailing edge of the trunk lid reduces rear airlift by more than 50%. AMG interiors introduce more bolstered seats, unique two-tone leather and dark birds-eye maple wood. AMG instruments are finished in silver. The warranty included free adjustments and regularly scheduled maintenance for the full four years or 50,000 miles. [warranty ended in 2006].

The anti-lock brakes include Mercedes' Electronic Brake Assist, traction control, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Drivers can switch the ESP off to more thoroughly enjoy track events and autocross competitions. 

Note: The SL Market Letter has re-published the SLK article on their website as an example article from the SL Market Letter (newsletter). You can read the SL Market Letter article here. Excerpts of the article are published here with the permission of the publisher.

With a 40 percent share of AMG sales, the United States is the largest market in the world for AMG vehicles. The 2007 AMG models available in the U.S. are: <

2007 E63 AMG Mercedes-Benz Sedan
	All-new 507-horsepower AMG V-8, 7-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift™ and fingertip shift paddles, AMG-calibrated Airmatic suspension, and AMG-enhanced Sensotronic brakes with 8-piston calipers.
Engine:	AMG 6.3L 32-valve V-8 507 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$85,375
2007 E63 AMG Mercedes-Benz Wagon
	AMG-calibrated Airmatic dual-control suspension, 507-horsepower V-8 engine, Burl Walnut wood interior trim, and seating for seven passengers.
Engine:	AMG-built 6.3L 32-valve V-8 507 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$86,175
2007 S65 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	The S65 AMG features a 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12 AMG engine linked to a resilient 5-speed automatic transmission adjusts to your driving style for smoother shifting, F1-inspired manual shifters, AMG-tuned Active Body Control (ABC), race-bred brakes, along with 20 inch AMG 5-spoke light alloy wheels.
Engine:	AMG-built twin-turbocharged 6.0L SOHC 36-valve V-12, 604 hp @ 4,800 rpm
MSRP:	$182,275
2007 CLK63 AMG Cabriolet Mercedes-Benz
	The CLK63 AMG features a 6.3 liter 4-valve AMG-built V-8 engine, 14.2 inch race-derived compound brake rotors with AMG 6-piston calipers, inspired AMG-enhanced 7-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift™ programming, 18 inch AMG alloy wheels, heated AMG sport seats, twin chrome exhaust tips, and AMG-designed Nappa leather upholstery.
Engine:	AMG-built 6.3L DOHC 32-valve V-8 475 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$89,975
2007 CLS63 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	The CLS63 AMG features a 507-horsepower V-8 under the hood, multicontour front seats with adjustable side bolsters and lumbar supports, rich perforated Nappa leather upholstery, and Formula 1-style manual shift paddles.
Engine:	AMG-built 6.3L DOHC 32-valve V-8 507 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$92,975
2006 CL55 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	The CL55 comes with a 493-horsepower supercharged V-8, AMG-enhanced 5-speed automatic transmission with SpeedShift™ programming, race-bred brakes with 8-piston front calipers, 19" AMG wheels and tires, Active Ventilated and dynamic multicontour front seats, AMG-designed Nappa leather upholstery, and four polished exhaust tips.
Engine:	AMG built supercharged 5.5L 24-valve V-8 493 hp @ 6,100 rpm
MSRP:	$121,275
2006 CL65 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	Massive 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12, race-derived compound brake rotors with AMG 8-piston composite calipers, inspired AMG-enhanced 5-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift™ programming, two-piece 19" dual-spoke AMG wheels, dynamic multicontour seats, four polished exhaust tips, and AMG-designed Nappa leather upholstery.
Engine:	AMG-built twin-turbocharged 6.0L SOHC 36-valve V-12, 604 hp @ 4,800 - 5,100 rpm
MSRP:	$180,375
2007 SLK55 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	Handcrafted V-8 engine pumping out 355 horsepower, 376 lb-ft of peak torque, and a 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, this roadster provides serious sports car thrills in true AMG style.
Engine:	AMG-built 5.5L SOHC 24-valve V-8 355 hp @ 5,750 rpm
MSRP:	$63,275
2007 SL55 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	A 510-horsepower supercharged V-8 engine, fingertip manual-style shift paddles, race-bred high-performance brakes with 6-piston front calipers, retractable aluminum hardtop, and AMG-tuned Active Body Control (ABC).
Engine:	AMG-built supercharged 5.5L 24-valve V-8 510 hp @ 6,100 rpm
MSRP:	$129,575
2007 SL65 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	Astonishing power and price. The SL65 AMG includes a 604-horsepower twin-turbocharged V-12, reinforced 5-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift™ programming, retractable aluminum hardtop, race-bred high-performance brakes with AMG 6-piston composite calipers, and 19 inch double-spoke AMG multipiece wheels.
Engine:	AMG-built twin-turbocharged 6.0L SOHC 36-valve V-12, 604 hp @ 4,800 rpm
MSRP:	$186,775
2007 R63 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	The high-performance R63 AMG comes with a handcrafted V-8 engine that pumps out 503 peak horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Massive 15.4-inch internally ventilated brake discs stops the R63 AMG as effectively as it accelerates.
Engine:	AMG 6.3L 32-valve V-8 503 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$88,175
2007 ML63 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	The ML63 AMG comes with flared wheel arches, a black AMG grille with chrome highlights, brushed rubber-studded stainless-steel running boards, dual quad exhaust tips, and 20-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Engine:	AMG-built 6.3L 32-valve V-8 503 hp @ 6,800 rpm
MSRP:	$86,275
2006 G55 AMG Mercedes-Benz
	Supercharged, handcrafted 469-horsepower V-8, designo interior with fine leathers, and exquisite stitching.
Engine:	AMG-built supercharged 5.5L 24-valve V-8 469 hp @ 6,100 rpm
MSRP:	$105,275