2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG?
Topping the SLK-Class range is the new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG, a road-ripping sports car with a monster 360-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine that blasts the car from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. It comes standard with a seven-speed automatic, steering wheel shift buttons and an AMG SpeedShift manual driving program. The SLK55 AMG's firmer suspension receives unique struts, dampers and anti-roll bars. Eighteen-inch wheels wearing performance tires are hauled to a halt by composite front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and solid rear disc brakes with four-piston pincers. Styling is subtly tweaked on the outside, while inside the SLK55 AMG receives Nappa leather appointments, AMG sports seats and an AMG steering wheel.

Advantages of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG:

• Stout V8 engine
• AMG SpeedShift automatic transmission
• AMG-massaged suspension and brakes
• Folding hardtop design
• Airscarf neck warmers
• Styling that emulates high-dollar SLR McLaren

Objections to the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG:

• No manual transmission
• Limited trunk space

Editor's Advice:
Today's Mercedes-Benz SLK was never taken seriously as a sports car, even in supercharged AMG format. Perhaps this new AMG-massaged Benz roadster, with its stout V8 engines, revised hardware and sleeker look, will provide the goods to go head-to-head with the best from BMW and Porsche.