Ruminations on possible upgraded AMG SLK

**FishtailnZ** · 12-13-2006

MB/AMG seem to be bending over backwards to say there won't be an R171 SLK63, but with the SLK350 getting upgraded to 300hp for the 2008 midlife upgrade, will AMG leave the SLK55 alone? Well what about this possibility - dumping the SOHC 5.4 for the DOHC 5.4 just recently introduced in several lines?

Right now the SLK is the last model to use the older SOHC 5.4, so why wouldn't MB want to end it completely and use the DOHC version only? Since it is basically a DOHC head on the same block as the SOHC version uses, the fitment issues surrounding the new 6.3 would be eliminated. And with a boost of 20, aproximately, in both hp and torque, it would carry the SLK55 gracefully to the end of the R171 cycle. Hell, they wouldn't even have to change the name - SLK55 since displacement for both SOHC and DOHC is the same.

*easty* · 12-13-2006

I agree with you a little, in the long term to standardise the engine line must be a cheaper alternative to continue producing the SOHC just for the SLK. Although I guess they have to weigh up the cost of the development to fit the engine in the car then all the cost that surround it, new maintainance support and also cost that go with lost profits on old models(unsold sohc slk's) I guess they think about this and if it's only until a 2009 revamp anyhow wonder if it's really worth it for a 5% gain in hp. which could easily be achieved through some mods on the current engine. MB seem to be great at keeping things in the dark though.

**FishtailnZ** · 12-13-2006

Cost rationalization is hard to determine from our perspective of course. But it only seems logical that one engine instead of two, would be a cheaper way to go. That is why the SLK350 will be getting the new direct injection engine - every other line will be getting it too. Maintenance protocols will be well established, seeing as it (the DOHC 5.4) will have been in other models for 3 years by then. With the new V8 powered M3/Roadster/Coupe right around the corner, MB will have to do something to keep the AMG model fresh and competitive until the R172 comes along. But that could be done, like you said, by using the Black series spec engine. It just seems to me that keeping the SOHC version 4-5 years, after it has disappeared in all other lines, unlikely. Especially where there is another readily available DOHC version that is current, and easily capable of meeting/exceeding power requirements.

*easty* · 12-15-2006

Loads of good points mate and you maybe spot on. I used to be focused on the power, but I honestly think we have enough. I know this isn't good in the mainstream as most people just compare numbers and straight line road races. Personally I wish they would focus all there time on weight reduction. I know this really begins in the chassis so do really see it happening in a big way until a future model. Also AMG is sadly an after thought it seems on the design cycle. It's like were a military division of Airbus, Airbus design a huge passenger jet then say here you go guys go turn this into a fighter.. Ok not really but it's just a bad analogy.

**FishtailnZ** · 12-15-2006

It's all to do with marketing, as the old saying goes "horsepower sells cars...", especially in the market the SLK plays in where appearances and numbers mean more to most buyers than capabilities - not the case with the enlightened members on here of course!

But if MB doesn't keep the car "fresh" it's sales will soon lag in comparison to newer shinier offerings from competitors.

I agree with you wholeheartedly on the weight issue - the SLK55 could certainly shed a hundred pounds or two. And yes AMG seems to be little more than an afterthought with it's image being diluted through the usual body kit and lowering spring "packages", but I honestly think they're trying to change that too what with their new from the ground up engine program. That's more of a return to their roots from before they were bought up by MB, and I hope they continue to distance themselves from the body kit clique.

12-13-2006	#1 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	Ruminations on possible upgraded AMG SLK MB/AMG seem to be bending over backwards to say there won't be an R171 SLK63, but with the SLK350 getting upgraded to 300hp for the 2008 midlife upgrade, will AMG leave the SLK55 alone? Well what about this possibility - dumping the SOHC 5.4 for the DOHC 5.4 just recently introduced in several lines? Right now the SLK is the last model to use the older SOHC 5.4, so why wouldn't MB want to end it completely and use the DOHC version only? Since it is basically a DOHC head on the same block as the SOHC version uses, the fitment issues surrounding the new 6.3 would be eliminated. And with a boost of 20, aproximately, in both hp and torque, it would carry the SLK55 gracefully to the end of the R171 cycle. Hell, they wouldn't even have to change the name - SLK55 since displacement for both SOHC and DOHC is the same. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

12-13-2006	#2 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	I agree with you a little, in the long term to standardise the engine line must be a cheaper alternative to continue producing the SOHC just for the SLK. Although I guess they have to weigh up the cost of the development to fit the engine in the car then all the cost that surround it, new maintainance support and also cost that go with lost profits on old models(unsold sohc slk's) I guess they think about this and if it's only until a 2009 revamp anyhow wonder if it's really worth it for a 5% gain in hp. which could easily be achieved through some mods on the current engine. MB seem to be great at keeping things in the dark though. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-13-2006	#3 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	Cost rationalization is hard to determine from our perspective of course. But it only seems logical that one engine instead of two, would be a cheaper way to go. That is why the SLK350 will be getting the new direct injection engine - every other line will be getting it too. Maintenance protocols will be well established, seeing as it (the DOHC 5.4) will have been in other models for 3 years by then. With the new V8 powered M3/Roadster/Coupe right around the corner, MB will have to do something to keep the AMG model fresh and competitive until the R172 comes along. But that could be done, like you said, by using the Black series spec engine. It just seems to me that keeping the SOHC version 4-5 years, after it has disappeared in all other lines, unlikely. Especially where there is another readily available DOHC version that is current, and easily capable of meeting/exceeding power requirements. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

12-15-2006	#4 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	Loads of good points mate and you maybe spot on. I used to be focused on the power, but I honestly think we have enough. I know this isn't good in the mainstream as most people just compare numbers and straight line road races. Personally I wish they would focus all there time on weight reduction. I know this really begins in the chassis so do really see it happening in a big way until a future model. Also AMG is sadly an after thought it seems on the design cycle. It's like were a military division of Airbus, Airbus design a huge passenger jet then say here you go guys go turn this into a fighter.. Ok not really but it's just a bad analogy. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-15-2006	#5 (permalink)
FishtailnZ Don't feed the trolls... Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Nfld., Canada Other Toys: Wife, kids, dogs... Posts: 1,490 Country: Thanks: 285 Thanked 211 Times in 94 Posts	It's all to do with marketing, as the old saying goes "horsepower sells cars...", especially in the market the SLK plays in where appearances and numbers mean more to most buyers than capabilities - not the case with the enlightened members on here of course! But if MB doesn't keep the car "fresh" it's sales will soon lag in comparison to newer shinier offerings from competitors. I agree with you wholeheartedly on the weight issue - the SLK55 could certainly shed a hundred pounds or two. And yes AMG seems to be little more than an afterthought with it's image being diluted through the usual body kit and lowering spring "packages", but I honestly think they're trying to change that too what with their new from the ground up engine program. That's more of a return to their roots from before they were bought up by MB, and I hope they continue to distance themselves from the body kit clique. __________________ - Bill Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80 Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

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