Mercedes-Benz updates the SLK 55 AMG Black Series

Mercedes’ latest SLK 55 AMG Black Series has officially gone on sale, complete with a new 400hp (298kW) version of the 5.4L V8 and a 45kg lighter kerb weight. The increased performance figures see the car accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and its unrestricted top speed increase to 173mph. Modifications to the engine include a new air-intake, an AMG sports air filter and a newly-developed exhaust system.

Apart from the more powerful engine, the new Black Series SLK also gets a fixed carbon hard top, more muscular front wings, also made from carbon-fiber, plus a restyled AMG front skirt with carbon fiber inlays.

To make sure as much power as possible gets to the ground, engineers added a race-bred height-adjustable torsion suspension system with adjustable dampers, new 19in ultra-light AMG forged alloy wheels and a front sway bar residing above the engine. Stopping power comes from new 360mm composite brake discs up front and the older 330mm internally ventilated and perforated discs at the rear.

Inside, the car gets new AMG bucket seats, a leather and Alcantara trimmed steering wheel and AMG carbon fiber internal door center panels. Then of course, there’s the extensive options list with niceties such as full leather for the seats, dash, center console, armrests, door panels and anti-roll bars, as well as an AMG carbon-fiber pack for both the cabin and exterior.

Gallery after the jump.