Almost as if to prove that not everything wearing an AMG badge operates on the 'sledgehammer principle' (If lots of power is good, more is better and too much is just right), the performance junkies at Affalterbach have come up with an upgrade kit that can be ordered on any of the standard models in the SLK range.
The SLK AMG Sport Line is all about sharper dynamics and (very) sporty looks, without any engine modifications.
It starts with lowered suspension, stiffer springs and firmer damping, goes on to larger-than-standard, ventilated brake discs and callipers bearing the lettering 'Mercedes Benz' and finishes with special 18" AMG alloy rims wearing 225/40 front and 245/35 rear rubber.
The SLK body gets a more aggressive look with a deeper front apron, side skirts and a new rear apron with built-in diffuser, set off by headlights with dark surrounds and smoked tail-light lenses.
The Sport Line package also includes a 'chequered flag' instrument cluster and special sports seats with vertical pleats and colour-coded topstitching or, at no extra cost, you can ask for contrast stitching, red seatbelts and perforated leather in the grip area of the steering wheel.
NEW ENGINE
At the same time, Mercedes-Benz SA have added a third direct-injection petrol-engine option to the South African SLK line-up - the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency.
It has the same 1796cc displacement and turbo as the entry-level SLK 200 BluEfficiency, but is tuned for 150kW, compared to the 135kW of its less muscular sibling. It comes with an automatic transmission as standard (the SLK 200 has a six-speed manual) and a 7G-Tronic Plus paddle shift 'box as an extra-cost option.
With the self-shifter, however, Mercedes-Benz quotes 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and 243km/h flat out, at an average cost of 7.3 litres per 100km and 169g/km of CO2.
The SLK 200 BlueEfficiency takes 7.3 seconds to hit the hundred (seven second flat with the flappy-paddle gearbox) and tops out at 240km/h in six-speed manual format.
The naturally-aspirated 3498cc V6 in the SLK 350 BlueEfficiency, by contrast, is rated at 225kW, takes 5.6 seconds to dispose of the 0-100km/h sprint and will reach an electronically limited 250km/h, while burning an average 8.3 litres of unleaded per 100km and spewing 194g/km of CO2.
PRICES
SLK 200 BlueEfficiency - R579 238
SLK 250 BlueEfficiency - R635 811
SLK 350 BlueEfficiency - R763 673
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the SLK AMG Sport Line comes standard with a six-year or 100 000km full maintenance package.