What is it?
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG
What's special about it?
It's been a long wait, but there's finally a true fire-breathing SLK roadster. Sure, the SLK320 is nice and all, but it's not the knuckle-dragger we had been dreaming about. Getting AMG in on the action with the SLK has fixed that.
Using the same 349-horse supercharged V6 found in the C32 Sedan, the SLK32 is lighter and, therefore, should be quicker than the C32. The transmission is also shared and Mercedes says it shifts 35 percent faster than its regular automatics. And that's the only problem we see with this car. The lack of a manual transmission will lead those who require one right to a BMW M Roadster with it impressive 315-horsepower straight six, even though the SLK has a near 35-horsepower advantage.
But even though this car is available only with an automatic (the SLK320 can be had with a six-speed manual) it's still going to go like stink. And that requires equally serious stopping power. Big discs at each corner measure 13.1 inches up front and 11.8 inches out back.
Why should I care?
This is the BMW M Roadster fighter that was clearly needed. And it couldn't have come at a better time since the aging M Roadster (and coupe) were just infused with a 75-horsepower jump in the form of the M3's new high-revving straight six. It's a valiant effort on the part of Mercedes for those loyal to the three-pointed star, but we're still waiting for a manual transmission.
2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG
What's special about it?
It's been a long wait, but there's finally a true fire-breathing SLK roadster. Sure, the SLK320 is nice and all, but it's not the knuckle-dragger we had been dreaming about. Getting AMG in on the action with the SLK has fixed that.
Using the same 349-horse supercharged V6 found in the C32 Sedan, the SLK32 is lighter and, therefore, should be quicker than the C32. The transmission is also shared and Mercedes says it shifts 35 percent faster than its regular automatics. And that's the only problem we see with this car. The lack of a manual transmission will lead those who require one right to a BMW M Roadster with it impressive 315-horsepower straight six, even though the SLK has a near 35-horsepower advantage.
But even though this car is available only with an automatic (the SLK320 can be had with a six-speed manual) it's still going to go like stink. And that requires equally serious stopping power. Big discs at each corner measure 13.1 inches up front and 11.8 inches out back.
Why should I care?
This is the BMW M Roadster fighter that was clearly needed. And it couldn't have come at a better time since the aging M Roadster (and coupe) were just infused with a 75-horsepower jump in the form of the M3's new high-revving straight six. It's a valiant effort on the part of Mercedes for those loyal to the three-pointed star, but we're still waiting for a manual transmission.
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