| New Performance Flagship | Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series |

Mercedes-Benz will endow the SLK roadster with the full-on track war garb of an AMG Black Series performance and visual upgrade. The not-so subtle standard SLK 55 AMG is now fitted with even more pronounced front wings and a restyled front skirt complemented by carbon fibre inlay.

A modified air intake and sports filter has been fitted to an engine that now develops an extra 40bhp - up to 400bhp at 5,750rpm with a bloated torque figure of 502lb.ft. The power-to-weight ratio has been improved thanks to the SLK shedding 45kg, mostly through a newly fixed hard top. At 1,495kg the Black Series Merc boasts 268bhp per tonne - a 34bhp increase over the standard, none to slow 55 AMG.

This sees off 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, which is nearly half a second quicker than before, and the Black SLK will hit 125mph in 15.5 seconds. The politically incorrect German tuner has gone further and derestricted the SLK so that it will hit 173mph in 7th using its own 7G-TRONIC gearbox, controlled via paddle shifts mounted to the leather and Alcantara steering wheel.

AMG has attempted to keep the extra 40 hengste in check with height-adjustable torsion suspension, adjustable dampers and 19-inch lightweight alloys wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres. A limited-slip differential is available for €3,475. To improve handling further AMG has fitted a strut brace across the engine bay to increase frontal body rigidity. Front composite brakes have also increased in size by 30mm in diameter to 360mm, whilst rear brakes remain untouched.

AMG's eager fingers have graced the interior with sports bucket seats freshly adorned in black pearl trim, fitted as standard, although there are a variety of extra packages available to further customise the SLK.

The Leather pack is what you would expect, except it includes anti-roll bars for €6,310. A Carbon Fibre package sees most touch points including door sill panels lathered in the lightweight material for a cool €2,630. AMG can provide an Exterior Carbon Fibre package too - changing the front grille inserts, wing mirror covers and boot spoiler.

Priced at €92,500 the SLK 55 AMG Black Series looks certain to be a step above the 'regular' offering, although we'll have to wait and see how it deals with the best of British roads. We expect to see the car in the metal (and carbon fibre) in Frankfurt.

Kyle Molyneux - 31 Aug 2007