Mercedes SLK55 AMG "Performance Studio" Edition

Introduced for the 2012 model year, shortly after the redesigned, third-generation SLK was launched, the SLK55 AMG soldiered on without any significant changes through 2014. Although the previous model received a facelift in its fourth year on the market, the current SLK55 AMG sits in showrooms with the same exterior appearance and the same 5.5-liter V-8 engine under its hood. That's likely to change sooner than later, but Mercedes-Benz has no plans to do that for 2015. Fortunately enough for those looking for a slightly updated model, AMG's Performance Studio is trying to save the day with a bespoke take on the powerful roadster.

Sadly, the fact that the SLK55 AMG is long in the tooth is evident in this "Performance Studio" package as well. Exterior changes aren't very significant, with only a new paint job, a set of wheels and a new exhaust up for grabs. The interior received a bit more attention and even a set of SLS AMG seats, but is that enough to make up for the lack of body updates? Read on to found the answer to that question.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes SLK55 AMG "Performance Studio" Edition.

Mercedes SLK55 AMG "Performance Studio" Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 16 November 2014 12:00 EST.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is TopGear's "Lairy Car of the Year"

Posted on 12.6.2013 18:00 by Tushar

"Lairy" is defined as cunning or conceited; ostentatiously attractive or flashy; or aggressive or rowdy. Is this how you would define the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Edition? Well, this is exactly how the fellas over at TopGear feel about it...

According to TopGear magazine, the last iteration of the SLS AMG GT Black Series is more manageable than its predecessors and Jeremy Clarkson loved it for its power and tire life. However, for the rest of the world, it's an inconvenience. And this put the 'Black Series' in the top position as TopGear's "Lairy Car of the Year."

It is lairy, but in a good way, they say. It lets you have all the fun and still assists you if you get slightly overboard. "It looks like it wants to bite your leg off, but actually it bear hugs you and covers your back like a best mate. It is lairy but not scary." We're willing to bet that those convoluted, yet genius, words came from Clarkson's own mouth.

Tom Ford (@tomwookieford) quoted Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes AMG GmbH, as responding to the award with "Thanks - that's pretty much what we were aiming for with the car." Ah, a tongue0in-cheek response to a even more tongue-in-cheek award - isn't the world of automotive journalism such a wonderful world!

Anyway, so there you have it. TopGear's "2013 Lairy Car of the Year" is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series.

Click past the jump to read more about the SLS AMG Black Series

gallery: 2014 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series is TopGear's "Lairy Car of the Year" originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 December 2013 18:00 EST.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG by GAD

Posted on 11.6.2012 15:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Mercedes | AMG | sedan | Mercedes CLS-Class | car tuning | Germany | cool fast cars | Cars | Car Reviews | Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz tuners in Germany are pretty much a dime a dozen, so many times we see just basic upgrades and overwhelmingly "blah" modifications. Fortunately, GAD Motors is one that rarely, if ever, puts together a "blah" kind of Benz. Its recent program for the CLS 63 AMG, which pumps out 563 horsepower straight off of the showroom floor, proves it.

This 4-stage program starts off with the Wattage V1 program, which adds in replacement, high-flow air filters, a mild boost in boost psi, remapping of the fuel and ignition systems, and a V max upgrade. This bumps the CLS 63 AMG up to 640 PS (631 horsepower), a 68-horsepower increase. This kit costs 3,000 ($3,841 at the current exchange rates)

The second stage is the Wattage V2, which adds in high-flow air filters, water-to-air intercooler with water pump, low-resistance downpipe with high-flow cats and a low-resistance exhaust system, an increase in turbocharger boost pressure, remapped ignition and fuel systems, and a V max upgrade. This is good for 670 PS (661 horsepower), which is an impressive 108-horsepower jump. This kit will set you back 8,600 ($11,011)

Stage three, known as the Wattage V3 kit, includes everything found in the Wattage V2 kit, but it adds in 30-percent larger GAD turbochargers, which significantly increases the overall boost. This jumps the CLS 63 AMG's V-8 engine to a massive 730 PS (720 horsepower). That is a full 157 horsepower more than the 63 AMG made from the factory. The V3 kit will cost you 16,400 ($20,998)

The fourth and final stage is dubbed the Wattage V4 and includes everything from the V3 package and then some. The extra goodies on the V4 package include: boost increase and an optimized exhaust system - the exact exhaust specifics are not known. This jumps the CLS 63 AMG's power to 800 PS (789 horsepower) - a huge leap of 226 horsepower. The V4 kit runs a grand total of 25,600 ($32,778)

There is no mention of what kind of track number this model can pull, but we assume a 0-to-60 time in the low-3-second range, maybe even into the high-2s.

On the outside, there are a few minor upgrades, including gunmetal-colored HRE wheels, as well as gunmetal-colored grille and side-view mirrors.