German Car Zone

Yes ladies and gentlemen, we're back with yet another installment of our now famous "Tuner Spotlight," a weekly feature dedicated to bringing you, our fellow Mercedes enthusiasts, a small morsel of Mercedes tuning goodness.

This week, we decided to feature a vehicle that, for all intensive purposes, defines everything a finely tuned Mercedes should be - incredibly fast; incredibly sexy; and of course, incredibly drivable. That vehicle, as our title has already stated, is the Kleemann SLK 55K S8, an exquisitely-upgraded version of the already-covetable Mercedes SLK55 AMG.

While there are many praises one can bestow upon the SLK 55K S8, its most notable accolade undoubtedly comes by way of the incredible amount of power Kleemann engineers managed to pack under its diminutive hood. Thanks to a Kleemann Limited Slip Differential and a Stage 8 tuning kit, a package featuring, among other things, a reprogrammed ECU, custom stainless steel headers, super sport camshafts, and a 70mm stainless steel exhaust system, the SLK's 5.5 Liter normally aspirated V8 boasts of an increase in power from the standard 360 Hp / 265 kW and 510 Nm (377 lb-ft) to an outstanding 550 Hp / 404 kW and 718 Nm (531 lb-ft). As a result, the Kleemann SLK 55K S8 is capable of achieving a 0-62 mph time of a mere 3.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to a well-rounded 185 mph.

While its power is impressive, equally commendable is the SLK 55K S8's extensive list of handling modifications. A Kleemann Speed Sensitive Suspension, a Kleemann high performance braking system, two or three-piece wheel sets ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, and of course, a number of aerodynamic enhancements including a new front spoiler and rear diffuser panel all give way to what may be the greatest tuning package ever derived for the Mercedes SLK-Class.

But don't take my word for it. Keep scrolling to see photos of the Kleemann SLK 55K S8 in the flesh, followed by the official press release from Kleemann; or if you prefer, head over to Kleemann.dk to see the full lineup of Kleemann products.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, just about covers this week's episode of "Tuner Spotlight." As always, stay tuned next week - same time, same place - to find out what delectable Mercedes modifications lay in store.

Sayonara.













OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


LEEMANN SLK 55K S8
596 Hp, 770 Nm (570 lb-ft) and zero to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds!
KLEEMANN presents yet another high-performance car without comparison. Based on the new SLK 55 AMG from Mercedes-Benz, KLEEMANN produces a power output of 596 Hp and 770 Nm (570 lb-ft) with a KLEEMANN Kompressor System and a Stage 8 engine upgrade. The KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 has an electronic speed limit of 300 km/h (185 mph) and hits 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds.
The power source in the SLK roadster is a specially revised version of the eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz NA (Normally Aspirated) 5.5 litre engine. Equipped with only the KLEEMANN Kompressor system the engines power output raises from standard 360 Hp / 265 kW and 510 Nm (377 lb-ft) to an impressive 550 Hp / 404 kW and 718 Nm (531 lb-ft).
Additionally the SLK 55K S8 is fitted with the KLEEMANN Stage 8 tuning kit. The engines ECU is reprogrammed and application specific super sport camshafts are fitted. To further improve the engines gas flow the 5.5 litre V8-engine is fitted with custom-developed headers in stainless steel and a complete dual 70 mm stainless steel exhaust system utilizing four steel racing catalysts. As the finishing touch to it all, the KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 is fitted with two Trapezoid-shaped rear mufflers.
After the full tuning conversion from KLEEMANN the eight-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power output of 596 Hp / 438 kW at 5800 rpm and even more important for the overall driving characteristic is the peak torque of 770 Nm (570 lb-ft) available from 2000 rpm. This incredible power is routed through a custom-made KLEEMANN Limited Slip Differential (LSD) which applies a 60 percent lock-up ratio between the rear wheels. This modification is essential for maximum traction of the driven wheels and the fantastic acceleration figures for this car.
The power treatment pushes the SLK roadster far beyond normal sports car territory. Not many super cars are able to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and 200 km/t in 12.3 seconds, but the KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 does so without any drama. Like all other high-performance KLEEMANN cars the top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h (185 mph).
To meet the enormous performance potential of the KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8, KLEEMANN has developed exceptional upgrades in terms of wheels, suspension and brakes.
The KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 comes with a choice between the classic two-piece TM-5 and the three-piece forged TS-6 light alloy wheel, which can be fitted on the car in sizes ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter. The largest possible combination on the SLK 55K S8 is the KLEEMANN TS-6 alloy wheel in size 8.5JX19 for the front axle with 235/35 ZR 19 tires, and 9.5JX19 with 275/30 ZR 19 tires on the rear. The special shape of the TS-6 rim star augments aerodynamics as it exhausts the air from underneath the car. In addition to reducing lift this also increases cooling of the brakes and adds to the handling and stability of the vehicle.
To further increase the cars handling characteristics KLEEMANN has fitted the car with KLEEMANN Speed Sensitive Suspension which reduces body roll and increases the cars turn-in capability. Designed specifically for use with sporty low-profile tires it's a perfect combination of agile cornering and extraordinary ride comfort.
The safety aspect is handled by the KLEEMANN high performance brake system, which is designed for maximum performance under the most extreme braking tasks. Fitted with the largest KB-3 KLEEMANN high performance brake system the KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 features 396 x 36 mm vented and cross-drilled two-piece brake discs with six piston forged and handmade calipers in the front, and 342 x 28 mm vented and cross-drilled two-piece brake discs with four piston forged and handmade calipers in the rear.
For further refinement of the sporty two-seater KLEEMANN can fit aerodynamic parts that emphasize the cars striking appearance. The cars front design becomes even more muscular with the low and stunning looking KLEEMANN front spoiler lip. To round of the visual look a custom developed rear diffuser panel is fitted making provision for the KLEEMANN sport exhaust system with one Trapezoid shaped rear muffler in each side.
Another focal point of refining the KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8 is the interior. KLEEMANN offers an extensive programme for the sporty roadster ranging from full leather to a combined leather/alcantara interior. The KLEEMANN program also includes a wide selection of individual accessories such as illuminated entrance panels with KLEEMANN logo, and an ergonomic KLEEMANN sport steering wheel with a choice of leather, leather/wood or leather/carbon. The finishing touch to the interior is genuine carbon inlays on the dashboard, centre console and door covers which creates a sporty yet comfortable and exclusive feeling.
Specifications KLEEMANN SLK 55K S8
Engine: V8
Displacement: 5439 cc
No. of valves: 24
Transmission: 7 speed automatic
Bhp: 596 Hp @ 5.800 rpm
Max torque: 770 Nm (570 lb-ft) @ 2.000 rpm
Compressor: 0.5 bar
Wheels: TS6 light alloy 8.5JX19 front
TS6 light alloy 9.5JX19 rear
Tyres: 235/35 ZR19 front
275/30 ZR19 rear
Performance
Maximum speed (Limited): 300 km/h (185 mph)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.7 seconds
Acceleration 0-200 km/h: 12.3 seconds

Copyright © 2006, Kleemann

There is a member of the SF Bay Area SLK Club who has one. I think it is more like an S7 1/2 since he does not have the headers. He claims it pulls nearly 600 hp! It does have a nice exhaust sound.

Is the car really stable with all that power? Seem alot for such a small car.

I have the same question. I used to own an SLK32 and I thought that 349hp was alot for that car especially since so much weight was up front. Now I understand that the R171s have better suspensions but still 600hp is outrageous. I have about 415hp and AWD on my TT (with a cat back set up) and I think that is more than enough.

The car is a freaking lethal weapon.