Mercedes' smallest convertible will be getting a significant refresh for the 2012 model year and will bring feature the brands more upright, pedestrian-friendly grill. The retractable hard top will remain in place but the car will also get a significant butt-lift to match the nose job. The interior will also get revisions emulating the SLS including round vents and simplified controls.

Iran is, of course, all over the news these days after last week’s presidental election turned into a nationwide protest, with supporters of defeated opposition candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi claiming that the election was rigged in favor of incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. If you’ve missed out on the news, catch up with pictures of the demonstrations or read Robert Fisk’s report from the streets of Tehran, in defiance of the regime’s crackdown on foreign journalists.

While cars in Iran these days are mostly used as fuel to burn, it’s a big country with lots of cheap gas and a wealth of domestically produced cars. Presented here are a selection of photos and stories about cars which are either built in Iran or have connections to Iran.

Laleh Seddigh

Meet Laleh Seddigh, Iran’s most famous racing driver. It’s tough to be a female athlete in Iran with its strict Islamic dress code, but motor racing offers a quick escape: both men and women are generally covered from head to toe.

She is quick and has earned the respect of men, not an easy thing to do in motor racing anywhere. In an interview with Seddigh in The Observer, a fellow racing driver had this to say: “When she sits behind the wheel she sheds her feminine shell and turns into a man.”

Rest assured: when she is not racing against men, her feminine shell is very much intact.

Photo Credit: HENGHAMEH FAHIMI/AFP/Getty Images

Iran Khodro Paykan

This is the Paykan, Iran’s ubiquitous homemade car. Based on the 1967 Hillman Hunter, 2.3 million of them were made over four decades as the car incorporated new technology but few styling changes. Manufacturer Iran Khodro, the country’s largest domestic carmaker, has ceased production in 2005, sold off the production line to the Sudanese and introduced its replacement: the Samand.

Photo Credit: Fabien Dany/Flickr

Iran Khodro Samand

Debuting in 2005 and building on the long-standing relationship between Iran and France, the Samand is made on the platform of the Peugeot 405, a midsize sedan which was European Car of the Year in 1988.

Although it’s named after a breed of fast horse, the Samand is no Secretariat: power from its 1.8-liter inline four tops out at 97 HP.

Photo Credit: hapal/Flickr

Maserati 5000GT

Preceding the Samand by half a century, the Maserati 5000GT has power aplenty. Commissioned by Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the CIA-backed monarch of Iran toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the 5000GT was an absolute monster.

Its five-liter V8 was derived from a racing unit and produced a healthy 340 HP. The first two cars went to Pahlavi, while Maserati made another 32 examples in the following 6 years. Enrico’s Maserati Pages has a wealth of pictures and data.

Photo Credit: Enrico’s Maserati Pages

1971 Lamborghini Miura SV

He may have been a despot who squandered away his country’s oil wealth, but at least Pahlavi spent it with good taste. His midnight blue Lamborghini Miura SV is perhaps the most gorgeous Lambo ever. The shah purchased it in 1971 and used it extensively until he was deposed in 1979. The car remained in Iran until 1991, when it was smuggled to Italy, then made it into the caring hands of Joe Sackey, who has had it restored to absolute perfection. Lamborghini Registry has the details.

Photo Credit: Lamborghini Registry

Riots in Tehran on June 15, 2009

This is what cars are used for in Tehran these days. The car is most likely a Paykan and these guys are supporters of opposition presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi. They are protesting against the killing of their fellow demonstrators by Iranian security forces.

Photo Credit: -/AFP/Getty Images

Pin-up Paykan

This young man in Tehran proves that Paykans can be put to much better use than impromptu bonfires. Political Islam may be against the public display of women, but what goes on inside one’s vehicle is nobody else’s business.

On the other hand, pin-up girls have a way of transcending both nations and religions.

Photo Credit: kamshots/Flickr

Saipa Miniator, Meet the Democrator

Here’s the man the demonstrators would like to see out of office: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He is pictured here in at the inauguration ceremony of car company Saipa’s new production line in December 2008. Saipa is Iran’s second-largest carmaker and it has always manufactured handed-down French designs. Until now.

The car Ahmadinejad is riding in is all-Iranian and has the greatest name since the Corvette Sting Ray: it’s called the Saipa Miniator.

Photo Credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Iranian Peugeot Factory

The Miniator does not mean the end of Iranian production of French cars: when these guys are not taking a break, they make Peugeot 206’s in a Tehran factory.

Photo Credit: BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images

Renault Tondar

Eastern Europeans will immediately recognize the homely rump of this car: it’s a Dacia Logan, manufactured by Renault’s Romanian subsidy. It is also made in Iran, where it’s sold as a Renault Tondar—that’s Persian for thunder.

Photo Credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

An SLK In Tehran

Bridging the gap between the deposed shah’s Italian exotica and the Paykans are European imports like this Mercedes-Benz SLK, burdened in Iran with heavy import tariffs. The owner of this Benz will have no problem filling it up with cheap Iranian gas, but he has paid an average Iranian’s lifetime wages for the privilege of driving a white German droptop in Tehran.

Photo Credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Women-Only Taxi Driver

Let’s round up things with another Iranian lady. Sodabeh Kiyali is a taxi driver employed by a women-only taxi agency in Tehran. Buses are segregated in Iran, with women traveling in the back, but taxis are not: Nesvan Taxi is an option for women who don’t want to squeeze into a back seat with other men.

Photo Credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

The car puttered to a stop after only one lap on the 'Ring and pulled off at the Brünnchen section. The two passengers jumped out of the car fire extinguisher in hand and quickly inspected the situation. There was no dramatic and schadenfreude-inducing drama like the time an Audi R8 V10 went up in flames, but this is good enough. [WorldCarFans]

To fit in with the hip "Everyone's a Winner" trend sweeping through school gym classes everywhere, Mercedes has released a free online flash game that you can't lose. When we first heard about a game where you're bombing down an ice luge track in AMG products, the first image that popped into our collective heads was one of a silver Nazimobile doing gnarly flips after it flies off of the edge into oblivion. When approaching the edge, a mysterious red blur bumps you back on track. The bloody smear is a bit like getting shot in the face in Goldeneye. Although the never-lose system is kind of a buzzkill, it's worth wasting five minutes at work on such a widget. You can catch the fun here.

Hat tip to AMGDictator!

2009 SLK 55 AMG Edition

The sporty credentials of the 2008 SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine - an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

Standard equipment for the three new SLK models includes a precise six-speed manual gearshift, while the SLK 55 AMG still comes with the 7G?TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. Optional extras available include a five-speed automatic transmission for the SLK 200 and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission or, alternatively, the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the steering wheel for the six-cylinder SLK 280 and SLK 350 models.

A newly developed direct steering system with variable steering assistance, available as an optional extra (standard for the SLK 55 AMG), further highlights the qualities of the sporty chassis, combining agility and manoeuvrability when driving on twisting rural roads with steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when travelling at high speed.

The direct-steer system is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system and operates by purely mechanical means, meaning that there is no need for elaborate actuators and complex sensors. At its heart is a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. The ratio is indirect when the steering is in or around the central position so as to ensure excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at high speed. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is fitted. This means that, even in city traffic, relatively little steering wheel movement is required to correct the car's path. Fast sequences of bends on rural roads can be negotiated almost intuitively with relatively small steering movements - with assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving enjoyment.

Visually enhanced SLK 55 AMG

On a technical level, the SLK 55 AMG remains almost unchanged. The only differences are a few visual enhancements. The front end of the AMG model now features a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps. [Mercedes via CarScoop]

The New 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK

More powerful, more economical, more intense

Stuttgart - The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Incorporating around 650 newly developed parts, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. A fast-running V6 sports engine developing 224 kW/305 hp and an optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two-seater SLK 350 to the fore. Furthermore, all of the engines in the line-up are now far more economical on fuel and, therefore, emit even less CO2, despite a substantial increase in output in many cases. The new-generation SLK models will be available from April 2008, pricing will be announced early in 2008.

Since their first appearance in 1997, the compact SLK Roadsters have come to symbolise Mercedes-Benz' dynamic brand image. Already a familiar sight on our roads, the second-generation two-seater is to be further enhanced with the implementation of a raft of measures in 2008, to further emphasise the car's sporty character and continue the SLK-Class success story by introducing new, dynamic, powerful elements. Sales of the SLK-Class Roadster are now approaching the half-million mark with over 495,000 sold, over 40,000 of which were sold in the UK.

The new-generation SLK displays new sporty highlights, further enhancing the appeal of the successful two-seater with the trendsetting vario-roof that transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coupé in a matter of seconds.

Distinctive character: even more pronounced arrow shape at the front end and a diffuser-style rear end

The designers have given the already dynamic-looking two-seater cult model an even sportier appearance. Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow shape. Plus the area around the Mercedes star has been restyled to render it even more succinct. In addition, the designers have modified the rear end by introducing a diffuser-style lower section that makes the Roadster appear more powerful when viewed from behind - an effect that is enhanced considerably by the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights. The now larger exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely new.

High-quality cockpit and new three-spoke sports steering wheel

Many of the interior details have also been redesigned and upgraded following a careful process of material selection. Particular importance was attached to optimising the interior to make it even more driver-oriented. Centrepieces include a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster with captivating dial surrounds.

Enhanced audio and telematics systems

Mercedes-Benz is installing the new NTG 2.5 audio and telematics generation in the SLK for the first time. It is easier to operate and offers an even wider range of useful functions. Standard features integrated in every radio include a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology and a new media interface in the glove compartment, allowing the full integration of mobile audio devices such as an iPod, which can then be operated via the audio system's user interface.

Together with the new telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an optional extra in the SLK-Class for the first time.

Voluminous surround sound even when the roof is open

Passengers can enjoy a unique listening experience, regardless of whether the vario-roof is open or closed, thanks to the optionally available harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. Rich and voluminous surround sound makes for crystal-clear listening pleasure, the like of which has never before been associated with a roadster.

Fast-running sports engine: higher output and much lower fuel consumption

The sporty credentials of the 2008 SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine - an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports engine that makes its debut in the new-generation SLK, totally altering the six-cylinder unit's character by making sweeping changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm - some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor. The peak torque has also been boosted, by 10 Nm, and now stands at 360 Nm when the engine is running at 4900 rpm.

This result was achieved by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period - oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting. Other changes introduced include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train.

Further aspects which add to the emotionally charged appeal of the new engine include deliberately powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly emotive sound design when decelerating. In combination with the 7G?TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. As well as producing an extremely sporty sound, this throttle-blipping function reduces load alteration effects.

Despite the higher output and high-calibre performance, the SLK 350 consumes considerably less fuel. With the six-speed manual transmission on board, combined fuel consumption is just 29.7 mpg; if the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission is fitted, the sports powerplant returns a combined fuel consumption of just 30.7 mpg. Lower fuel consumption means that CO2 emissions are also reduced - by 23 g/km to 219 g/km in the automatic version and by 28 g/km to 227 g/km in the manual version.

Three further engines to choose from

The engine line-up for the second generation of the successful SLK-Class is being augmented by three further variants:

* The output of the four-cylinder supercharged engine has been boosted by 15 kW/21 hp (to 135 kW/184 hp), while its torque has been increased from 240 to 250 Nm. Combined fuel consumption has been reduced to 36.7 mpg whilst CO2 emissions have been reduced by 27 g/km to 182 g/km.
* The SLK 280 has also been further improved with respect to fuel economy and, therefore, CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption has been cut to 30.4 mpg (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 31.0 mpg), while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 11 g to 220 g/km (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 6 g lower at 216 g/km).
* The SLK 55 AMG is still equipped with the familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant developing 265 kW/360 hp and a peak torque of 510 Nm.

Standard equipment for the three new SLK models includes a precise six-speed manual gearshift, while the SLK 55 AMG still comes with the 7G?TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. Optional extras available include a five-speed automatic transmission for the SLK 200 and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission or, alternatively, the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the steering wheel for the six-cylinder SLK 280 and SLK 350 models.

New direct-steer system for outstanding agility and tangible driving pleasure

A newly developed direct steering system with variable steering assistance, available as an optional extra (standard for the SLK 55 AMG), further highlights the qualities of the sporty chassis, combining agility and manoeuvrability when driving on twisting rural roads with steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when travelling at high speed.

The direct-steer system is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system and operates by purely mechanical means, meaning that there is no need for elaborate actuators and complex sensors. At its heart is a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. The ratio is indirect when the steering is in or around the central position so as to ensure excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when travelling at high speed. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is fitted. This means that, even in city traffic, relatively little steering wheel movement is required to correct the car's path. Fast sequences of bends on rural roads can be negotiated almost intuitively with relatively small steering movements - with assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving enjoyment.

Visually enhanced SLK 55 AMG

On a technical level, the SLK 55 AMG remains almost unchanged. The only differences are a few visual enhancements. The front end of the AMG model now features a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps.

The trendsetting SLK

As trendsetters and technology leaders, the SLK-Class Roadsters have long enjoyed the image of a modern cult car. Even after the extensive modifications, the familiar outstanding qualities remain, for example, the vario-roof that transforms the roadster into a coupé in 22 seconds, not to mention the extensive standard-equipment package, including head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt-force limiters. Plus the roadster also comes with the option of the unique AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows open-top driving pleasure all year round, even in winter.

UK pricing for the new-generation SLK will be confirmed early in 2008. [MB via World Car Fans]

We don't have details on what will be going on under the hood, though educated suspicion leads towards a mixture of engines, including a slightly retuned version of the current gen's V6, which is good for about 272 hp in SLK 350 trim. We'll let you know as soon as we here more. [AutoExpress via CarScoop]

There may be no vehicle least discussed among the Jalopnik inner sanctum than the Mercedes SLK. It's not a bad car. I even thought the poky first generation had a few sidling charms. The added power, muscular looks and neck warmer in the second generation were just fine additions indeed. But the SLK has never been a car to spark a furious debate escalating into drinks flung and haymakers thrown. And that's probably for the best. The last thing granddad needs on his way from the podiatrist's is a bunch of drunks arguing across his car. Anyway, it's getting a facelift for 2008. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: Mercedes SLK Facelift [World Car Fans]

Related:
More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics [internal]

From the class-up-the-joint department: Mercedes announced it's offering a kitted-up 10th anniversary addition of the SLK for the European market. The Edition 10, as it's known, is identical to the show car the company unveiled at the Paris auto show last month, which was painted in matte grey metallic "allanite grey Magno," a descendant of chimpanzee god from "Planet of the Apes." That color will be an option on the 350 series cars, along with obsidian black metallic and iridium silver metallic, in addition to the standard black. Additional accouterments include ten-spoke 17" alloys and unique interior treatments involving black leather, velour floor mats, matte-metallic mesh and dashboard accents in red and black. Stainless-steel "Dr. Z." mustache-wax dispenser, $5000 extra. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

Press release:

Special "Edition 10" model: an SLK-Class for the very discerning

Stuttgart, Nov 10, 2006
The "Edition 10" showcar with which Mercedes-Benz marked ten years of the SLK-Class at the Paris Motor Show is available to customers from January 2007. This special model is distinguished by a unique paint finish and choice of interior materials.

The SLK-Class was introduced into the market exactly ten years ago, and immediately became a popular favourite. To mark this anniversary, Mercedes-Benz presented a showcar at the Paris Motor Show in September 2006 which is now about to be produced as an exclusive special series.

With the new-style, matt grey metallic paint finish "allanite grey Magno", Mercedes designers are illustrating a trend for future colour schemes. This finish is available for a limited edition of 350 vehicles. This exclusive matt finish is available as an option in addition to obsidian black metallic and iridium silver metallic. The standard finish for the special model is black.

Other highlights of the "Edition 10" include light-alloy wheels painted in dark-grey, high-gloss "chrome-shadow", which are additionally enhanced with black/silver emblems bearing the Mercedes star. These ten-spoke designer wheels are shod with wide-base tyres in size 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear). Dark-tinted rear lights and engraved insignia bearing the lettering "EditI0n" on the wings also distinguish the special sports car model.

In the interior the two occupants are treated to a selection of fine materials. The seats, centre console armrest and gearshift lever are covered in black leather, with both seat backrests bearing the "EditI0n" logo. The centre panels of the seat cushions and backrests feature a silver-coloured under layer which discreetly yet strikingly brings the perforated leather to the fore.

This sporty, elegant black/silver contrast is accentuated by the silver-threaded topstitching of the SLK's sports seats. The liner of the vario-roof and the inner surrounds of the rear window are in black. In addition to leather upholstery and 17-inch light-alloy wheels, the standard equipment of the special model includes heated seats and velour floor mats with black edging and an embroidered "EditI0n" logo.

Another special feature is the innovative, matt-painted metallic mesh that embellishes the area above the glove compartment, while Mercedes designers have chosen two black trim strips for the driver's side. The speedometer and rev counter feature red scales to emphasise the sporty character of the SLK Class.

The special "Edition 10" model is available as an SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR with 120 kW/163 hp, an SLK 280 with the 170 kW/231 hp six-cylinder engine or as an SLK 350 with 200 kW/272 hp. Prices (ex factory, incl. 19 % MwSt.) are as follows:

* SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR "Edition 10": 37,734.90
* SLK 280 "Edition 10": 42,911.40
* SLK 350 "Edition 10": 47,671.40

The comfort and convenience systems developed specifically for the SLK-Class are also available for the special anniversary model on request. These include the absolutely unique neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control or the COMAND system with Europe-wide navigation.

A success story and trendsetter for open-top cars

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the most successful model in this market segment worldwide. With its steel vario-roof, which combines the advantages of a fixed hardtop with those of a folding roof, the sports car quickly became the trendsetter for a new generation of open-top cars in 1996. Ten years after its world debut in the SLK, numerous other manufacturers have adopted this innovative roof technology for their convertibles and roadsters.

The new SLK-Class launched in March 2004 asserts its sporty nature even more emphatically, while setting further trends with its trailblazing technology. In addition to a further development of the vario-roof, which opens even more rapidly and occupies less space in the boot, the innovative neck-level heating system AIRSCARF celebrated its world debut in the new-model Mercedes sports car. This acts like an invisible scarf that warms the head, neck and upper shoulder area. Accordingly the SLK-Class is also able to guarantee open-air driving pleasure in colder weather, as SLK owners are able to drive with the top down for longer and more often thanks to AIRSCARF.

With an average share of 30 percent, the SLK-Class is the world market leader. In Germany and other western European countries, one in two newly registered sports cars in this vehicle class bears the letters SLK on the boot lid. All in all, Mercedes-Benz has produced around 465,000 SLK models since 1996.

Related:
More on the Mercedes SLK [internal]

Mercedes' AMG tuning shop is launching a new performance studio that'll handle special orders and produce limited-edition cars in three series: Signature Series — including DTM supercars — Black Series — uprated and spec'd out versions of AMG models— and Editions — cosmetically enhanced AMG models. The studio's latest product is the SLK 55 AMG Black Series (pictured), promoted as a "purist's lightweight version," powered by a 400hp version of AMG's hand signed 5.5-liter V8. The release says the studio fulfills special requests like special exterior paint, full leather interiors, leather or carbon trim, and cutting-edge audio, office and multimedia systems. More pics after the jump.

Related:
Mercedes-Benz's Super Special SLK 55 AMG [internal]

What makes an already overblown factory-tuned Mercedes even more special? More stuff. Such is the new SLK 55 AMG special series, which gets a horsepower boost via a worked-over version of AMG's 5.5-liter V8. The special edition of the only V8-powered roadster in its segment, gets a 45hp bump from 355 to 400, with an increase in torque from 376 ft.-lbs. to 383 (largely by way of a more substantial engine oil cooler and enhanced airflow). It's also been made lighter with typical placement of carbon fiber — in this case a hardtop made from carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic (CRP) — giving it a curb weight of 3,296 lbs, or 100 lbs lighter than the base model, and a corresponding improvement in power-to-weight ratio. Even more stuff?: 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG height-adjustable torsion sports suspension and AMG high-performance composite brake system (same 7-TRONIC tranny as the base model) and special racing seats. Specs?: naught to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. All for the equivalent of around $135,900. Sure it's a bargain, in the sense of an all-you-can-eat buffet at Wolfgang Puck's.

Related:

And speaking of Mercedes SLRs, Emirati rally driver Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who shoehorned a Merc-McLaren SLR engine into an SLK55, has been at it once again. This time, he — and his unconscionably talented staff of mechanics — swapped the already potent AMG mill from an E55 with an SLR powerplant (are they selling crate motors now?). According to a tipster, the transmission was modified to take 922 ft-lbs of torque, the limited-slip diff was reworked and the SLR's stock intercooler system was modified. What's the upshot? If it performs half as well as his SLK (see this video of it facing down an Enzo), Sulayem's E-SLR will be a major desert beastie. [Thanks again to Khaled for the tip.]

Related:
More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics [internal]

A reader close to rally driver Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose Mercedes McLaren SLR-powered SLK has been causing a stir among Merc-maniacs, sent in some clarifying information about the car. Hopefully, hearing about the project from Ben Sulayem's mechanic will answer most of the Why!? How!? Who!? questions that have been circulating. [Many thanks to Khaled for the info.]

The transmission is indeed a 7 speed, modified to survive happily to 1200Nm [885 lbs/ft — ed]. The Engine is an SLR unit, the 55 series engines are virtually identical in exterior appearance, internal components vary to suit requirements.

The engine fitted is pure SLR with one exception. The SLK flexplate and SLR crankshaft run different bolt patterns, so the crankshaft fitted to this engine is a prototype that has now gone into production for various models. The SLR Kompressor configuration is unique. The black units on top of the engine are water cooled intercooler assemblies, no air filters as somebody advised earlier. As anyone will know who has driven an SLR hard in high ambient temperatures, the SLR intercooler water system is not capable of an adequately cool water supply and performance suffers because of it, so a large amount of the installation and design of this project was dedicated to intercooler temperature control.

We have used a full sized E55 engine radiator with hand fabricated end tanks and placed it in front of the air conditioning condensor. A 10 litre water catch / swirl tank supplys cooled water to the 2 AMG intercooler water pumps and these pump water through the intercoolers and back to the intercooler radiator. Intercooler water temps have never risen more than 12 degrees over ambient.

The airbox is now mounted above the battery for 2 reasons, The highest air pressure point on the vehicle is at the base of the windscreen and it also happens to be a good source of the coolest air possible.The SLR engine sump is larger than the SLK and runs a slightly different layout configuration, hence the need to change the front anti roll bar. We fabricated and adjustable chrome moly unit which is clearly visible on the under car shots. The SLK and SLR Motronic control units and wiring are very different in CAN addressing and pinouts, for this reason an E55 engine ECU and wiring loom was used and reprogrammed to suit. E throttle control, ESP, Engine fan control, injector sizing, ignition and fuel tables plus much more.

The exhaust modifications visible in the pictures were a temporary fix to establish noise levels prior to exhaust system development, this has now been updated and as anyone who has heard the car in anger will tell you, the sound is breathtaking. The only way I can truely explain it is every time I hear it, I am reminded of a summers evening in Pamona several years ago, watching Pro Stock qualifying. I honestly hope it comes through clearly on the video. Our ambient air temperature during summer can exceed 50deg C, this is the reason for the summer bonnet, during winter the covered bonnet will be fitted. Anytime under bonnet temperatures can be decreased, power will increase.

Speaking of power, I beleive the standard SLR engine is rated at 625hp? Please be assured that with our 98 premium octane, an intercooler system that exceeds requirements, additional supercharger pressure via drive upgrades and some serious dyno time, the SLR engine is capable of well more than this consistantly. Power in this car? Adequate!

Additional weight over the front wheels is approximately half the weight of a passenger, weight balance is unchanged as the SLR engine and SLK engine sit in the same position. The front and rear suspension have been changed with uprated springs and shocks in the rear to better control the squat this power level produces and of course the front shocks needed changing because as one might expect, the front wheels almost lift under hard acceleration.
Why an SLR engine?

Simple, the completed car is a quarter the cost of an SLR, its faster than an SLR because its approx 400Kg lighter, and the car is relatively inconspicuous. A personalised SLR has been ordered and will arrive when finished, but sometimes its good not to wave a huge flag.
This car has something that the majority of engine transplants do not. It can, will and has been parked outside the front door of the Royal Palace and acknowledged with a smile that it matches the style synonomous with the name Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

See also: Mohammed Ben Sulayem's car collection.

Related:
Mercedes SLR-Powered SLK: Overcompensating Much? [internal]

What's the quickest way to put a stop to all those, "girl car" jokes when you've just dropped a pretty penny on your new SLK? Drop the 617bhp engine from an SLR McLaren into it. Duh. Along the way, it would be nice to cut holes in the hood to clear the massive engine and if you started with an SLK55 AMG (with its monobloc brakes and stiffer suspension), well, that would put an end to all the, "driving the wife's car today?" ribs from Greg in accounting. So who, or what, would shoehorn the engine from a $500,000 car into the engine bay of a $40,000 one? We found this account, re-posted to a Canadian online forum.

I was on my way home from school when I see an SLK wit two black patches on the hood. I was like "stickers". So I decided to check it out ... I get close and see that those black patches were actually the engine sticking out of the hood ... I was even more shocked when I read SLR on the engine. So I started snapping pics. When a Nissan Armada pulls up and who else but [rally driver] Bin Sulayem steps out of the house to get something from the Armada. Then he gets in the SLK and calls me to talk to him ... My first reaction was to point speechless at the hood. He told me got the engine and put it in himself and changed the transmission, and it's a RWD. He said it had 615hp, and could go well over 350 km/h. He told me he had already been up to 320. He said it's a one of a kind, and that AMG are coming to Dubai just to see it.

SLK55 w/ SLR engine [Give Me a Look]

Related:
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