SLC-Class

Väth Takes a Turn Tuning the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Words Chris Danielson | March 11, 2010
Understatement cannot be considered as one of the advantageous features of VATH V58, as is also true with the SLK AMG R171
Words Chris Danielson March 11, 2010

Understatement cannot be considered as one of the advantageous features of VATH V58. This is also true with the SLK AMG R171. Not only can you not ignore the outside appearance of VATH V58, but also the SLK performance under the hood. A high-performance 565 hp and 770 Nm engine is running in the motor compartment. The increase in performance and thus engine upgrading is achieved by cylinder capacity improvement by 5.8 liters combined with a compressor.

These upgrades include sports pistons, sports distribution shafts, exhaust manifolds, catalysts of high-grade steel, sports exhaust silencers, polished cylinder heads, a sports air filter and a long-stroke crankshaft. Together with fine adjustment of electronics, this is enough to launch the cabriolet with a speed of 310 km/h. The cost of such performance improvement amounts to 30,785 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees.

Optionally, the VATH tuning company supplies a locking differential for 5,224 Euro and its home-produced and patented fuel cooler for 2,070 Euro.

19-incher wheels guarantee an impressive appearance with mirror polished rim wells of high-grade steel. They are available off-the-shelf in silver, black or the car colour at your choice. High durability tyres with the front size of 235/35 and 275/30 at the back axle ensure excellent contact with the road.

Custom-made threaded sports chassis (3,677 Euro including installation works and wheel alignment) draws the car nearer to the road surface – from 20 to 65 mm (user adjustable).

To improve stoppage characteristics, VÄTH provides high-performance brake system (6,009 Euro including installation works and technical inspection fees). Six-piston saddles with 378-millimeter brake disks are provided at the front.

What is more, VATH has made SLK more streamlined thanks to carbon components. The aerodynamic package includes carbon front spoiler lips (1,404 Euro), varnished in black here, and a rear diffuser (1,952 Euro) with visible carbon Finns and prolongation of the underside.

Interior package (2,975 Euro) consists of climate control system, ashtray protective coating, gear shift gate, gear knob, light-reflecting door coatings and left/right seat position control coverings.

To be in harmony with the car’s interior climate, VATH offers sports steering wheel, if desired, with leather, carbon or fine wood trimming for 1,416 Euro.

Special thanks to MercJames for the photos and press release.