Aside from making sure the car wouldn't grenade in the midst of a
race, Benz also took great care in upgrading the suspension system for improved grip, response and durability. The Ultimate Experience has race-grade springs and dampers that are much firmer than those fitted to the production version, not to mention strengthened A-arms, tie-rods and driveshafts. For the rear differential Benz raided its parts bin, using the 3.27:1 ratio unit from the McLaren SLR supercar, and like a supercar, some of the heavier components have been shifted towards the rear of the car for better weight distribution. In the trunk you'll now find the battery, and a special 80-litre racing fuel tank that features foam inserts to keep the gasoline from sloshing about when in high g-force turns.
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all four corners, the SLK has new 19-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels which are said to weigh a third less than the wheels fitted to the standard car. The 235/40 series front tires and 265/35 series rear tires that wrap these multi-spoke alloys were specially developed for the Asia Experience by Pirelli. These work hand-in-hand with the steering, which has been recalibrated for improved feel and responsiveness.
It must be said, though, that those expecting to find a traditional manual or some new sort of sequential-manual gearbox will be disappointed by the fact that even this, the most honed SLK, uses a five-speed automatic. On the plus side it features two manual paddleshift modes; M1, which is equivalent to the standard manual mode on the production SLK 55 AMG, and M2, which produces faster, more hard-edged shifts.
To commemorate the Ultimate Experience Asia model, Mercedes-Benz
is planning on producing a limited run of road-going cars called the SLK Tracksport. Interestingly, the production version is more powerful than the sanctioned road car. It produces 400 horsepower thanks to reworked inlet and exhaust timing, and hits 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph); compared to the Ultimate Experience's 0-100 km/h dash of 4.7 seconds and 280 km/h (174 mph) top speed. Of course, all of the other changes highlighted for the Asia Experience model are included on the Tracksport, sans the safety harness and rollcage, which are optional.
Although Mercedes has not stated how many Tracksports will be made, only 35 Ultimate Experience Asia models will see the light of day, with total combined production commencing at a rate of 10 to 20 units per week. Estimated price for the road-going SLK Tracksport is 100,000 euro (equal to $141,100 CAD or $120,850 USD).
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| Of course, this being a race car, it also gets proper race seats and a roll cage. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
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| Wheels are a third lighter than the standard ones. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
It must be said, though, that those expecting to find a traditional manual or some new sort of sequential-manual gearbox will be disappointed by the fact that even this, the most honed SLK, uses a five-speed automatic. On the plus side it features two manual paddleshift modes; M1, which is equivalent to the standard manual mode on the production SLK 55 AMG, and M2, which produces faster, more hard-edged shifts.
To commemorate the Ultimate Experience Asia model, Mercedes-Benz
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| The Ultimate Experience Asia model will eventually spawn a production "Tracksport" model. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Although Mercedes has not stated how many Tracksports will be made, only 35 Ultimate Experience Asia models will see the light of day, with total combined production commencing at a rate of 10 to 20 units per week. Estimated price for the road-going SLK Tracksport is 100,000 euro (equal to $141,100 CAD or $120,850 USD).
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