Have It Your Way: Mercedes-AMG Unveils Customizing Studio

Date posted: 07-22-2006

AFFALTERBACH, Germany — Mercedes-AMG on Friday announced it is opening a new performance studio here that is set up to grant customers' individual requests, from special paint jobs and cutting-edge audio to unique made-to-order models.

To inaugurate the new studio, it debuted the new SLK 55 AMG Black Series, a special coupe version of the eight-cylinder roadster.

The SLK 55 AMG Black Series will go on sale by the end of July at a price of $136,019, the company said. It will be equipped with an upgraded AMG 5.5-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It will be outfitted with a high-strength carbon roof, 19-inch AMG forged wheels, AMG adjustable suspension and a high-performance composite brake system.

The performance house said it will also debut a limited batch of 100 units of the 582-hp CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet at a price of $352,180. Mercedes-AMG describes this vehicle as the "world's fastest open-top four-seater." It can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 4 seconds.

Mercedes-AMG said the Performance Studio team will be able to make "very specific technical modifications including AMG sports chassis, AMG high-performance brakes, AMG wheel/tire combinations, limited-slip differentials, and customized interior features."

"We are receiving more and more requests from AMG fans and sports-car enthusiasts from around the world for even more dynamic vehicles, special equipment features and specific components," said Volker Mornhinweg, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. "The new Performance Studio makes it possible for us to meet these requests."

What this means to you: If you can dream it — and have the cash to back it up — they can build it.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116253