The SLK is one of the top range in the Mercedes stable of vehicles and is produced with the aim of rivaling the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and Audi TT. It is made available in a few variants; namely the SLK 200, 280, 350 and 55 AMG. Amongst these, the SLK 200 has the lowest spec … but don’t get me wrong, overall it’s still a very good car and a real chick magnet. Who doesn’t want to own and drive a SLK, right? But the problem is, even with a sleek and sporty appearance, if it was to be park side by side with its other siblings, the 350 or 55 AMG, I’m sure this SLK 200 will look kind of ‘dull’.
Cliff, the owner of this featured SLK 200 acknowledges this and had thus decided to give his ride a make- over, one that is clearly different from his monstrous Mitsubishi EVO Tommy Makinen Edition that was featured some time back in our magazine. Then it was all about brute power, but now, the focus is on cosmetics. Let’s face it, the SLK 200 in its standard design is already a gorgeous and most would be satisfied in the looks department, but for Cliff, his ride just had to be drop dead gorgeous.
To realize this, Cliff had installed onto his SLK a full set of SLK55 AMG body kit, which is a higher version among the SLK variant. The magic word is AMG, a renowned tuner for the Mercedes marquees and has a long history with this German car manufacturer in motorsport event such as the DTM races.
Specification
|
|
Engine Mods & Upgrade
| Stock
|
E.C.U
| VSL Reflash
|
Transmission
| Stock
|
Exhaust
| AMG exhaust system
|
Suspension
| Eibach
|
Brakes
| AMG 6-pot (front), AMG 4-pot (rear)
|
Rims & Tyres
| 18-inch AMG Titanium / Dunlop tires 235/40/18 (front), 255/35R18 (rear)
|
Garage
| Podium Auto Gallery & Progressive Motorsports
|
Recommended Readings
Looking at this car took me back to my childhood days when the symbol of masculinity is the image of a tough looking cowboy smoking cigarette. The “Marlboro Man” is so famous; he was even mentioned in songs and movies – all which refer him as the last true macho man before the emergence of the metrosexuals.
Those were the days when cigarette companies could sponsor most major sporting events, locally and internationally. Remember the days when Dunhill used to sponsor our football league, Rothman could have its name etched at the most famous corner at the (late) Batu Tiga Speedway and Mitsubishi rally cars proudly marked with the famous Marlboro decal and colours? (FYI there is even a colour mix known as Marlboro red!).
All I’ve mentioned is history and almost forgotten by the younger generations. Mitsubishi and Subaru still maintained the colour of their former cigarette sponsors but the brand names had been totally emitted. Subaru has replaced the famous “555” decal with the now familiar boomerang shaped decal while Mitsubishi had removed the Marlboro name but still retains its original red and white colour.
| Specification | |
| Engine Mods & Upgrade | Forged piston 86mm, high cam HKS, Sard blow off valve, HKS adjustable cam pulley, crankshaft balance, Blitz air filter, 3” sus304 stainless intercooler pipe and Samco hoses, NGK Iridium spark plug (no9), Sard injectors 750cc, Sard fuel regulator
|
| E.C.U | Apexi AVCR, Apexi AFC and Apexi ignition control |
| Transmission | Stock 4wd, Ogura twin plate racing clutch, Exedy lighten flywheel
|
| Exhaust | 3” sus304 stainless steel, HKS racing muffler
|
| Suspension | D2 adjustable
|
| Brakes | Stock Brembo- 4pot (front), 2 pot (rear), Endless brake pads
|
| Rims & Tyres | RalliArt racing 17 x 8.5jj, Yokohama 235/45ZR17 tires
|
| Garage | Venis Bodykit & Sticker design
|
Recommended Readings
Under the bonnet of the ‘biru-bas-kilang’ AE86, is a four-throttle 1.6L, 16 valve, 4 cylinders 4AGE rev happy engine, which produces an estimated 160 bhp @ 7400 rpm. Although it may be enough for others, it definitely isn’t for the owner of the ‘blue bus’ as the power needed while drifting on a dry track is really demanding. As such, the whole engine internals was dismantled to ensure reliability is taken to the next level, which is near to perfection. Before being resembled, worn bearings and seals were replaced.
Specification
|
|
Engine Mods & Upgrade
| 4AGE Four Throttle Conversion, Standalone Ignition, Fully Rebuilt, Custom Intake Trumpet, Enlargen Throttle Body, Nitrous Oxide System
|
E.C.U
| NA
|
Transmission
| 5-Speed Manual, Super Single Clutch, LSD Rear Axle
|
Exhaust
| 4 to 1, Straigh Flow, Sports Muffler (Jasma)
|
Suspension
| Titan Adjustable
|
Brakes
| AE86 All Round Disc
|
Rims & Tyres
| 15-inch Volks Racing TE37 Wheels, Yokohama Advan Tyres
|
Garage
| NA
|
Recommended Readings