Well, today my SRT6 joined the dearly departed cars of my memories to make room for its successor, an SLK55 AMG.

For anyone who doesn't know, the SLK55 is based the next generation R171 platform using a normally aspirated AMG 5.5L V8 and 7 speed automatic that can be shifted with steering wheel paddles or the shift lever.

Beyond the engines and transmissions what's different?
The SLK55 weighs about 200 lbs more, 3,420 vs 3,230. Pushing my personal limit on weight here.
HP is up in stock form from 349 to 355
Torque is up in stock form from 330 to 376
Stock for stock, the magazines tested the SRT6 at between 4.8 and 4.5 seconds 0-60 while the SLK55 has been tested at 4.3 seconds
Power mods are a lot tougher (more expensive) on an SLK55 without forced induction from the factory
The R170 recirculating ball steering has been replaced with a rack and pinion setup on the R171.....big improvement
Steering assist has been dialed waaay back
The SLK55 now has a full manual mode from the factory that was only available from tuners with the SRT6
A thorough modernization has taken place inside the passenger compartment
The SRT6 brakes were great but.....the SLK55 takes it up a notch with 6 piston calipers up front and 4 piston calipers in back with slotted/drilled rotors all around
The newer SLK55 has a lot less tire than the SRT6 but doesn't seem to suffer any traction loss
The sound.....Crossfire = whooshing sound from the supercharger vs SLK55 = aggressive V8 rasp and burble a la the Mustang Coyote engine.
Compression braking.....Crossfire = not so much vs SLK55 = who needs brakes?
The roof....Crossfire = fixed roof or ragtop vs SLK55 = folding hardtop, the best of both worlds
The price.....Crossfire = $46K - $50K new vs SLK55 = >$70K


The SLK55 I bought was pretty well loaded. Pretty much every option except for wood trim and the run flat tires.
Bi-Xenon headlights with heated headlight washers
Airscarf heaters for the back of your neck when the top is down
Heated seats
Seat memory
A proper modern Nav system and the Mercedes Comand controls
Power tilt & telescope steering wheel
6 disc CD changer
Auto dimming side and rear view mirrors
Digital dual zone climate controls
Satellite radio
Bluetooth
Driver information center with all kinds of info about the car
Steering wheel controls tied to the Comand system to control all sorts of stuff
Premium interior lighting with thoughtful lighting touches all over the cabin
Rain sensing wipers
Metallic paint (Caspian Blue)


A lot of that stuff simply wasn't available on a 2005 Crossfire.

As for looks yeah, the SLK55 is a lot prettier especially in Caspian Blue metallic paint and tan leather. But I still love the quirky art-deco styling of the Crossfire. There certainly wasn't anything else like it.

Well, this should take care of my Jones for sunshine. But I will remember my 26,000 miles in my SRT6 coupe fondly.

Not mine.....no pics yet..... but this is what mine looks like.