![LARGE COG IN A SMALL MACHINE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1343918525/1677665049/articles/JLPmmogcb1678168195380/LARGE-COG-IN-A-SMALL-MACHINE.jpg)
MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 55 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is like a squirrel wielding a handgun: so small yet so powerful. What we have here is the German brand's baby roadster (in R172 guise) that, as if by magic, has had a 5.5-litre V8 engine squeezed under its bonnet. It's a unique and captivating proposition, yet one that's actually rather affordable.
And we don't just mean to buy, either, because its engine made this SLK the most fuel-efficient V8powered production car in the world on its debut in 2011. This is thanks to the unit's stop-start system, highpressure direct injection, intelligent ancillary power management and clever cylinder deactivation tech.
It emits 195g/km of CO2 and averages 33.6mpg officially. As a result, you won't pay extortionate amounts in fuel or tax, the latter of which comes in at £330. Without such reasonable running costs, the SLK 55 would probably be confined to weekend toy duties, but no, this hot rod can be a viable daily driver more so than its R171 predecessor.
This story is from the March 01, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 01, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![ABARTH 500E](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/5lHoa8hpD1725443252779/ABARTH-500E.jpg)
ABARTH 500E
Our electric hot hatch captures the zeitgeist in both good ways and bad
![MASERATI MC20](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/19FS63MY01725443084748/MASERATI-MC20.jpg)
MASERATI MC20
Lesser-spotted Italian supercar joins the fleet. Can it justify its hefty price tag?
![BMW M2](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/eZ1VGk5di1725442709549/BMW-M2.jpg)
BMW M2
Did this compact(ish) M car endear itself to us during its time here? We reveal all
![Donuts not welcome](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/2c-sDEfWu1725442206718/DONUTS-NOT-WELCOME.jpg)
Donuts not welcome
Tanoshi's meets are a new kind of modified car event. John Evans heads along
![TUNNEL VISIONARIES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/SlG2PIue41725441740265/TUNNEL-VISIONARIES.jpg)
TUNNEL VISIONARIES
The Eurotunnel service turns 30 this year, as does another groundbreaking cross-continent shuttle the Audi RS2. Stephen Dobie toasts their success
![The fabric of time](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/PhJfoFabr1725440636053/THE-FABRIC-OF-TIME.jpg)
The fabric of time
The new soft-top Roma Spider can trace its roots back 60 years to the 275 GTS that revolutionised front-engined Ferrari convertibles. Simon Hucknall drives them both
![AC SCHNITZER ACS2 SPORT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/Hh65M2XjK1725440449205/AC-SCHNITZER-ACS2-SPORT.jpg)
AC SCHNITZER ACS2 SPORT
Attention-grabbing German tuning firm turns up the wick on BMW's M2
![KIA EV6](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/pqD4kYpLP1725440183998/KIA-EV6.jpg)
KIA EV6
There are facelifts - you know, subtle design changes, maybe some new tech- and then there are 'facelifts' that are actually comprehensive revisions.
![VOLVO EX90](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/Y8Le2bGs81725435955724/VOLVO-EX90.jpg)
VOLVO EX90
New seven-seat SUV will soon join XC90 in showrooms as a technological trailblazer for Volvo's all-electric future
![Toyota holds firm on hydrogen](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1163/1820254/qNb3OQZZm1725435867733/TOYOTA-HOLDS-FIRM-ON-HYDROGEN.jpg)
Toyota holds firm on hydrogen
Japanese giant says infrastructure is crucial to its viability as future green vehicle fuel