Another day, another tuning story. This time it's Mercedes-Benz specialist Vath that has unveiled the V58 which is based on the SLK 55 AMG. The stock model comes with a 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 360HP and 510Nm of torque.
The increase of the V8 engine's displacement to 5.8-liters along with the addition of a compressor and a series of other measures including a new exhaust system and recalibrated ECU, just to mention a few, push output to 565 horsepower and 770Nm or 568 lb-ft. The extra kick in the pants allows the V58 SLK to top out at 310km/h or 193 mph.
Those interested will feel a similar kick in their pockets as the engine package alone costs a whopping €30,785 or about US$42,045.
Other performance upgrades include an optional a locking differential priced at €5,224 and what Vath describes as "its home-produced and patented fuel cooler" for an extra €2,070.
The list continues with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in tires size 235/35 at the front and 275/30 at the rear, an adjustable lowering kit (-20 to 65mm for €3,677), high-performance brake system (€6,009), carbon front spoiler (€1,404), rear diffuser (€1,952), an interior trim package (€2,975) plus Vath's sports steering wheel (€1,416).
And yes, we did the math and the price for the complete conversion (not including the cost of the alloy wheels and tires that was not announced) comes out to a total of €55,512 (about US$75,815). The price of a new SLK 55 AMG in Germany is €70,745.
So, in other words, a new Vath-prepped SLK V58 will end up costing you in Germany €126,257 (equal to US$172,430 at today's rates), or close to €6,000 more than a spanking-new and in our opinion, much more desirable 2010 Porsche 911 GT3.
