Germans are serious about engineering, and AMG, the Mercedes-Benz performance firm, is serious about making cars go very fast in both straight lines and around curves. So naturally, they dropped a supercharged, 5.5-liter V8 into the company's smallest two-seat roadster, and then rolled it out at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show for the North American press and public to ooooh and aaaah at.

Low weight and big power equals damn quick. The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG produces 355 horsepower, 376 lb.-ft. of torque, and acceleration to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Onlookers can tell it's the AMG version of the SLK roadster by A.) choking on acrid tire smoke when you blaze away from a stoplight or B.) the subtle styling modifications that give the engine away.

Mercedes adds a deeper front air dam, more prominent side skirts, a rear lip spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets to the 2005 SLK55 AMG. Twin-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels fill the wells, and inside are significantly bolstered sport seats covered with Nappa leather upholstery. AMG gauges and a special steering wheel complete the cosmetic changes.

Mechanically, in addition to the large V8 engine, the SLK55 AMG receives a Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission that the driver can shift manually using buttons located on the steering wheel, if desired. Ventilated and perforated lightweight disc brakes have been added, and an AMG sport suspension ensures competent handling in the twisties.

Of course, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG contains many of the unique features found on the SLK 350, such as a retractable hardtop that lowers in 22 seconds, an Airscarf heating system from the driver's and passenger's necks, and side-impact airbags that help to protect the head and torso in an accident. Stability control, traction control, and brake assist are all standard equipment.

Eventually, every model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup will get the AMG treatment. The 2005 SLK55 AMG is the latest in a long line of impressive performance machines, and the first of many more to come.

By Christian J. Wardlaw