Originally Posted by NorCal DC4
Yes, actually, I did drive one once.. and yes, you have a good point.
The new car needs to be safe...but it doesn't need to be dull.
h:
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When I drove one of the original SLK 230 Kompressors..with the recirculating-ball steering rack and the auto transmission, I'll admit...it wasn't that awful.
h: But it was clearly built for cruising to the golf-club...not back-road burning. I was unimpressed.
Now since 1998 - when I drove that SLK230 - I'm sure the newer steering rack and 6-speed manual have helped things. And the V6 certainly helped.
But if you take out the 260± lb S/C'd V6 and casually throw in a 350± lb V8,
without paying attention to weight distribution and suspension tuning, then all the progress made thus far could be for naught. :dunno:
All in all, MBZ needs to be
very careful about keeping a car like the SLK55 AMG balanced and agile.
So there.
h:
I think I've succeeded in killing the thread with all this theoretical blabbering. :chuckles: Whoops.
It's got that new thing called a steering rack. Whoever thought of putting that in a sporty car is a genious.
Ok, for MB's sedans, recirc. ball steering was a wise choice, but that's gone too.
I can't imagine it will be too nose heavy, as I do believe the wheelbase has been lengthened to accomodate the V8. And since this is mercedes, it's probably aluminum block and head--very light. Kind of like when I laugh at people that think LS1's are heavy engines.
h: