New MB SLK 55 AMG is official FIA Formula 1 Safety Car

Press Release

Engine and drive: characteristic V8 sound with optimised cooling

The engine and drive of the unique Mercedes-AMG SLK greatly resemble their series production versions. The 5.5-litre V8 engine from AMG delivers 265 kW/360 hp and accelerates the silver two-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in under five seconds. What’s more, its convincing eight-cylinder sound is sure to appeal to racing fans watching at the track or on TV. The sports car was given a newly developed exhaust system with reduced back pressure and a special sound for Formula 1 use. And to ensure that even the toughest of weather conditions are no problem, the SLK 55 AMG safety car is also fitted with a high-performance water cooler, two engine oil coolers in the sides of the front apron and a larger transmission oil cooler. The rear differential has cooling fins and a separate cooler installed into the rear valence. The air stream is distributed through it by a diffuser, thus helping to prevent the rear-axle oil from overheating. When the car is stationary, an electric fan is employed to increase safety even further.

Roof lights send out clear signals to the Formula 1 drivers

Two visual features make the safety car stand out from the series-produced SLK 55 AMG: the FIA Formula 1 logos and the light system on the roof. The green lights are turned on by Mayländer’s co-driver, Peter Tibbets (UK) from the FIA, when the safety car pulls out and first has to overtake all of the racing cars. As soon as the safety car has taken the lead, the orange light signals to the Formula 1 drivers that overtaking is strictly forbidden. The white strobe lights in the headlights and tail lights remain active whenever the car is in use and have a neutral signal function. To enable communication with the race organisers, the safety car is equipped with a radio system, a TV monitor and cameras installed inside and out. This extra equipment requires a separate electrical circuit with a second generator. The very special character of the new Mercedes-AMG FIA safety car is typified by the two bucket seats with four-point seatbelts, the exclusive black-and-silver leather fittings, Formula 1 tread panels, a particularly eye-catching AMG sports steering wheel and high-quality carbon trim.

C 55 AMG estate: Medical car for Formula 1 chief medical officer Sid Watkins

Professor Sid Watkins, the official FIA Grand Prix chief medical officer, now has a new Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG estate as a medical car to ensure that he can reach and treat racing drivers who have been involved in an accident as quickly as possible. The communication system, chassis and brakes of the high-performance car, which is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine that delivers 270 kW/367 hp, were remodelled especially for the Formula 1 world championships. On the monitor of the medical car’s COMAND system, the occupants can follow the race live. The car also boasts a radio system for communicating with the race organisers, roof lights and strobe lights front and rear. A high level of safety for Professor Sid Watkins and the three medical assistants is guaranteed by four-point belts at each seat. The roomy boot of the C55 AMG estate houses a complete emergency aid kit to treat severely injured patients.

Cooperation between production and overall vehicle development at AMG

AMG production, which specialises in small-batch series and customised individual components, and the test team from AMG overall vehicle development were responsible for the development, track tests and bodywork of the two safety cars and two medical cars (one main vehicle and one replacement in each case). The engineers and technicians responsible were greatly helped by the company’s 37 years of experience in motor sports and the development of high-performance sports cars. Numerous test drives were conducted at different Formula 1 tracks in order to determine the chassis tuning and ensure that of all the components satisfy strict safety requirements. Racing driver Bernd Mayländer was involved in every stage of the development. Two highly qualified AMG engineers are overseeing the operation of the AMG vehicles at all 18 Formula 1 race meetings.

Six generations of Mercedes-AMG safety cars since 1996

Following in the footsteps of the C 36 AMG (1996), the first CLK 55 AMG (since 1997), the CL 55 AMG (since 2000), the SL 55 AMG (since 2001) and the CLK 55 AMG (2003), the new SLK 55 AMG is the sixth official safety car from Mercedes-AMG. An AMG E-Class coupe with a V8 engine was employed as a medical car as far back as 1984. The activities of Mercedes-AMG testify to the long-standing involvement of DaimlerChrysler in the Formula 1.