The Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG was the performance variant for the R172 SLK-Class. Introduced in 2012, the SLK 55 AMG featured a range of improvements such as larger brakes and upgraded suspension in order to give the car better dynamic abilities. This series of cars was equipped with Mercedes' M152 DE55 engine, which was a 5.5L naturally aspirated V8 that sent 415hp to the rear wheels via a 7 speed automatic transmission. Production of the R172 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG ended in 2015, when Mercedes decided to rename the SLK into the SLC-Class.