SLK Offers Three 2008 Models With Innovative Retractable Hardtops
For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe/roadster line features the new 'Edition 10' anniversary model, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 1998 SLK roadster's dramatic debut onto the Ú.S. automotive scene. Sporting the first retractable hardtop in modern times, the SLK started an industry trend toward hardtop convertibles that's still going strong. Available as an SLK280 or SLK350 with a limited-production run of 700 cars, the Edition 10 package is comprised of 17-inch 'chrome-shadow' wheels, tinted taillights, red stitching on black leather seats, the innovative AIRSCARF heating package, standard 7-speed automatic transmission and Edition 10 badging. The Edition 10 joins the 2008 SLK line that also includes the high-value SLK280, powered by a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6; the SLK350 with a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6; and the high-performance SLK55 AMG, fitted with a 355-hp AMG V8.Design Cues from the F1 World
After shaking up the small roadster market when it was introduced ten years ago, the second-generation SLK wowed the public again when it hit Ú.S. streets in 2004. Inspired by the world of Formula One racing, the exterior design of the SLK incorporates an arrow-shaped nose, a sleek front hood, sloped windshield and a handsome, tapered silhouette. Aggressive styling carries through to the rear, punctuated by dual exhausts. Dominating the SLK cockpit are large chronometer-style gauges – speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer and clock – with silver switches and trim elements that contrast against a darker sculpted dash.Zero to 22 Seconds for Open-Air Driving
The automatic retractable hardtop of the SLK sets it apart from the competition. With the top up, it's a quiet coupe – push a button, and the car is topless. The roof of the current SLK goes up and down in 22 seconds, and the folded roof takes up surprisingly little trunk space – thanks to its pivoting rear window.
The optional AIRSCARF system (standard on the Edition 10) can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Built into the seatbacks of the SLK, the neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler weather. AIRSCARF even compensates automatically for vehicle speed. V6 Engine with Variable Valve Timing
The SLK280 and SLK350 use advanced engine technology that's characterized by four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing, which requires separate camshafts for the intake and exhaust valves. Whether it's the 3.0- or 3.5-liter version, the twin-cam V6 develops more than 80 percent of its maximum torque at only 1,500 rpm. While variable valve timing gets much of the credit for the engine's unusually broad torque curve, a two-stage intake manifold plays a key role as well. Other high-tech engine features include tumble flaps that increase gas mileage by creating additional turbulence in the intake passages at part throttle.The High-Tech V6 from Start to Finish
A pressure-cast aluminum cylinder block uses innovative cast-in silicon-aluminum cylinder sleeves and low-friction surfaces that allow very low piston-ring spring tension. The sleeves are cast separately, but rather than being pressed into the block, the block is cast around them. In the process, the outer 20 percent of each sleeve melts, bonding to the block to provide exceptional block stiffness while minimizing weight.
The SLK's unibody uses an impressive amount of high-strength steel alloy – 42 percent of the total structure – and the entire body shell is zinc-coated for long-term corrosion protection. The SLK makes use of a scratch-resistant clearcoat paint that was initially developed in the nano-technology sector. Ceramic particles less than a millionth of a millimeter in size are part of the molecular structure of the paint bonding agent, and as the paint dries, these particles form a regular, dense pattern that greatly enhances its scratch resistance. Rigorous laboratory car wash tests show a 40% improvement in gloss retention.One of the Safest Open Cars
The SLK is considered one of the safest roadsters in the world. In addition to its integrated roll bars and two-stage front air bags for both the driver and passenger, the SLK is also equipped with dual knee bags and head-thorax air bags which are located in the seat backs and deploy in the event of a side impact that exceeds the deployment threshold. The top edge of the fully-inflated head-thorax air bags reaches above the top edge of the seat back to help provide better head and neck protection similar to the curtain-type air bags on hardtop Mercedes models.Stopping power for the SLK350 is provided by perforated and ventilated 13-inch front disc brakes and solid 11.4-inch rear discs, with two-piston calipers at the front and rear. Brakes on the high-performance SLK55 AMG are even bigger, with four-piston calipers in front and two-piston calipers at the rear. Like all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the SLK comes equipped with ESP stability control, a Mercedes innovation that can help prevent slides and spins, especially in slippery weather. ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and prevent it by applying the brakes to individual wheels or reducing engine power. In addition, full-range traction control provides safer travel on slippery road surfaces. Also standard on the SLK is Brake Assist, which can detect an emergency or 'panic' stop (based on how quickly the brake pedal is applied) and deliver full braking power, helping to reduce stopping distances.Source - Mercedes-Benz
Related Reading : Mercedes-Benz SLK History
Animal, muscular, poised, predatory and competitive, those are the words used to describe the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Mercedes-Benz designers and engineers continue to remain the world leaders in created a peerless and beautiful vehicle.For 1998 Mercedes Benz chose to unveil something different a 2-passenger sports car with a supercharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine. Rather than a soft top though,....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Mercedes-Benz
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2007
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Related Automotive News
THE McLAREN F1
FOR THE DRIVER VITALLY – AS IN ONE OF McLARENS WORLD CHAMPION RACING CARS – DRIVER AND VEHICLE BECOME ENTIRELY AS ONE
The primary design consideration for the McLaren F1 has been to make it without reserve a drivers car, an extremely high-performance...
INFINITI ANNOUNCES U.S. PRICING FOR 2016 Q50 2.0T AND Q50 HYBRID PREMIUM MODELS
First two of four available Q50 engines available now, new 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo-equipped models to follow later this year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti today announced pricing for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 2.0t and Q50 Hybrid Premium model...
THE 2015 NISSAN LINEUP: CHARTING THE CHANGES
Nissans U.S. sales have significantly outperformed the industry in 2014, up 12.7 percent CYTD through June. Sales have been led by the recently redesigned Altima, Rogue and Sentra – along with other models such as LEAF (29.4), JUKE (44.9), Frontier...
2014 E250 BlueTEC Sedan Gets 45 MPG EPA Highway Rating
Class-Leading Fuel Economy and Powertrain
The newest Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the 2014 E250 BlueTEC sedan - has achieved an impressive estimated EPA rating of 45 miles per gallon on the highway and 28 mpg around town. The first diesel E-Class to...
2014 HONDA PILOT – THE MOST FUEL EFFICIENT EIGHT-PASSENGER SUV, AND STILL THE ULTIMATE FAMILY ADVENTURE VEHICLE
09052013 - TORRANCE, Calif. Designed as the Ultimate Family Adventure Vehicle and boasting the highest EPA-rated fuel economy any eight-passenger family SUV, the award-winning Honda Pilot is back for 2014 and goes on sale today with a manufacturers...