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2008 Brabus SLK news, pictures, and information
The Very Latest from BRABUS for the New SLK Models
Engine Tuning With up to 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW and Exclusive AccessoriesConcurrent with the market launch of the updated Mercedes SLK-Class, BRABUS (www.brabus.com) presents an exclusive customization program. The palette of products ranges from engine tuning with up to 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW of power to a sportyyet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement program, and includes custom-tailored light-alloy wheels and suspensions as well as individual interior options.
For the top-of-the-line SLK55 AMG model, BRABUS offers its 6.1 S displacement engine. It has a rated power output of 445 hp (438 hp SAE net) / 327 kW and produces a peak torque of 635 Nm (468 lb-ft). Power is transferred to the road via a modified seven-speed automatic gearbox and a custom-developed BRABUS limited-slip differential. With a sprint time from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (191 mph) the BRABUS tuned roadster sets new standards in its class.
All BRABUS engines are lubricated with ARAL high-performance motor oil and all are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles (see BRABUS warranty conditions as of November 2006).
The installation of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust system is beneficial not only for tuned engines. Its four chrome-plated tailpipes give the SLK a more exclusive appearance and produce an even more sonorous exhaust note on all SLK engines.
For the updated SLK the BRABUS designers have once again made use of the wind tunnel to develop an aerodynamic-enhancement package in OEM quality that in combination with the chrome-plated BRABUS roadster roll bars lends the two-seater a sporty yet elegant appearance.
The striking BRABUS front spoiler reduces lift on the front axle at high speeds. BRABUS headlamp inserts with daytime running lights further improve driving safety.
BRABUS rocker panels smooth the airstream between front and rear wheels, and give the new-generation SLK a longer, sleeker appearance. Integrated entrance lights illuminate the ground on either side of the SLK and make getting in and out of the car safer in the dark.
The rear of the SLK is upgraded by the BRABUS apron with cutouts for the quad sport exhaust and the understated BRABUS spoiler lip on the trunk lid.
BRABUS light-alloy wheels are available for the Mercedes SLK in one-piece or multi-piece designs with diameters of 17, 18 and 19 inches. The large selection of BRABUS Monoblock rims in four different designs starts with 8.5Jx17 Monoblock A wheels that come with an EG general operating certificate. The largest tire/wheel combination for the SLK features BRABUS Monoblock VI, E or S wheels in size 8.5Jx19 in front and in size 9.5Jx19 on the rear axle. BRABUS recommends high-performance tires from BRABUS technology partners YOKOHAMA or Pirelli in size 225/35 ZR 19 on the front axle and in size 255/30 ZR 19 in back.
The available BRABUS suspension modifications for the SLK are specifically calibrated to the use with such sporty wide tires. Engine-specific BRABUS sport springs lower the ride height of the roadster by some 30 millimeters. BRABUS sport suspensions combine this lowered center of gravity with a firmer yet comfortable damper setup. To reduce body roll further in fast corners BRABUS offers stronger sway bars.
BRABUS also offers various versions of high-performance brake systems for the new SLK. The largest version features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 355-mm (14 inches) vented and slotted discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 300-mm (11.8 inches) discs and four-piston aluminum fixed calipers. Special flex-steel brake lines ensure continuous high brake pressure.
The stylish customization of the SLK cockpit is yet another BRABUS specialty. The list of available components includes highly polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, various versions of the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and a speedometer with 330-km/h (206 mph) dial. Especially exclusive is an interior upholstered with soft yet durable Mastik leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS upholsterers don't limit themselves to working on seats, door panels, dashboard and center console: Upon customer request they'll meticulously sew miles of thread to cover floor, rear firewall and driveshaft tunnel with waffle-patterned leather.Source - Brabus
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, the SLK featured a metal roof that powered down at the touch of a button into the trunk for stowage. Taking only 25 seconds, the trunklid opened forward for cargo, and tilted from the rear to raise or lower the top.
SLK stands for sporty, light, and compact in German. The design work behind the SLK stemmed from the compact C-Class sedan. The presence of the supercharged engine was marked with a 'Kompressor' badge on the front fenders. The Mercedes SLK only offered a 5-speed automatic transmission. Traction control, door-mounted side airbags and antilock brakes were standard features. When a special Mercedes child seat was installed, a 'BabySmart' feature automatically deactivated the right-side airbags. For 1997 the SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list.
For the second year, the Mercedes-Benz SLK received a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and the previously standard automatic transmission was now an option. A new Sport package was offered and included 'aero' lower-body cladding and performance tires on 17-inch wheels rather than the usual 16-inch wheels. Also becoming standard on the SLK was Mercedes 'Brake Assist' feature that automatically provided full braking force in emergency stops.
Not many changes were made for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK except for the addition of free scheduled maintenance to the SLK's warranty coverage.
For 2001 the SLK added the SLK320 into its lineup. The SLK320 featured a 215-hp V6 engine with an additional 5 horsepower and standard 6-speed manual transition. The following year a new SLK32 AMG model was unveiled. A supercharged version on the V6, the SLK32 AMG featured modifications to suspension, bodywork, transmission and interior by Mercedes AMG performance team. The SLK32 AMG had a 3.2 liter engine and was available in limited qualities in the U.S. and went from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was direct competition to the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. The SLK 32 AMG was only offered with automatic transmission and came with a hand built engine.
The SLK 320 was built in South Africa, rather than in Bremen, Germany. On January 29, 1997, the very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed, while the last was built on April 7, 2004.
The SLK230 and 320 Sport package now mimicked the SLK32's lower-body aero trim, projector-beam fog lamps and wheels. For 2003 the Mercedes SLK remained unchanged. In 2004 the SLK featured a special edition package that was only available for the year for the SLK230 and the SLK320. This special edition package included 17-inch wheels, exterior chrome accents, a body-colored grille and Nappa leather sports seats and roll bar. The SLK200 wasn't available for sale or purchase in the U.S., but overseas- and those who utilized the gray market in the U.S. – received a more economic and fuel efficient and slightly toned down 2.0 136 horsepower engine that was found in the SLK200.
The second generation of the SLK was unveiled in 2005, the R171. The retractable hard top SLK350 was returned to the market with enhanced handling, the power of a 3.5 liter V6, and a more uses friendly and elaborately detailed interior. The SLK350 Roadster was featured in 2006 along with the SLK280. Keeping most of the same features and options as the SLK350, the 280 was offered as a less costly option for a 3.0 V6 engine.
In 2007 the SLK55 AMG was released and built in very limited quantities and for high performance drivers. This version came equipped with a 5.4 liter V8 engine, 18 inch chrome wheels, and a sports car designed suspension with brakes and tires to match. The interior of the SLK55 AMG featured heated Napa leather upholstery and detailed luxury sport trim and control panels.
For this same year, no major changes were made to the Mercedes Benz SLK 350 or SLK 280 cabrioles or coupes. The public weighed in and the overwhelming review was that the SLK was spectacular with invigorating and responsive handling.Jessica Donaldson
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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, the SLK featured a metal roof that powered down at the touch of a button into the trunk for stowage. Taking only 25 seconds, the trunklid opened forward for cargo, and tilted from the rear to raise or lower the top.
SLK stands for sporty, light, and compact in German. The design work behind the SLK stemmed from the compact C-Class sedan. The presence of the supercharged engine was marked with a 'Kompressor' badge on the front fenders. The Mercedes SLK only offered a 5-speed automatic transmission. Traction control, door-mounted side airbags and antilock brakes were standard features. When a special Mercedes child seat was installed, a 'BabySmart' feature automatically deactivated the right-side airbags. For 1997 the SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list.
For the second year, the Mercedes-Benz SLK received a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and the previously standard automatic transmission was now an option. A new Sport package was offered and included 'aero' lower-body cladding and performance tires on 17-inch wheels rather than the usual 16-inch wheels. Also becoming standard on the SLK was Mercedes 'Brake Assist' feature that automatically provided full braking force in emergency stops.
Not many changes were made for the 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK except for the addition of free scheduled maintenance to the SLK's warranty coverage.
For 2001 the SLK added the SLK320 into its lineup. The SLK320 featured a 215-hp V6 engine with an additional 5 horsepower and standard 6-speed manual transition. The following year a new SLK32 AMG model was unveiled. A supercharged version on the V6, the SLK32 AMG featured modifications to suspension, bodywork, transmission and interior by Mercedes AMG performance team. The SLK32 AMG had a 3.2 liter engine and was available in limited qualities in the U.S. and went from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was direct competition to the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. The SLK 32 AMG was only offered with automatic transmission and came with a hand built engine.
The SLK 320 was built in South Africa, rather than in Bremen, Germany. On January 29, 1997, the very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed, while the last was built on April 7, 2004.
The SLK230 and 320 Sport package now mimicked the SLK32's lower-body aero trim, projector-beam fog lamps and wheels. For 2003 the Mercedes SLK remained unchanged. In 2004 the SLK featured a special edition package that was only available for the year for the SLK230 and the SLK320. This special edition package included 17-inch wheels, exterior chrome accents, a body-colored grille and Nappa leather sports seats and roll bar. The SLK200 wasn't available for sale or purchase in the U.S., but overseas- and those who utilized the gray market in the U.S. – received a more economic and fuel efficient and slightly toned down 2.0 136 horsepower engine that was found in the SLK200.
The second generation of the SLK was unveiled in 2005, the R171. The retractable hard top SLK350 was returned to the market with enhanced handling, the power of a 3.5 liter V6, and a more uses friendly and elaborately detailed interior. The SLK350 Roadster was featured in 2006 along with the SLK280. Keeping most of the same features and options as the SLK350, the 280 was offered as a less costly option for a 3.0 V6 engine.
In 2007 the SLK55 AMG was released and built in very limited quantities and for high performance drivers. This version came equipped with a 5.4 liter V8 engine, 18 inch chrome wheels, and a sports car designed suspension with brakes and tires to match. The interior of the SLK55 AMG featured heated Napa leather upholstery and detailed luxury sport trim and control panels.
For this same year, no major changes were made to the Mercedes Benz SLK 350 or SLK 280 cabrioles or coupes. The public weighed in and the overwhelming review was that the SLK was spectacular with invigorating and responsive handling.Jessica Donaldson
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Automobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com
subscribe - RSSAutomobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com