NEW GENERATION OF THE SLK FOR INTENSE DRIVING PLEASURE

The latest generation of the SLK blazes a trail of new sporty highlights, and bestows yet greater appeal on this two-seater sports car with its trendsetting vario-roof, that transforms it from roadster to weatherproof coupe in a matter of seconds.

The designers have honed the looks of the two-seater for added sportiness. Especially eye-catching is the restyled front bumper, featuring modified segmentation of the air intakes and a more pronounced V-shape, while the area around the Mercedes star is further emphasized. The designers have also redesigned the vehicle's rear section, with the diffuser-look styling giving the roadster an even more powerful appearance from behind.

Many of the interior's details have also been revised, and the interior has been refined as a whole by meticulous material selection. Particular care was taken to optimize the interior to make it that much more driver-focused. The focal point in this respect is formed by a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction controls, as well as a new instrument cluster with redesigned bezels.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is equipping the SLK with the new NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics components. This boasts improved user friendliness together with even more convenient functions. All audio systems come complete with built-in hands-free capability with Bluetooth technology. Also available is a new optional media interface in the glove compartment, which enables mobile audio devices such as the iPod to be fully integrated into the audio system and operated from its control panel.

The switch to the new telematics generation now sees Mercedes-Benz offering the optimized LINGUATRONIC voice control system, renowned for its outstanding operation, as an option in the SLK-Class for the first time.

Customers who wish to enjoy the ultimate acoustic experience, whether driving with the vario-roof up or down, can opt for the harman/kardon® Logic7® sound system. Here, the passenger compartment is filled by a rich surround sound, delivering crystal-clear listening pleasure of unprecedented quality for a roadster.

High-Revving Sports Engine: Added Power And Considerably Better Fuel Economy

Making a mighty contribution to the sporty billing of the 2008 generation of the SLK are reengineered engines which stand out by virtue of their lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. Most notably, the six-cylinder engine in the SLK 350 benefits from a substantial increase in output and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine – an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerizing performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers devoted particular attention to the high-revving V6 sports engine, making its debut in the new-generation SLK. By performing a major overhaul of the engine's mechanics, the engineers succeeded in giving the V6 unit a sporty new character. From an unaltered displacement of 3498 cubic centimeters it now musters 300 hp at 6,500 rpm, a whole 32 hp more than in the engine it replaces. Torque has also been increased (+ 7 lb-ft) and now peaks at 265 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm.

This has been achieved by raising the rev limit to 7,200 rpm, increasing the compression ratio, fitting a new intake manifold and making extensive modifications to the valvetrain.

The new engine also strikes a far more emotive-sounding note after being deliberately tuned to deliver resonant sports engine acoustics. When partnered by the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management furthermore blips the throttle automatically during downshifts – not only does this create a very sporty soundtrack, it helps to limit load-alteration effects too.

Other Engines To Choose From

The engine line-up for the second generation of the successful SLK-Class is being enhanced for the facelift:

· The SLK 300 has been optimized for lower fuel consumption, and therefore CO2 emissions. Its 3.0 liter V-6 produces 228 hp.

· At work under the hood of the SLK 55 AMG is the familiar 5.5-liter V8 powerplant delivering 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque.

Standard equipment for the SLK 300 includes a six-speed manual transmission, which provides fast, sporty gear changes coupled with supreme ease of shifting. The 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with seven speeds is optional on the SLK 300 and standard equipment on the SLK 350. The optional 7G-TRONIC Sport automatic transmission, with shift paddles on the steering wheel and shorter shift times, delivers even more performance in these two models. The AMG Speedshift 7G-TRONIC, which has been specifically tuned by AMG, comes with aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel in the SLK 55 AMG.

New Direct-Steer System For Immense Agility And Tangible Fun At The Wheel

A new direct-steer system with variable power assistance elicits the very best from the suspension's sporty capabilities. The system provides agility and maneuverability when driving on twisting rural roads, steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when traveling at high speed.

The direct-steer system is derived from the previous speed-sensitive power steering and operates purely mechanically. This dispenses with the need for sophisticated actuator units and complex sensors, which interfere with the direct flow of power between wheel and hand and therefore have a detrimental effect on steering precision. At the heart of the system is a new rack with ingeniously devised gearing that is designed to alter the steering gear ratio as the steering angle changes. Around the central position, the steering has an indirect ratio for good straight-line stability, resulting in excellent safety at high speeds. As soon as the steering wheel is turned past an angle of 5 degrees, the ratio increases rapidly and the steering feels far more direct. In this way, the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent with the new direct-steer system. Consequently, relatively small turns of the steering wheel are sufficient for changing course when driving in city traffic. Meanwhile, high-speed twisty sections of country roads can be negotiated safely, precisely and with enormous pleasure using relatively small steering movements.

The 2009 MY SLK models will make their U.S. showroom debut in April 2008.

by Mercedes-Benz

MERCEDES-BENZ SLK ROADSTER CELEBRATES TENTH YEAR IN U.S. 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 U.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 U.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.

Like the retractable hardtop of the larger SL model, the rear window of the latest SLK swivels to match the curvature of the top, providing nearly three more cubic feet of trunk room than its predecessor.

An Extended Driving Season

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.

A forged crankshaft with four main bearings is placed into the engine block, which features wide main-bearing saddles and transverse bearing supports that minimize vibration. Between the two cylinder banks, a balance shaft is installed that counter-rotates at crankshaft speed; its off-balance 'lobes' canceling out the inherent vibration of a 90-degree V6.

Iron-coated aluminum pistons are pinned onto forged steel connecting rods that are approximately 20 percent lighter than other comparable engines. The pistons slide into the cylinders, and the connecting rods are clamped around the crankshaft journals. The two cylinder heads are then bolted onto the block, and twin camshafts are installed in each head. The intake cams are driven by a double chain from the crankshaft, and small gears on both cams in turn drive the exhaust cams. The same duplex chain that drives both intake cams also loops under the balance shaft sprocket.

Double-wall exhaust piping keeps exhaust air hot leading down to twin catalytic converters, which promote additional downstream conversion of pollutants into carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Hardbody with a Hardtop

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.

by Mercedes-Benz

Roadster
Chassis number: WDBWK54F88F188385

This Mercedes-Benz SLK280 Convertible is powered by a 3.0-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. There is leather interior, premium wheels, retractable hardtop, 8-way power seats, and one touch power windows. Currently, there are 52,500 actual miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

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.

by Jessican Donaldson