|
Price |
|
-- |
Production |
|
-- |
|
Engine |
3.5
liter V6 |
Weight |
-- |
|
Aspiration |
natural |
Torque |
-- |
|
HP |
305
hp @ 6500 rpm |
HP/Weight |
-- |
|
HP/Liter |
87.1
hp per liter |
1/4 mile |
-- |
|
0-62 mph |
-- |
Top Speed |
-- |
(from Daimler
Press Release) The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts.
Incorporating around 650 newly developed parts, the SLK models of
2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally
charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look
front and rear sections as well as a meticulously modified interior
with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel.
A fast-running V6 sports engine developing 224 kW/305 hp and an
optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold,
dynamic character of the two-seater SLK 350 to the fore.
Furthermore, all of the engines in the line-up are now far more
economical on fuel and, therefore, emit even less CO2, despite a
substantial increase in output in many cases. The new-generation SLK
models will be available from April 2008, costing between
36,503.25 and 69,049.75 incl. VAT.
Since their first
appearance in 1996, the compact SLK Roadsters have come to symbolise
Mercedes-Benz' dynamic brand image. Already a familiar sight on our
roads, the second-generation two-seater is to be further enhanced
with the implementation of a raft of measures in 2008, the aim being
to further emphasise the car's sporty character and continue the SLK-Class
success story by introducing new, dynamic, powerful elements. Some
310,000 first-generation roadster models were sold between 1996 and
2004. And around 185,000 customers some 60,000 of them in Germany
alone have already purchased the second-generation model since its
launch in March 2004 (figures at year-end 2007). This means that
total unit sales of the SLK Roadster are now approaching the
half-million mark.
The new-generation SLK
displays new sporty highlights, further enhancing the appeal of the
successful two-seater with the trendsetting vario-roof that
transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coup in a
matter of seconds.
Distinctive character: even more
pronounced arrow shape at the front end
and a diffuser-style rear end
The designers have given
the already dynamic-looking two-seater cult model an even sportier
appearance. Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper
with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow
shape. Plus the area around the Mercedes star has been restyled to
render it even more succinct. In addition, the designers have
modified the rear end by introducing a diffuser-style lower section
that makes the Roadster appear more powerful when viewed from behind
an effect that is enhanced considerably by the trapezoidal exhaust
tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights. The now larger
exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow
shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely
new.
High-quality cockpit and new
three-spoke sports steering wheel
Many of the interior
details have also been redesigned and upgraded following a careful
process of material selection. Particular importance was attached to
optimising the interior so as to make it even more driver-oriented.
Centrepieces include a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with
multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster with captivating
dial surrounds.
New "gullwing red"
leather appointments will be available reminiscent of the interior
appointments in the legendary 300 SL gullwing model. Further new
additions include nappa leather appointments in "natural beige",
which complement the new "pale burr walnut" and "black ash grain"
wood trims perfectly.
Enhanced audio and telematics
systems
Mercedes-Benz is
installing the new NTG 2.5 audio and telematics generation in the
SLK for the first time. It is easier to operate and offers an even
wider range of useful functions. Standard features integrated in
every radio include a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology
and a new media interface in the glove compartment, allowing the
full integration of mobile audio devices such as an iPod, which can
then be operated via the audio system's user interface.
Together with the new
telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the
LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an optional extra in
the SLK-Class for the first time.
Voluminous surround sound even
when the roof is open
Passengers can enjoy a
unique listening experience, regardless of whether the vario-roof is
open or closed, thanks to the optionally available harman kardon
Logic7 sound system. Rich and voluminous surround sound makes for
crystal-clear listening pleasure, the like of which has never before
been associated with a roadster.
Fast-running sports engine: higher
output and much lower fuel consumption
The sporty credentials
of the 2008 SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified
powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2.
The four-cylinder powerplant in the SLK 200 Kompressor and the
six-cylinder sports engine in the SLK 350 both offer substantially
more power and torque. Only the SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar
engine an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its
mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling
point in the SLK segment.
The Mercedes-Benz
engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports
engine that makes its debut in the new-generation SLK, totally
altering the six-cylinder unit's character by making sweeping
changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains
the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500
rpm some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor. The peak torque
has also been boosted, by 10 Nm, and now stands at 360 Nm when the
engine is running at 4900 rpm.
This result was achieved
by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be
increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period oil temperature and other
engine parameters permitting. Other changes introduced include a
higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively
modified valve train.
Further aspects which
add to the emotionally charged appeal of the new engine include
deliberately powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly
emotive sound design when decelerating. In combination with the 7G‑TRONIC
automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the
throttle automatically during downshifts. As well as producing an
extremely sporty sound, this throttle-blipping function reduces load
alteration effects.
Despite the higher
output and high-calibre performance, the SLK 350 consumes
considerably less fuel. With the six-speed manual transmission on
board, combined fuel consumption is just 9.5 litres per 100 km, a
remarkable reduction of 1.1 litres per 100 km; if the 7G-TRONIC
automatic transmission is fitted, the sports powerplant returns a
combined fuel consumption of just 9.2 litres per 100 km an
improvement of 0.9 litres compared to its predecessor. Lower fuel
consumption means that CO2 emissions are also reduced by 23 g/km
to 219 g/km in the automatic version and by 28 g/km to 227 g/km in
the manual version.
Three further engines to choose
from
The engine line-up for
the second generation of the successful SLK-Class is being augmented
by three further variants:
-
The output of the
four-cylinder supercharged engine has been boosted by 15 kW/21
hp (to 135 kW/184 hp), while its torque has been increased from
240 to 250 Nm. Combined fuel consumption has been cut by 1.0
litres to 7.7 litres per 100 km whilst CO2 emissions have been
reduced by 27 g/km to 182 g/km.
-
The SLK 280 has also
been further improved with respect to fuel economy and,
therefore, CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption has been cut by 0.4
litres to 9.3 litres per 100 km (if an automatic transmission is
fitted, the figure is 0.2 litres lower at 9.1 litres per 100
km), while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 11 g to 220 g/km
(if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 6 g lower
at 216 g/km).
-
The SLK 55 AMG is
still equipped with the familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant
developing 265 kW/360 hp and a peak torque of 510 Nm.
Standard equipment for
the three new SLK models includes a precise six-speed manual
gearshift, while the SLK 55 AMG still comes with the 7G‑TRONIC Sport
seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. Optional
extras available include a five-speed automatic transmission for the
SLK 200 and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission or,
alternatively, the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the
steering wheel for the six-cylinder SLK 280 and SLK 350 models.
New direct-steer system for
outstanding agility and tangible driving pleasure
A newly developed direct
steering system with variable steering assistance, available as an
optional extra (standard for the SLK 55 AMG), further highlights the
qualities of the sporty chassis, combining agility and
manoeuvrability when driving on twisting rural roads with steering
comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when
travelling at high speed.
The direct- steer system
is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering
system and operates by purely mechanical means, meaning that there
is no need for elaborate actuators and complex sensors. At its heart
is a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering
gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. The ratio is
indirect when the steering is in or around the central position so
as to ensure excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a
high degree of assuredness when travelling at high speed. At a
steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase
extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a
result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock
is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is
fitted. This means that, even in city traffic, relatively little
steering wheel movement is required to correct the car's path. Fast
sequences of bends on rural roads can be negotiated almost
intuitively with relatively small steering movements with
assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving enjoyment.
Visually enhanced SLK 55 AMG
On a technical level,
the SLK 55 AMG remains almost unchanged. The only differences are a
few visual enhancements. The front end of the AMG model now features
a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as
well as darkened headlamps.
The trendsetting SLK
As trendsetters and
technology leaders, the SLK-Class Roadsters have long enjoyed the
image of a modern cult car. Even after the extensive modifications,
the familiar outstanding qualities remain, for example, the vario-roof
that transforms the roadster into a coup in 22 seconds, not to
mention the extensive standard-equipment package, including
head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage
belt-force limiters. Plus the roadster also comes with the option of
the unique AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows open-top
driving pleasure all year round, even in winter.
