Mercedes-Benz established segment for premium compact roadsters with its SLK in 1996SLK remains market leader in core market of Western EuropeNew generation is even sportier with less fuel consumptionStuttgart - With the delivery of the 500,000th vehicle since its market launch in 1996, Mercedes-Benz has now reached another milestone with the successful SLK compact roadster. All in all, about 310,000 customers opted for a model from the first generation of this dynamic two-seater, and its successor has now sold 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has
Concurrent with the market launch of the updated Mercedes SLK-Class, BRABUS 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 sporty-yet 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 o
The Mercedes-Benz SLK was already a great car; however try telling Danish tuners at Kleemann that. They have transformed this car into the Kleeman D-SCK Concept. The vehicle uses the SLK 55 AMG engine which has been tuned to pump out 540 hp, and you need better brakes to handle that power, and the eight-piston [...]
"Even with the vario-roof down, the SLK roadster offers an enveloping surround experience with superior harmonic richness from stereo and 5.1 recordings setting a new standard in cars of this class," said Stephanie Sauter, global brand and product marketing manager for Harmon Kardon.Read more...
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLKSince 1996, Mercedes-Benz has sold over a half million SLKs, making it best-selling luxury roadster in the world, bar none. To keep the competition at bay, Mercedes has tweaked all three grades of its retractable-hardtop hottie.But first, let's look at the lineup: For 2009, all models get new shoes and a nose job -- trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look. Larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps round out the front-end revisions. The back has been cleaned up, too; taillamps are now tinted, exhaust tips are squared off, and the accent lines have been rubbed out. The lower valence has been styled to look like a diffuser.Interior changes are even harder to spot: Redesigners freshened up the instrument cluster and head unit, whic
The real breathtaking sporty experience with the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will be even more exciting because of critical improvements made. The new models of the SLK for next year will be equipped with freshly developed performance parts including features and designs that completely match the spirit of the sports car. All of these advancements release the [...]
The image we showed you yesterday of the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been proven to be the real deal as the German automaker has officially unveiled the new roadster this morning. As we reported yesterday, the tweaks to the SLK’s front end bring it even more in line with the style of an F1 car’s nose, for better or worse, while the rear actually gets a cleaner, smoother look with a faux diffuser affixed between the trapezoidal tailpipes. In addition to exterior enhancements, the 2009 model also gets an updated interior with an instrument panel design we actually find appealing and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The availability of “gullwing red” leather for the seats and interior trim that harkens back to the appointments of the original 300 SL is also a nice touch. Two new heavily revised engines join the familiar 5.5L V8 of the AMG model that carries over, including a revised kompressor (supercharged) four-cylinder producing 184 hp/184 lb.-ft of
STUTTGART, Germany — With the next-generation SLK still nearly three years away, Mercedes-Benz is readying a midcycle face-lift for the 2009 model.
Due to reach European showrooms next spring just after its public debut at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, the updated SLK gets new front- and rear-end styling, an updated cockpit and enhanced mechanicals.
The 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350 gets a boost in output to 305 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved with both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearboxes. The supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the SLK200 Kompressor receives a bump to 184 hp and 184 lb-ft. But the 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG is carried over with no major changes.
Mercedes is also offering a new direct-steering system with variable assist as an option on the SLK; it’s standard on the SLK55 AMG.
Visual changes include a new front bumper with modified airdam and a more pronounced arrow shape to emphasize the relationsh
Mercedes's next-generation SLK, the 2009 model of a midcyle face-lift, is to make public debut at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, March 2008. And the European pricing of updated 2009 SLK will range from € 36,503.25 to € 69,049.75.The 2009 Mercedes SLK Roadster gets new front- and rear-end styling, an updated cockpit and enhanced mechanicals. And the 2009 SLK provides three engine choices: a 184 horsepower supercharged four-cylinder, a 305 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and the current 5.5-liter V8 found in the Mercedes AMG model.The 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350 gets a boost in output to 305 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved with both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearboxes.The supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the SLK200 Kompressor receives a bump to 184 hp and 184 lb-ft. But the 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG is carried over with no major changes.Mercedes is also offering a new direct-steering system with variable assist as an option
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.
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Mercedes-Benz have released the first official images of the new SLK Class Roadster. this updated car features 650 new parts of which the most obvious are the new nose and tail body sections. The nose continues the Formula 1 inspired theme further while the rear benefits from a diffuser-style lower section and new tail lights.All of the engines in the new 2008 line-up are more economical on fuel and have lower emissions despite a an increase in power in many cases. The V6 of the SLK 350 has received special attention and now generates 305 hp a rise of 33 hp over its predecessor. The various modifications to this engine now allow it to red-line at 7200 rpm rather than the previous 6800 rpm.Mercedes have developed a new direct-steer system for the SLK which will be standard in the SLK 55 AMG version and an option for the other models. This system allows variable steering assistance to give better feel for sporting driving. The SLK 55 AMG is technically unchanged but will receive a new fr
DaimlerChrysler's little roadster SLK is about to get a facelift. The photos are showing a prototype during some testing on the roads of Stuttgart. It has still some disguise over the front and rear end, meaning that the car will get new head- and taillights, and a new front skirt with new air intakes. The two seater SLK was first launched in 1996. In 2004 an AMG version with V8 engine (360 HP) came on the market, and now an overall facelift for the line up is expected to launch in 2008.*The images are courtesy of WorldCarFans.[Source: WorldCarFans]Follow the jump for two additional shots.
