Mercedes Benz SLK Class

Affalterbach – The SLK 55 AMG is now even more dynamic: a new front apron and dark-tinted headlamps give this unique eight-cylinder roadster an even more athletic look even at a standstill. The handling dynamics of the SLK 55 AMG have also been sharpened. For the first time the car features the new direct steering with variable servo assistance, which makes the 265 kW/360 hp two-seater even more agile and responsive. The SLK 55 AMG is also the only car in its class to feature a V8 engine, while the improved AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission now offers even faster gearchanges.

The appearance of the sporty roadster now reinforces the car’s claim to special status even more emphatically. The redesigned front apron with a more pronounced arrow-shape, the modified Mercedes star, enlarged air dams and a black-painted transverse fin on the lower section ensure a distinctly masculine aura. Large, round foglamps with chrome surrounds are now positioned further outwards, enhancing the impression of width. The hot air from the integral engine oil cooler is vented via side outlets in the front apron. The specific AMG bodystyling also includes AMG side skirts, the muscular AMG rear apron with a black insert and the AMG spoiler lip.

New features also include dark-tinted projection-beam headlamps and larger exterior mirrors for better rearward visibility. LED indicator repeaters in an arrow design ensure more safety. Even more striking than before are the new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen star, these provide interesting contrasts when viewed from the side. With a width of 7.5 and 8.5 inches respectively, the AMG light-alloy wheels are fitted with size 225/40 (front) and 245/35 (rear) tyres. New, high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design are also available in the same sizes on request. Outstanding deceleration values are ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated brake discs all-round. The front brakes have perforated discs of size 345 x 30 mm; 300 x 22 mm discs are fitted at the rear.

Newly developed direct steering with variable servo assistance

The all-new direct steering system with variable servo assistance makes for first-class handling dynamics, and makes the SLK 55 AMG even more agile. A key component of this direct steering is the newly designed steering rack. This allows a ratio spread from 15.8:1 to 11.5:1 – which the driver experiences as more responsiveness at around five degrees or more from the centred position. Variable servo assistance makes the roadster particularly agile and lively on winding roads, as the driver has less to do than before – only 2.16 turns of the wheel are required from lock to lock. This also produces considerable comfort advantages when manoeuvring at slow speeds.

The driver of the SLK 55 AMG also benefits from this outstanding controllability during high-speed manoeuvres such as the VDA lane-change test, as his hands no longer need to be repositioned on the wheel. The AMG Roadster also sets standards when it comes to straight-line stability at high speed – this is where the less direct steering configuration in the centred position has a positive effect. This is supported by the already familiar speed-sensitive servo function: the servo assistance decreases as the speed increases, which improves both handling and driving safety.

AMG eight-cylinder engine for superior performance

The striking bonnet with its characteristic longitudinal fins conceals the 5.5-litre AMG eight-cylinder engine, which has an output of 265 kW/360 hp and develops 510 newton metres of torque – figures which remain unrivalled in this segment. Enormous torque, immediate responsiveness and the typical AMG V8 sound characterise the driving experience, together with outstanding performance: the two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaches the 200 km/h mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 250 km/h. Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now ensures even greater agility: gearchanges in the "S" (Sport) and "M" (Manual) driving modes are around ten percent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which also ensures that the gearshifts are smoother.

Functional interior with new AMG instrument cluster

In the functional and sporty interior of the SLK 55 AMG, the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design gives a visual hint of the direct steering feature. The grip area is specially shaped and lined with perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished by a silver-coloured insert. Two aluminium AMG shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

The AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale, silver/red
needles and AMG lettering also has a new look, and the new graphics ensure that vehicle speed and rpm are even more easily legible. In "M" mode, the AMG main menu is able to display the currently selected gear including an upshift recommendation, as well as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The AMG sports seats with their special upholstery layout feature pronounced side bolsters for improved lateral support when cornering at speed; Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas improve this lateral support even further. Fine nappa leather upholstery is part of the standard appointments of the SLK 55 AMG. It is available in a choice of four attractive colours, with a stylish combination of black/gullwing red as a new entrant to the range.

Performance package for the driver with racing ambitions

The AMG performance package is available for the SLK 55 AMG on request. This package developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO incorporates even higher-performance components. The result is an ultra-exciting driving experience for sports car enthusiasts who sometimes like to put their AMG model through its paces on the racetrack.

The AMG p erformance package for the SLK 55 AMG consists of:

AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm, with six-piston fixed callipers at the front
Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 330 x 26 mm, with four-piston fixed callipers at the rear
18-inch AMG multi-piece light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, size 7.5 x 18 with tyre size 225/40 R 18 (front) and size 8.5 x 18 with tyre size 245/35 R 18 (rear)
AMG performance suspension
AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened lower section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles
AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior

With the exception of the AMG high-performance composite braking system, all the components of the AMG performance package can also be ordered individually.

Interested customers can order the SLK 55 AMG now; the purchase price is 69,049.75 Euro (incl. 19 % VAT). The market launch will commence in March 2008.

Stuttgart – 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 Germanyalone – 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 coupé 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 coupé 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.

Prices for the new-generation SLK:

SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: € 36,503.25
SLK 280: € 41,858.25
SLK 350 with sports engine: € 46,975.25
SLK 55 AMG: € 69,049.75
(incl. VAT in each case)

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show

Stuttgart, Feb 12, 2004 The second generation of the globally successful Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is ready for launch, and Mercedes-Benz is set to present the new sports roadster to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. The presentation follows the publication of the first photos of the new SLK at the start of the year, which themselves sparked an extremely enthusiastic response. A total of over 7,000 orders have been taken since sales release already. Prices for the SLK-Class range from 33,524 euros for the entry-level model to 63,974 euros (ex factory). Three different engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. The range includes – for the first time in this vehicle class – an eight-cylinder power unit. The V6 engine in the SLK 350, meanwhile, develops 200 kW/272 hp and delivers impressively dynamic driving pleasure.

The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from Formula 1 racing cars. The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader in this category of sports cars. The further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds, is joined on the list of standard equipment by head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. The car’s chassis, steering and manual transmission have been given an even sportier edge, whilst the interior features a world first, in the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system.

Over 308,000 delighted customers in every corner of the world, more than 40 international awards and a position as the global leader in its market segment give the outgoing SLK-Class an extremely impressive CV. The Mercedes-Benz roadster has been setting standards in its class since its arrival in autumn 1996 – not just by virtue of its ground-breaking technological prowess but also thanks to a quite different attribute: its emotional appeal.

The SLK has captured the hearts of the public like no other car and demonstrated that driving is also about passion and joie de vivre. In many cases it was love at first sight which prompted customers to make a spontaneous decision to purchase, a compulsion to experience and enjoy the driving pleasure on offer in the Mercedes sports car.

By the end of the first full sales year, over 55,000 SLK models had rolled off the assembly line - 50 percent more than originally planned. With a conquest sales rate of roughly 42 percent in the major European markets, the two-seater won over a wave of new customers for Mercedes-Benz, making it one of the protagonists in the Stuttgart auto maker’s first strategic product initiative.

Design aesthetics, technical excellence and exemplary levels of safety underpin the construction of the compact Mercedes roadster, which has long since taken on a cult image in the modern era. Strong demand for the SLK in the used-car market, where it is one of the lowest-depreciating models, provides ample evidence of this popularity.

Eight years after the first SLK premiere in Turin, the second generation of the roadster is set to celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2004. As refreshing, enlivening and potent as an Italian espresso, the new Roadster displays its sporting prowess in much stronger terms than the outgoing model. Underpinning these enhanced performance credentials are the powerful new engines, a sporty suspension set-up, more direct steering and a precise six-speed-manual transmission.

Inspired by Formula 1 racing cars, the exterior design of the roadster continues the dynamic theme and identifies the SLK-Class as a fully-fledged member of the Mercedes-Benz sports-car family. The interior, meanwhile, features switches, buttons and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, creating a striking contrast to the dark of the instrument panel. Plus, customers can choose from a range of six shades for the leather trim, or any one of twelve designo colours.

The roadster also builds on the proven strengths of its predecessor – in the shape of a further developed, space-saving vario-roof, for example, even more innovative safety features and unique new systems such as bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF (optional).

Customers can choose from three variants of the SLK-Class. With its TWINPULSE four-cylinder engine, the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR combines impressive power with exemplary economy. Both faster and developing more torque than the outgoing model with the same output, it uses only 8.7 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres – around eight percent less fuel – in the European driving cycle. However, the new sports roadster offers a lot more in terms of its agility, high-class looks and feel, comfort and range of standard equipment, which includes the following features:

Adaptive front airbags ESP® with Anti-lock Braking System, Acceleration Skid Control and Brake Assist Headlamp Assist (automatically activated headlamps) Two-stage belt force limiters Belt tensioners for driver and passenger Head/thorax side airbags Light-alloy wheels: 7 J x 16 Multifunction steering wheel (leather) Six-speed manual transmission Sports seats with magnesium frame Vario-roof with heated rear window Central locking The four-cylinder SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is priced at 33,524 euros ex factory.

The SLK 350 offers everything that you would expect from a full-blooded sports roadster: spirit, authority and undiluted driving pleasure. Under the bonnet, the newly developed six-cylinder engine gives the SLK a particularly powerful heartbeat, one which sets the driver’s pulse racing the second the key is turned. One press of the accelerator and you’re hooked, the V6 powerpack accelerating the two-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. At 6000 rpm a maximum output of 200 kW/ 272 hp is achieved – a pace-setting figure in this displacement class.

Impressive torque of 350 Newton metres is available as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm, which also allows a quite different, yet also typically roadster, style of driving: relaxed, enjoyable cruising in high gears – forever in the reassuring knowledge that all you have to do is touch the accelerator lightly to unlock the engine’s imposing pulling power. The technical make-up and equipment features of the SLK 350 are a reflection of the performance-based character of this model variant. The V6 models comes with the following items of standard equipment not included in the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR:

Enlarged brakes with perforated front brake discs Interior lighting package THERMATIC air conditioning 17-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design Mixed tyres (front: 225/45 R 17, rear: 245/40 R 17) The SLK 350 is priced at 43,384 euros ex factory.

With the SLK 55 AMG, the second generation of Mercedes’ compact roadster has produced a car which gives the sports car elite a run for their money. No other model in this vehicle class can compete with the 265-kW/360-hp output and 510 Newton metres of torque generated by the top-of-the-range SLK. The V8 engine at the source of this prodigious power also has the distinction of being the only eight-cylinder unit available in this market segment. The standard equipment package for the AMG model is equally as exclusive, and includes the following items not offered in the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR:

AMG sports suspension AMG sports seats AMG bodystyling with special front apron and spoiler lip on the boot lid Mercedes-AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel High-performance braking system with perforated composite brake discs at the front Interior lighting package THERMATIC air conditioning Mercedes-AMG 18 -inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design Mixed tyres (front: 225/40 R 18, rear: 245/35 R 18) Nappa leather upholstery 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT and steering wheel gearshift buttons The new eight-cylinder SLK-Class is priced at 63,974 euros.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz: High-tech features for extra comfort and driving pleasure

New technical developments and innovations from luxury-class Mercedes-Benz models are available as options for the SLK, further improving comfort and active safety and enhancing the value of the sports roadster. A range of systems can be ordered for the new model which only Mercedes-Benz offers in this vehicle class. AIRSCARF, THERMOTRONIC and 7G-TRONIC are good examples:

The innovative new neck-level heating system AIRSCARF allows the driver and passenger in the SLK to keep the vario-roof open even in colder weather and thus enjoy the roadster experience more frequently and over a longer period of time than has previously been possible. At the touch of a button, heated air flows out of special vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf to warm the driver and passenger’s neck and head. During a journey, AIRSCARF adjusts the air flow according to the speed of the car and the outside temperature.

Another new arrival in this vehicle class is THERMOTRONIC. This luxury automatic climate control system is fitted with sun and pollutant sensors, allowing it to create the perfect on-board climate in any situation.

The newly developed seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC – the world’s first transmission of this type for passenger cars – opens the door to more powerful acceleration and fast mid-range sprints, as well as helping to reduce fuel consumption. 7G-TRONIC can be ordered as an option in conjunction with the V6 engine in the SLK 350 (fitted as standard on the SLK 55 AMG) and can also be combined with steering wheel gearshift buttons, enabling the driver to make optimum use of the engine’s exceptional power reserves in any driving situation by changing gear manually. Another new feature of the SLK-Class are bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, the control and display system COMAND APS with a colour screen and Europe-wide DVD navigation function, a 380-watt sound system with surround sound and the automatic tyre pressure loss warning function of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®). Plus, infrared remote control for opening and closing the vario-roof is available as an option.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will arrive at Mercedes-Benz’ European sales and service outlets and dealerships on March 27, 2004.