Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz has released first details on the new SLK class, to be launched on the European market in March 2004. More powerful and sportier than its predecessor, the second generation of this two-seater features details reminiscent of Formula motor racing, following the lead of the SLR McLaren.

There is a greater emphasis on sports performance, with more powerful engines, redesigned suspension, direct steering feel and a six-speed manual shift system. The body size has grown by 72 mm in length and 65 mm in width, affording driver and passenger more space.

A long hood, steeply raked windscreen, wide doors and short boot are the typical characteristics of a roadster and the new SLK underlines these even more emphatically than its predecessor. An extra 30 millimetres on the wheelbase, distinctive arrow-like tapering at the front and rear and a wedge-shaped silhouette all contribute to this impression.

The interior concept is characterised by controls and decorative elements with silver-coloured surfaces, creating a sharp contrast with the black surfaces of the instrument panel. Customers who opt for a leather interior can select from a range of six colours to create their personal choice of interior look.

The innovative vario-roof with which the SLK set new trends back in 1996 has been further improved, opening and closing faster than before, and uses a pivoting rear window to take up less space in the luggage compartment.

The SLK features a new neck-level heating system called 'Airscarf'. This delivers a flow of warm air from the headrests, enabling occupants to keep the roof down even when there is a chill in the air, extending the top-down driving season.

The new model offers a choice of three new engines with a performance range extending from 120 kW to 265 kW. This includes – for the first time in this vehicle class – an eight-cylinder supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The SLK 350 is powered by a new 200 kW V6 engine.

	What's New
	Click for larger images	Mercedes-Benz SLK Mercedes-Benz has released first details on the new SLK class, to be launched on the European market in March 2004. More powerful and sportier than its predecessor, the second generation of this two-seater features details reminiscent of Formula motor racing, following the lead of the SLR McLaren. There is a greater emphasis on sports performance, with more powerful engines, redesigned suspension, direct steering feel and a six-speed manual shift system. The body size has grown by 72 mm in length and 65 mm in width, affording driver and passenger more space. A long hood, steeply raked windscreen, wide doors and short boot are the typical characteristics of a roadster and the new SLK underlines these even more emphatically than its predecessor. An extra 30 millimetres on the wheelbase, distinctive arrow-like tapering at the front and rear and a wedge-shaped silhouette all contribute to this impression. The interior concept is characterised by controls and decorative elements with silver-coloured surfaces, creating a sharp contrast with the black surfaces of the instrument panel. Customers who opt for a leather interior can select from a range of six colours to create their personal choice of interior look. The innovative vario-roof with which the SLK set new trends back in 1996 has been further improved, opening and closing faster than before, and uses a pivoting rear window to take up less space in the luggage compartment. The SLK features a new neck-level heating system called 'Airscarf'. This delivers a flow of warm air from the headrests, enabling occupants to keep the roof down even when there is a chill in the air, extending the top-down driving season. The new model offers a choice of three new engines with a performance range extending from 120 kW to 265 kW. This includes – for the first time in this vehicle class – an eight-cylinder supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The SLK 350 is powered by a new 200 kW V6 engine.