| |
| Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz | |
| aka | W170 W171 |
| Production | 1996-Present |
| Class | Sports car(Luxury) |
| Body Style | Roadster 2-door, 2-seat Folding Hardtop |
| Length | 161.5 inches |
| Width | 70.4 inches |
| Height | 51.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 95.7 inches |
| Weight | |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual or 7 Speed Automatic |
| Engine | 1.8 litre Inline 4 3.0 litre V6 3.5 litre V6 5.5 litre V8 |
| Power | 228 horsepower at 6000 rpm |
| Similar | BMW Z4 Audi TT Porsche Boxster |
| Designer | |
The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kompakt (compact). There have been two generations of SLK cars from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle is perhaps famous for its folding hardtop. While it did not pioneer it, the SLK revived its usage in modern automobiles. It was soon followed by the Peugeot 206 CC, Lexus SC 430 and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.
See Autopedia's comprehensive <MODEL> Review.
Recent Changes[]
- Ahead of its 2011 Geneva Motor Show debut, Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser image of the third-generation SLK: an electro-chromatic panoramic glass retractable hard-top feature called Magic Sky Control. A similar system is found on the Maybach 62.[1]
- For the 2008 model year, the SLK recieves its first mid-cycle facelift. Cosmetic changes entailed in the revamp are new front and rear bumpers, a revised front grille and larger exterior mirrors, darkened tail lights, a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster. Under the hood, the SLK now recieves power from three revised powerplants. [2]
- Only 3 days after the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class was officially leaked on the internet, Mercedes-Benz has also leaked the facelifted SLK 55 AMG. Technically, the car remains unchanged save for the aesthetic updates.[3][4]
- It is rumoured that the Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe will debut in 2008. Direct competitors will include the BMW Z4 Coupe and the Porsche Cayman. The AMG edition will feature a 6.2L AMG V8 engine.
- Mercedes’ latest SLK 55 AMG Black Series has officially gone on sale as early as late summer 2007. The car sports a 400hp (298kW) version of the 5.4L V8 mated to a 45kg lighter kerb weight. The increased efficiency sees performance figures of 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and its unrestricted top speed increased to 173mph. Modifications to the engine include a new air-intake, an AMG sports air filter and a newly-developed exhaust system. [5]
Styles and Major Options[]
Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.
Pricing[]
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| MODEL Trims | ||
|---|---|---|
| SLK300 | SLK350 | SLK55 AMG |
| MSRP | ||
| $40,900 | $51,900 | $56,600 |
| Invoice | ||
| $40,000 | $49,900 | $54,600 |
Gas Mileage[]
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
| Trim | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SLK300 | SLK350 | SLK55 | |
| MPG | |||
| 19,26 | 18,26 | 14,22 | |
Engine and Transmission[]
Specifications, details, graphs, pictures and other information regarding the powertrain is placed in this section.
Performance[]
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.
Reliability[]
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Safety[]
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.
Photos[]
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Colors[]
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Main Competitors[]
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Hybrid Models[]
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Unique Attributes[]
If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here.
Interior[]
This section should include information on the interior's design, build quality, ergonomics, space (head and legroom, front and rear), features, stowage compartments and overall comfortability and livability. Add pictures wherever applicable and keep information in a third-person point of view.
Resale Values[]
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| <MODEL> Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year X | Year X-2 | Year X-3 | Year X-4 |
| Resale Value | |||
| $ | $ | $ | $ |
Criticisms[]
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Generations[]
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Current Generation: (2005–present)[]
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (R171)
See Mercedes-Benz R171 for complete details.
The SLK was updated in 2005 with a new Formula One-inspired appearance and serious performance. The new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005. The current SLK is also built in Bremen, Germany. There are rumours that Mercedes-Benz is going to produce a SLK 63 AMG model with their new 6.2L naturally aspirated automobile engine designed from scratch by AMG division.
Models of the new SLK include:
First Generation
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 120 kW (163 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the US)
- SLK 280 - 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
- SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).
- SLK 55 AMG - 5.5 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 hp DIN) V8 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 4.8 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited). A tuned version of this is used as the Formula One safety car.
First Generation/Origins (1998–2004)[]
Mercerdes-Benz SLK 200 R170
See Mercedes-Benz R170 for complete details.
The R170-platform the SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, but this added weight, denting the performance of the 185 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.
A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999, but it was the introduction of a 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 SLK 320 that really brought the Sportlich to the car.
A AMG model was added in 2002, with a 354 hp supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S.
All Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany. The very first Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997. The final 2004 Mercedes SLK was completed on April 7, 2004.
The first-generation SLK was designed by Michael Mauer.
Summary of all versions and engine specifications:
R170 Pre-facelift
- SLK 200 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 136 hp I4 engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). NB Exported only to Portugal, Italy and Greece.
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 192 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph).
- SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 193 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph).
R170 With Facelift
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 163 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 223 km/h (138 mph). NB Not exported to North American markets.
- SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 197 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 240 km/h (148 mph).
- SLK 320 - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 218 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).
- SLK 32 AMG - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 354 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
Worldwide[]
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
Design quirks and oddities[]
The Mercedes-Benz SLK uses a magnesium subframe instead of a steel subframe. Compared to the steel subframe, the magnesium subframe is stronger and also lighter but it's more expensive.
Awards[]
- 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study winner (Premium sports car)
External links[]
- Official Mercedes-Benz Website
- The SLK Community - R170 Technical Data
- MBWorld.org An enthusiast site for Mercedes-Benz owners.
- Fórum Mercedes-Benz Brasil
- 2008 Mercedes SLK Accessory Lineup Announced
- Mercedes-Benz SLK 2LOOK Edition Released in Geneva
- 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK to get 'Magic Sky Control'?
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, which includes these contributors.