More power,
more safety, more driving pleasure:
The second generation
of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars on the market
is ready to hit Australian streets as Mercedes-Benz releases the new
SLK-Class.
Even more alluring,
more powerful and sportier than ever, the beguiling two-seater is celebrating
its Australian market premiere beginning with the new SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR
and SLK 350.
Recommended retail
prices for the new SLK-Class, range from $86,900 for the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR
to $112,900 for the SLK 350. Both vehicles are available with a six-speed
manual for $83,800 and $109,400 respectively. The SLK 55 AMG will be
released early next year with pricing announced at that time.
“Customer
excitement for the new SLK-Class is growing, with over 300 Australian
customers awaiting delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz Roadster,”
said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director of the Mercedes Car Group in
Australia.
“We anticipate
delivering over 350 SLK Roadsters for the remainder of the year and
setting an all-time sales record for the SLK-Class next year.
“Naturally
we are looking forward to the release of the aspirational new roadster
which will capture the hearts of Australians, much like the first- generation
model, and set new benchmarks in the luxury roadster segment,”
said von Sanden.
Three different
engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW
to 265 kW. The range includes – for the first time in this vehicle
class – an eight-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-AMG. The V6
engine in the SLK 350, meanwhile, develops 200 kW 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. 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.
Plus, Mercedes-Benz
is presenting a world first, in the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF
neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF generates
warm air, which flows out from the head restraints. This allows the
SLK passengers to keep the roof down even when the outside temperatures
drop and to enjoy the open-top roadster experience the whole year round.
Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and COMAND APS (standard
on SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG) are among the other technical innovations
offered as options for the first time in the SLK-Class.
Another technical
innovation, the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC,
is standard in the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG.
For the first time
a six-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the V6-powered
SLK 350 in addition to the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR.
The new Mercedes
Roadster replaces a successful first-generation model enjoyed by over
308,000 delighted owners worldwide since autumn 1996. The global number
one in its market segment, it serves as a symbol for the new, dynamic
brand image of Mercedes-Benz.
The second generation
of the SLK-Class has an even sportier edge in terms of both its design
and engineering and, with its powerful engines, newly developed chassis,
direct steering and precise six-speed manual transmission, delivers
an even more agile driving experience. The body is 72 millimetres longer
and 65 millimetres wider than the outgoing model, providing the SLK's
passengers with more space and even greater comfort.
Design: sporty dynamism,
with styling elements inspired by motorsport
The design of the
car reflects the sporty and powerful character of the new SLK-Class.
A long bonnet, flat windscreen, wide doors and a short rear represent
typical roadster characteristics given extra emphasis by the new SLK.
This extra forcefulness is underpinned by a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase,
clear tapering of the front and rear ends and a wedge-shape silhouette.
A range of captivating
details inspired by racing cars – such as the arrow-shaped nose,
wing profiles in the radiator grille and the twin-tailpipe system –
underline the origins of the SLK in a company which can point to an
illustrious sports-car tradition.
The interior has
also been completely redesigned and upgraded through the use of carefully
selected materials. The design concept is distinguished by switches,
buttons and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, which form
a striking contrast to the dark tones of the dashboard. Plus, customers
can choose from a range of six shades for the leather trim, or a number
of designo appointment colours.
The beautifully
sculptured bodywork is also an achievement in terms of its technical
prowess. The Cd value (0.32) is a good example, as are the rigidity
of the body and the fuel tank capacity (70 litres). The Sindelfingen
engineers have further optimised and perfected the technology behind
the innovative vario-roof, which marked the SLK out as a trendsetter
on its arrival in 1996. The roof now opens and closes even more quickly
and takes up even less space in the boot – thanks to the pivoting
rear window. With the vario-roof open, boot capacity stands at 208 litres
according to the VDA method -- 63 litres more than in the outgoing model.
A further new feature now makes it possible to operate the vario- by
a remote control function in the car key (optional).
Safety: newly developed
protection system with adaptive airbags
State-of-the-art
construction processes, the increasingly large proportion of high-strength
steel alloys (40 percent) and a host of other measures besides allow
the new SLK-Class to leave the outgoing model in its slipstream. The
occupant protection systems adjust their reactions according to the
situation in hand. For example, adaptive airbags – which inflate
in two stages in response to the severity of the accident – are
making their debut in this model series.
The standard-fitted
belt force limiters also work through two stages and adapt to the severity
of the accident. In the event of a side impact, newly developed head/thorax
airbags inflate to protect the head and upper body of the passengers.
A special sensor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners
if the car rolls over. Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid
roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional protection in this
type of accident.
Engines: up to 25
percent more power coupled with reduced fuel consumption
The range of engines
available for the SLK-Class is also quite unique in this market segment.
Here, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to respond to the desires
of drivers with more sporting ambitions by adding an eight-cylinder
powerplant to the mix. The V8 unit gives the SLK 55 AMG class-leading
output (265 kW), torque (510 Newton metres) and acceleration (0-100
km/h: 4.9 seconds) figures. The top-of-the-line engine is linked up
as standard with the newly developed seven-speed automatic transmission
7G-TRONIC, which the driver can choose to operate using steering-wheel
gearshift buttons.
For the SLK 350,
meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new six-cylinder engine with
around 25 percent more power (200 kW) and 13 percent extra torque (350
Newton metres ). The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6
engines in its displacement class and reinforces its sporting credentials
with a pleasing, full-throated sound.
Peak torque is available
as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm. This provides
the key to powerful acceleration and impressive mid-range sprints. The
SLK 350 reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.6 seconds (with
7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and accelerates from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds
(with 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).
For the first time,
Mercedes-Benz is using variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment
in the V6 engine. This boosts output and torque, whilst also helping
to save fuel. A second intake manifold, tumble flaps in the intake ducts
and intelligent heat management are further technical highlights of
the new six-cylinder unit. The new SLK 350 burns 10.1 litres of premium
unleaded petrol per 100 km (NEDC combined), making it some three percent
more economical than the outgoing SLK six-cylinder variant with five-speed
automatic transmission, despite its significantly deeper power reserves.
The 120-kW engine
under the bonnet of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is also celebrating its premiere
in this Mercedes model family. The new arrival is a member of the unique
TWINPULSE generation of four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz, which
offer further advances in terms of output, torque, smoothness and fuel
consumption. The TWINPULSE system brings together various technologies,
such as a supercharger, balancer shafts, an intercooler, variably adjustable
camshafts and four-valve technology. This high-tech package allows the
SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR to burn eight percent less fuel than the outgoing
engine with the same output. NEDC combined consumption stands at 8.7
litres per 100 kilometres.
The SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR
is fitted as standard with the proven five-speed automatic transmission
whilst the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG are both fitted as standard with the
seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC. In keeping with the dynamic
and agile character of the SLK- Class, the driver can also operate either
automatic transmission using buttons on the steering wheel (optional)
and select the gears manually. A six-speed manual transmission, which
stands out with its short and fast shift travel and impressive precision
is available for the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and SLK 350.
The chassis for
the new SLK has a sporty set-up and differs from the outgoing model
with its newly developed three-link front suspension, rack- and-pinion
steering and an even more effective braking system. Mercedes engineers
have carried out detailed modifications to the multi-link independent
rear suspension and adapted it to the larger track width. The new SLK-Class
comes as standard with 16, 17 or 18-inch light-alloy wheels, depending
on the model. Sports suspension with a lowered body is available as
an option.
Comfort: new AIRSCARF
system ensures even greater open-air driving pleasure
The new Mercedes-Benz
SLK-Class is an open-top motoring enthusiast's ticket to enjoying themselves
more frequently, more of the time. Making its global debut, the AIRSCARF
system allows you to open the vario-roof in cooler weather and thus
enjoy the roadster experience more often. AIRSCARF is an innovative
heating system located in the seat backrests. At the touch of a button,
heated air is directed out of special vents in the head restraints and
acts like an invisible scarf to warm up the head and neck of the SLK
passengers when out on the road.
Available as an
option, this new development is unique to the new SLK. It works in three
stages and is fitted with an electronic control unit which adjusts the
neck-level heating according to the speed of the car and the outside
temperature and regulates the blower speed in order to achieve optimum
warm-air distribution in any situation.
The standard air
conditioning system THERMATIC is another innovation designed to ensure
the perfect on-board climate. For even more discerning customers, Mercedes-Benz
has developed the luxury automatic climate control system THERMOTRONIC
(standard in the SLK 55 AMG) with built–in sun and pollutant sensors.
Entertainment and
information are delivered to SLK passengers through the Audio 20 CD
stereo system, with telephone keypad, or COMAND APS (standard in the
SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG), which includes a DVD/CD player, colour screen
and separate DVD drive for the navigation function. A surround-sound
system with eleven speakers and 380-watt output is also available as
an option in order to further optimise the in-car audio experience.
Mobile phone pre-installation
featuring universal handy interface (UHI) is also standard along with
a multifunction steering wheel.
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