Third generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK unveiled

From the 17th of January Mercedes-Benz will start receiving orders for the third generation of the SLK. The new roadster wants to continue the history of success of one of the most successful sports cars ever built. New technology, new engines and new looks are expected by Mercedes to make the SLK once again the benchmark in its class..

“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car”, says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high-quality interior and its modesty at the filling station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”

The Mercedes-Benz SLK has always been known for its technological innovation. On its world debut, back in 1996, he made sensation because of its vario-roof, which transformed the wide-open roadster into a coupé with a fixed roof at the touch of a button in just a few seconds.

The second generation became known because of the AIRSCARF technology, which warmed the neck and shoulders of the occupants, ensuring pleasurable open-top motoring even in cooler temperatures.

For the third generation Mercedes-Benz is world premiering the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which changes from light to dark by pressing a button.

The new SLK has a long bonnet, with a compact passenger compartment positioned far back and a short tail end. It features the key attributes that have been part of characteristics of the all the classic roadsters from Mercedes-Benz.

The first is the upright radiator grille, now featuring the new Mercedes-Benz brand look, with the radiator grille bearing the brand’s star in prominent central position. The front fascia is completed by the clearly defined headlamps, remembering the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s, which is said by many to be the original “SLK”. Still Mercedes-Benz designers also linked it to the current models of the brand such as the SLS AMG “gullwing model” and the new CLS.

At launch the new SLK will be available in three different versions: SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. With a displacement of 1796 cc the four-cylinder engines featured in the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY will have power output of  184hp and 204 hp respectively.

The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY is set to become the most economical roadster in its segment and when fitted with the optional seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS it will deliver fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100km, corresponding to 142 g of CO2/km. The standard version of the new SLK will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and to reach a top speed of 243 km/h.

Matted as standard with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY is expected to have a fuel consumption of 6.2 l/100km, equivalent to 144 g of CO2/km. It will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and have a top speed of 243 km/h.

At launch the top of the range version, the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, will be powered by a V6 engine with 306 hp of power output and 3498cc of displacement. This version will be able to sprint to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. This is a completely newly developed engine that features Mercedes-Benz 3rd-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition.

All the versions have been equipped with the ECO start/stop system, which also contributed for the increased fuel efficiency that managed to cut consumption by up to a quarter compared with the last generation.