Mercedes Benz SLK Class
Mercedes-Benz redesigned its smallest
sports car for 2005, giving the retractable-hardtop SLK-Class
roadster a 3.5-liter V-6. For 2008, an anniversary edition called
Edition 10 is available and marks 10 years on the road for the SLK.
Formula One racing cars and the automaker's SLR McLaren supercar
inspired the styling on the SLK-Class. It's offered in SLK280,
SLK350 and SLK55 AMG variants, and they carry on relatively
unchanged for 2008. The SLK competes with the BMW M6 and Cadillac
CTS-V.
The Edition 10 package, available on the SLK350, includes a standard
automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels and red-stitched interior.
The SLK350 holds a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that drives a
six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed automatic
transmission with Touch Shift operation. This engine benefits from
variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust valves.
An SLK280 version with a 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 and either the
six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic debuted in the 2006 model
year. Mercedes-Benz also offers an SLK55 AMG edition with V-8 power
that turns out 355 hp.
Exterior
The roadster features an arrow-shaped nose and a long hood. The SLK-Class
has a steeply sloped windshield and taut body lines, and its
retractable hardtop goes up or down in 22 seconds.
A lowered sport suspension is available. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch
tires, and the perforated and ventilated 13-inch front disc brakes
have four-piston calipers.
There's also an AMG appearance package that adds 17-inch wheels,
side skirts, a front air dam with wire mesh inserts, a trunklid
spoiler and a lowered suspension. It's available on either the
SLK280 or SLK350.
Interior
The roadster's interior features silver-colored switches and trim
elements. The sculpted dashboard blends into the door panels on each
side. Large chronometer-style gauges dominate the two-passenger
cockpit. Trunk space is 6.5 cubic feet with the top down and 9.8
cubic feet with the top up.
For cool-weather driving with the top down, an optional Airscarf
neck-level heating system blows warm air from the headrests.
Under the Hood
In the SLK350 model, a 3.5-liter V-6 with variable timing for both
intake and exhaust valves develops 268 hp and 258 pounds-feet of
torque. The SLK280 roadster contains a 228-hp, 3.0-liter twin-cam
V-6. Either the six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed
automatic with Touch Shift operation can be installed. A 355-hp,
5.5-liter V-8 powers the SLK55 AMG, which comes with the seven-speed
automatic.
Safety
Side-impact airbags, all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and
an electronic stability system are standard. A BabySmart
child-recognition system prevents the front passenger-side airbag
from activating.
Driving Impressions
Acceleration is energetic and refined with the 3.5-liter engine.
Automatic-transmission operation can be rude. It can get jerky at
low speeds in lower gears and delivers a sizable jolt if you hit the
gas pedal while slowing down.
Steering and handling are strong points, inspiring confidence and
poised behavior. Better yet, the SLK's ride is easily tolerable for
a sports car of this caliber. Sure you feel the bumps, but most are
dispensed with rather handily.
The seats are adeptly supportive and snugly bolstered, yet
surprisingly comfortable. Space is ample inside, and top-up
visibility isn't bad. When parking, however, the driver may have no
clue where the pointy front end is located. Wide doors make
parking-lot spots a problem.
Source www.cars.com
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