The Mercedes SLK body is heavily influenced by its rich racing heritage and its countless hours in the wind tunnel. The crossblade grille and signature power hardtop on the SLK are instantly recognizable while part of what makes the Mercedes SLK so special is what you can’t see with its Magic Sky Control Roof. View the photo gallery below to see for yourself why the Mercedes-Benz SLK is one of the most coveted roadsters on the road.
This could very well be the most extreme Mercedes-Benz SLK we’ve ever seen! The Mercedes SLK Creation, by XZT, resides in China in the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong Province. The kit consists of a new front bumper, new head lights, new side skirts, new tires, new alloys, a new back, a giant wing on the back, and Lambo doors. No engine updates have been made, but even at slow speeds, this fighter jet inspired SLK makes a statement.
The XZT SLK conversion is based on the second generation R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK, though you’d never know it, and is availble in any color you wish..
While we could go into more detail, we will let the photos speak for themselves. Thanks to our good friend Shrawan for the tip via Car News China.
The all new Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI marks a first for Mercedes, combining a SLK Roadster with their famous diesel engines. The diesel roadster boasts 150 kW (204 hp) four-cylinder power unit putting the two-seater at the top of its class in many respects. Most notably, it is the most economical roadster in its segment, getting 62 miles per 1.3 gallons of diesel. Thanks to its enormous torque of 500 newton metres it accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, and gives drivers a top figure for acceleration from 50 to 75 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.
Diesel drive and roadster excitement do not go together – or so a common misconception would have it. Mercedes-Benz impressively demonstrates the contrary with the new SLK 250 CDI. Its four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2143 cc generates an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and 500 newton metres of torque – as much as a petrol engine with twice the displacement would normally generate. This makes the new SLK 250 CDI the most powerful diesel model in its class, and gives the roadster the potential for extremely sporty performance.
Equipped with the standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission will follow in the second quarter of next year), the diesel SLK sprints from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 243 km/h. Moreover, the flexibility of the SLK 250 CDI is nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks to its enormous diesel torque it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 4.3 seconds – easily the best figure in this class, making for safe and effortless overtaking.
Apart from this, the SLK 250 CDI is the most economical and therefore environmentally compatible roadster in its segment. It is happy with 4.9 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. In other words, the diesel SLK combines thoroughbred sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact. This guarantees great driving pleasure with great fuel efficiency.
The diesel engine achieves its exemplary output, torque, fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its highly impressive smoothness for a diesel unit, thanks to an extensive package of innovative technologies. These include fourth-generation common-rail injection with a rail pressure of 2000 bar and precise injection timing, as well as two-stage turbocharging. Like all SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard.
The frugal fuel consumption makes the SLK 250 CDI a car with superior long-distance qualities. Using the European motorways, it is e.g. quite possible to drive from the North Sea to a beach on the Mediterranean non-stop. Very comfortable sports seats, a comfortable suspension setup and the largest luggage capacity in this segment also do their bit to create the right conditions.
As it shares the same genes with the other members of the successful SLK family, the SLK 250 CDI combines lightfooted sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design and absolute day-to-day suitability, while delivering top performance with exemplary ecology. This means that the diesel version too provides open-top driving enjoyment at an extraordinarily high level.
The SLK 250 CDI is likewise available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof – one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button. There are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system. The latter is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake developed by Mercedes-Benz for particularly agile and predictable handling characteristics.
Externally the new SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the petrol models. It even retains the twin exhaust system, and therefore has the same exciting look for which all the SLK models are known.
The new SLK 250 CDI can be ordered from September 13, 2011. The price including VAT is € 41,828.50.
Arriving in the U.S. and hitting showrooms this month are the all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadsters. The new-generation 2012 SLK roadsters represent the third generation of the first sports car offering an automatic retractable hardtop. The new SLK boasts a wide SLS AMG-inspired front grille with a long hood as well as relatively wide doors and a short rear section. The SLK convertible is available in U.S. showrooms this month with a suggested retail price starting at $54,800 (excluding D&D).
MAGIC SKY CONTROL
The standard convertible roof panel is made of body-color polycarbonate, and an optional Panorama Roof features a see-through panel. Also optionally available is a MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof, in which the tinting of the panel can be changed by the occupants, using the same electrochromic technology as automatic dimming mirrors. Sandwiched between two layers of glass, a chemical film called a matrix polymer holds oblong nano particles that line up uniformly when electrical current is applied, allowing light to pass through. When the electrical current is turned off (via a button above the rearview mirror), the nano particles disperse randomly, reducing light and tinting the roof panel.
New Direct-Injection Engines
The 2012 SLK line debuts with the SLK350 model, powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that features direct injection and multi-spark ignition. With even more power and better fuel economy than its predecessor, the new SLK engine generates 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Early next year the SLK250 will join the line-up featuring a new turbocharged 1.8- liter direct injection four-cylinder engine that produces 201 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque.
New Transmission
The 2012 SLK line features a new transmission with a more advanced torque converter lockup clutch that provides even better fuel mileage, more responsive driving, quieter operation and increased durability. The new transmission is also designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid – colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with new planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the “FE-ATF” fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage.
ATTENTION ASSIST
The SLK comes standard with the innovative “ATTENTION ASSIST” system, which couples a steering movement sensor with intelligent software that can identify the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy. When the system senses drowsiness, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster, and the driver is also alerted by a display that says, “Time for a rest!” Sophisticated enough to disregard sporty driving, the system works between 50 and 100 mph. Elegant in its simplicity, ATTENTION ASSIST essentially adds new computer software to existing sensors.
The First Retractable Hardtop in Modern Times
Spearheading a trend that’s still changing the auto industry, the latest SLK is best known for its distinctive retractable hardtop. With the top up, it’s a quiet, weather-tight coupe – push a button, and about 20 seconds later, the car is topless. Thanks to its pivoting rear window, the folded roof of the SLK takes up relatively little trunk space. Like the retractable hardtop of the larger SL model, the rear window of the SLK pivots to match the curvature of the top as it’s being lowered.
AIRSCARF and AIRGUIDE
An optional AIRSCARF system can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Built into the seatbacks of the SLK, the neck-level heating system blows warm air from the driver and passenger-seat head restraints, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler weather. AIRSCARF even compensates automatically for changes in vehicle speed.
A standard fabric air deflector mounts to the SLK roll bars, helping to reduce air buffeting. Going a step further, an optional AIRGUIDE wind deflector mounts to the back of the roll bars. Consisting of two Plexiglas panels, the wind deflectors can be adjusted independently by the driver and front passenger.
The new, third generation of the legendary SLK was long expected and is now available at Mercedes-Benz distributors, precisely at the beginning of the summer.
Obviously, it was a question of honour for the PIECHA Design specialists to develop as one of the first ones an entire styling and tuning programme for the new SLK R172. And thus, they present the “Accurian RS”, a sporty, elegant interpretation of the Stuttgart-based roadster. Piecha gives the new, more defined front of the SLK an Accurian RS front spoiler lip with lateral grids. The lip can be combined with a cover, which turns the grid into a three-part piece and further emphasises the LED daytime running lights on the right and left side. For a quieter airflow around the lateral body of the new SLK, PIECHA Design installed a set of Accurian RS side skirt covers. The covers are bonded easily and positively on the original side skirts. Furthermore, the opposed installed grids provide for a more prominent design. For all R172 models, no matter whether with the side skirts, the AMG or also the Accurian RS sills, PIECHA Design offers per side four LED recessed spotlights each.
The rear end has a considerable sportier appearance thanks to the Accurian RS rear diffuser, which is available in a small and large version. The diffusor, which runs up to the subfloor, not only provides for additional output at the rear axle, but also frames the QUADRO 4-tube mufflers in perfection. In both versions, the serial rear apron has to be slightly reworked. Moreover, a diffusor application is available for the AMG styling rear apron. The Accurian RS aerodynamic programme is completed by a classical rear spoiler lip, which has a simple adhesive fixation. Another world premiere are the PIECHA MP1 monobloc high-tech rims, which perfectly match the modern and sporty, elegant design language of the Accurian RS with its newly interpreted turbine design. In the front in 8.5×19 ET25 with 225/35 R19 and in the back in optional 9.5 or 10.5×19 with 255 or 275/30 R19, the MP1 monobloc wheel provides in connection with 25 mm lowering springs for a perfect wedge shape.
Finally, the Mercedes specialists from Rottweiler offer practical comfort top control, which allows for an opening and closing of the top via the serial key up to a speed of 60 km/h.
All additional information including price and delivery information are available at: www.piecha.com
The neutral auditors from TÜV Süd have acknowledged the high level of environmental compatibility of the new SLK. The sporty Roadster has received an Environmental Certificate in accordance with the ISO 14062 standard, based on a lifecycle assessment of the SLK.
“We have been making rapid advances in efficiency, the likes of which have never been seen before in the history of the automobile. And as the inventors of the automobile, we assume particular responsibility for its future,” explains Professor Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG. “We analyse the environmental compatibility of our models throughout their entire life cycle – from production, through their many years of usage, to end-of-life recycling. This goes far beyond mere compliance with legal requirements.”
The Environmental Certificate, together with explanatory material, has been made available to the public in the “Life Cycle” documentation series, which can be accessed at www.mercedes-benz.com. In addition to the SLK, the A, B, C, E and S-Class models, as well as the GLK and SLK have already received environmental certification from TÜV Süd.
Over its entire life cycle – from production and operation over more than 200,000 kilometres up to recovery – the new Mercedes-Benz SLK causes 20 percent lower CO2 emissions than its predecessor at the time of discontinuation in 2010. The overall energy balance is equally positive: over the entire life cycle, the primary energy savings amount to 18 percent compared with the predecessor, which corresponds to the energy content of 4100 litres of petrol.
This is largely due to significant reductions in consumption. In the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY model, for example, consumption has dropped from the preceding figure of 8.0 to 8.2 l/100 km (at the time of discontinuation in 2010) to 6.1 to 6.5 l/100 km, representing a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 24 percent.
The SLK already meets the mandatory recycling rate of 95 percent by weight that will come into force on 1 January 2015; the future requirements of vehicle recycling were already taken into account at the development stage. Closing material loops plays an important role here. The new Roadster makes use of a total of 68 components with a combined weight of 35.4 kg that are produced from high-quality recycled plastics. The mass of approved recycled components has therefore been increased by 5 percent over the previous model.
Some 24 components in the SLK with a total weight of almost 8.2 kg are made from natural materials – an increase of 67 percent compared with the previous model. In terms of natural fibres, the new SLK primarily makes use of leather, cotton and wool as standard. For the tank vent filter too, the new SLK also makes use of raw materials from nature, olive stones are employed in the production of the activated charcoal filter.
Mercedes-Benz USA announced prices for the next generation SLK roadster and CLS coupe line. Suggested retail pricing for the 2012 SLK350 will start at $54,800, while the 2012 CLS550 will begin at $71,300 and the high-performance CLS63 AMG at $94,900. Prices exclude a $875 destination & delivery charge.
SLK Features Trend-setting Retractable Hardtop
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe/roadster represents the third generation of a two-seat sports car that rocked the automotive world when it unveiled the first automatic retractable hardtop in modern times. With the top up it’s a quiet, weather-tight coupe – push a button, and 20 seconds later the car is topless. Like the retractable hardtop of the larger SL model, the rear window of the SLK pivots to match the curvature of the top as it’s being lowered, providing more trunk room than ever.
The SLK350 is powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that features direct injection and multi-spark ignition. With even more power and better fuel economy than its predecessor, the new SLK engine generates 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque.
CLS Four-Door Coupe Gets First Major Redesign
The four-passenger 2012 CLS coupe represents the first major redesign of a car that established an entirely new market segment – the four-door coupe, which combines the emotional appeal and dynamic design of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan. When it hits the U.S. market in the summer of 2011, the 2012 CLS line will offer a choice of two exciting models, both powered by new biturbo, direct-injection V8 engines. The 4.6-liter CLS550 engine produces 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque, and the high-performance CLS63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter version of the new V8 that’s rated at 518 hp and 516 lb.-ft of torque.
Mercedes-Benz has only just presented the new SLK and the facelifted C-Class yet already the sporty roadster, dynamic saloon and attractive estate are now available in finely crafted model car form. Each of the miniatures has been specially produced for Mercedes-Benz Accessories, and all are a delight to behold thanks to their prototypical workmanship.
Large or small, Mercedes-Benz cars are always able to generate a sense of fascination, both in their original size as well as in model format. Among true-to-scale miniatures, the models of the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Selection enjoy a very special position. This is because the Product Management Division and the Sindelfingen Design Studios of Mercedes-Benz ensure that they feature consistent proportions, harmoniously flowing, light-catching contours, and also some very precise details. The focus of the models is squarely on remaining true to the original. And it is only when such details as windscreen wipers, exterior mirrors or door handles are able to pass close scrutiny that the models are accepted into the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Selection.
It is precisely these demanding standards which the models of the new SLK have also been designed to meet. Available with immediate effect, they come in the popular scales of 1:87 for model railway layouts and 1:43 for collectors, as well as a 1:18 large-scale version for those model enthusiasts with an eye for detail. There is also a variety of original paint finishes and interior appointments to choose from. In the case of the smaller models, a roadster roof is supplied which can also be fitted; in the 1:18-scale variant, this roof comes already folded down and stored in the luggage compartment.
The new SLK model cars have been produced by well-known manufacturers in consultation with Mercedes-Benz. The 1:87-scale model is produced by HO-scale specialist Herpa and costs 15.90 euros. The 1:43-scale variant is made by Schuco and is available for 29.90 euros. The highly-detailed 1:18-scale edition, meanwhile, is produced by Minichamps and carries a price tag of 69.90 euros. This particular model is ideal for displaying on a desk or bookshelf, ensuring that the exciting new SLK is never far from view.
Another new miniature addition to the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Selection is the facelifted C-Class. It comprises two variants each of the saloon and the estate – featuring different paint finishes and a variety of appointment details – all available in a scale of 1:43. Each edition costs 29.90 euros.