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.
The Mercedes-Benz specialists at Vath revealed their latest aftermarket program for the new generation Mercedes-Benz SLK this week. The Mercedes SLK by Vath is based on the R172 SLK 350 model, that is powered by a 3.5-liter engine. Thanks to a remapped ECU, the new Vath SLK takes the 302 HP and 273 lb-ft of Torque and ups it to 330 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque propelling the already zippy roadster to a top speed of 269 km/h (167 mph).
Additional upgrades from Vath include updated brakes, bespoke stainless steel exhaust system, new 20-inch wheels and an adjustable suspensions system. The ride height of Vath’s Mercedes SLK can be lowered from 20 mm to 65 mm. The body kit includes a carbon fiber front spoiler lip and a boot lid spoiler but Vath did little to change the aerodynamics of the SLK. As for the interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK, Vath offers several carbon fiber trim elements. So what is the price for this tuning beauty? The SLK Vath tuning program will set you back a mere 25,192 EUR or $33k at today’s conversion.
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.
The designers have tailor-made an outfit for the new SLK which emphasises its classic roadster proportions and puts them in the spotlight to thrilling effect. Behind the long bonnet is a compact passenger compartment positioned far back, and a short tail end. The SLK will tempt potential customers with the key attributes that characterise all the classic roadsters from Mercedes-Benz, and that have also made many of them automotive icons.
Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The SLK continues the illustrious roadster tradition of Mercedes-Benz, and excitingly takes it into the future. The design idiom accentuates its lively, sporty presence, and is also sculptural. It expresses personality and sensuality. The same applies to the interior. High-grade materials, lovingly crafted details and a very exclusive finish characterise the essentially very sporty atmosphere.”
Striking front end
The first feature to catch the eye is an upright radiator grille that stands proud and confident in the wind, bearing the new face of the Mercedes-Benz brand. It facilitates the long and well-proportioned bonnet and with its rearward light-catching contours it already hints at the roadster’s dynamic qualities. The bonnet ends with two air intake grilles in front of the windscreen, each embellished with three louvres.
The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position and displays a powerfully contoured fin, chromed at the front. The clearly defined headlamps complete the look for the new SLK’s face, and daytime running lamps with chrome surrounds (round lamps in the base version) in the bumper round off the front end. The “face” of the new SLK is reminiscent of the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s, which is regarded by many as being the original “SLK”. But it was certainly not just the past that the designers were focusing on; with the new SLK’s front end they also intentionally created a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “gull-wing model” and the new CLS.
The amazing and measurable proof of the meticulously detailed work that has been carried out is that in spite of the more striking, steeper front and the larger frontal area, the Cd value has been cut to just 0.30 (preceding model 0.32).
Dramatic lines
The classic, timeless lines of the side aspect with its typical roadster proportions embodies the utmost aesthetic appeal with a visual assurance of sportiness and fun. The vario-roof spans the interior like a drawn bow. When opened it disappears into the boot, creating the typical roadster silhouette. From any angle and in any position it blends harmoniously into the overall design. A fillet conceals the boot joint, so that it does not disturb the side aspect as with similar roof designs. Neither are the lines disturbed by aerials in most equipment variants: in most cases they are integrated into the windscreen, rear window and parcel shelf.
The air outlet grilles with a chromed fin in the front wings are reminiscent of the famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster from the 1950s. In the new SLK they form the elegant starting point for a feature line which extends right back to the muscular rear wings, and uses light and shadow to lend style and elegance to the side aspect.
This is emphasised by the stemmed exterior mirrors, which are positioned on the beltline where they allow a better forward view to the side. With their very narrow stems painted in the vehicle colour, these make a sporty and filigree impression. Their sophisticated aerodynamics also help to keep the side windows practically dirt-free, while ensuring a low level of wind noise.
Depending on the engine variant, the wheel arches house 16 or 17-inch light-alloy wheels, or 18-inch wheels with mixed-size tyres in conjunction with the sports suspension.
Muscular rear end
At the rear the eye is drawn to the integrated spoiler lip and wide tail light clusters. The roll-over bars feature double-skinned plastic claddings with a high-quality soft-look surface. As an optional extra these rear claddings can be of anodised aluminium.
For the first time, the tail lights with their pronounced horizontal emphasis are in all-LED technology. Their upper edge extends forward into the sides, harmoniously culminating in the feature line. A twin exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipes rounds off the muscular impression created by the rear view.
High-grade materials and stylish sportiness
The new SLK is 31 millimetres longer and 33 millimetres wider than its predecessor. With the most compact dimensions in its class, the new SLK has an interior whose generous size is nonetheless exemplary. To achieve this, the designers have developed interior appointments which offer the driver and passenger outstanding perceived value, purist precision and a real feel-good ambience. The interior in the base colour black is characterised by sporty refinement, well thought-out ergonomics and high-quality, authentic materials which have been processed with painstaking attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship. Even in the base version, the centre console and other trim parts gleam in brushed aluminium. Wood can be selected as an option in high-gloss dark brown walnut or high-gloss black ash.
Echoing the exterior design, the black dashboard emphasises the horizontal lines and therefore width of the vehicle. On request it is available in a two-tone colour scheme and with a leather lining. Four round, galvanised air vents similar in form to those in the SLS are recessed into the dashboard, underlining the car’s membership of the Mercedes-Benz sports car family and at the same time deliberately creating associations with the dynamism of jet aviation.
Two large dial instruments – a speedometer and a rev counter – flank a display for the information generated by the online computer. The display menus can be conveniently accessed by the driver using the control buttons on the steering wheel, without taking his eyes off the road. The colour display for the communication and entertainment functions is housed in the centre of the dashboard, and can be easily read by both the driver and passenger. A comfortably shaped controller on the centre armrest ensures safe and easy operation.
On the top of the dashboard, also in the centre, sits a fine analogue clock (optional), subtly underlining the roadster’s stylish character.
An easily handled (diameter 375 millimetres) multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom section and a thick leather rim makes the high quality and sporty character of the new SLK a constant tactile experience. Metal trim on the spokes enhance the impression of both sportiness and refinement. Shift paddles to perform upshifts and downshifts in the automatic transmission are available as an option. The interior can be enhanced even further with a wood/leather steering wheel.
The sweeping lines of the upper dashboard section are continued into the door panels. The door centre panel is colour-coordinated with the interior. The door openers and seat adjustment switches are trimmed in aluminium or wood.
Sporty yet comfortable seats
The sporty, ergonomic seats with adjustable, crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints integrated into the backrests have high side bolsters for optimum lateral support and a high level of comfort on long journeys. Maximum operating convenience and seating comfort is ensured by optional electric seat adjustment with a memory function and 4-way lumbar support.
In the base version the new SLK is equipped with black fabric seats. There is also a choice of:
All leather and nappa leather seats are upholstered with leather which noticeably reduces heat build-up. The leather has a special coating which reflects the sun’s rays. Comparative measurements have shown that this leather reduces the temperature of the seats by more than ten degrees Celsius – a significant improvement in comfort when the car has been parked in the sun.
As in the previous model, the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF is available as an optional extra for the new SLK. This creates a flow of warm air around the neck and shoulder areas of the occupants from a vent in the front of each head restraint.
Magical lighting
An ambient lighting system available as an option for the first time creates an impressive effect in the interior of the new SLK. It consists of discreet optical fibres and spots in SOLAR RED, which produce an extremely pleasant yet sporty lighting effect in the door panels, around the door pulls and on both sides of the centre console. This mood-enhancing ambient lighting is activated when the doors are opened (“welcome home” effect), and its intensity can be individually varied by a dimmer.
The central lighting unit in the overhead control panel has two interior lights and a centre console spotlight.
Clever stowage compartment concept
For a two-seater roadster, the new SLK has an exemplary variety of stowage facilities in the interests of versatility and day-to-day utility. The basis for this well conceived interior concept is a large glove compartment with a remarkable capacity of 6.4 litres. Useful features such as holders for a pen, credit cards and coins are integrated into the glove compartment lid.
There are three stowage compartments in the centre console – below the air conditioning controls (this can be replaced by an ashtray on request), next to the controller in front of the armrest (roller-top compartment, optionally a drinks holder) and under the armrest with a 12 V socket, USB interface and AUX connection (optionally a media interface for integration of e.g. an iPod and mobile phone connection). A net attached to the tunnel in the passenger footwell can be fitted with a flexible bottle-holder which can securely accommodate even 1.5-litre bottles.
Excellent climate
The new SLK is equipped with air conditioning as standard. The automatic climate control system THERMOTRONIC with separately adjustable interior temperatures for the driver and passenger is available on request.
An example of the detailed refinements: a windscreen demisting sensor in the stem of the rear-view mirror registers the glass temperature and interior humidity level of the new SLK. In dry weather, when no cooling is required but A/C is operating, the control system powers the compressor down but activates it as soon as it registers that the windscreen is misting up. This has two advantages:
Now in its third edition, the all new Mercedes-Benz SLK raises the bar when it comes to driving pleasure. The roadster offers driver’s a quick and responsive engine inside a stylish yet comfortable open-top sports car. Mercedes managed to pack all these attributes into a great looking, environmentally conscious vehicle that is built to be driven on a day to day basis. Thus making it one of the top car designs out this year. The 2012 SLK350 goes on-sale in the U.S. in June 2011.
“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 CEO 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 also continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”
Innovations are part of the successful history of the Mercedes-Benz SLK:
The highlights of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK also include a striking and masculine sports car design, a sporty and refined interior with authentic, high-grade materials and a choice of three suspension variants – a standard suspension, a sports suspension or a suspension with automatically adjustable damping.
Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With the SLK we offer a wide range of technical alternatives to give customers a personal choice. Among them are a number of unique innovations. Moreover, the SLK is a prime example of how impressive performance, stylish driving comfort and high ecological standards can go hand in hand. In the 125-year history of the automobile, we have never experienced such major leaps in efficiency. Lower fuel consumption and even more driving pleasure – a formula we certainly translate into reality in the SLK.”
Outstanding on all fronts
The best or nothing – this motto is at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy, and also the guiding theme for the new SLK. The original book of specifications already laid down that the design characteristics of the new roadster must not be one-sided, but must ensure top performance in all major disciplines. Mercedes-Benz engineers have rigorously translated this requirement into reality, and given the SLK attributes that guarantee the roadster a peak position in its segment in multiple respects. Among them are extremely compact dimensions combined with an extremely generous interior providing a feel-good atmosphere and numerous practical features. Naturally outstanding performance and sporty, agile handling are also major characteristics of the new SLK. Moreover, the new SLK is the most economical petrol model in its class, with three new, efficient and powerful direct-injection engines plus the ECO start/stop function, and also the safest roadster with its unrivalled range of safety features.
Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Firmly embedded in the genes of the SLK is exhilarating driving pleasure in any weather conditions, open or closed, for recreation or day-to-day motoring. It combines its decidedly sporty character with outstanding comfort and high-grade appointments. The new SLK also sets new standards among the compact roadsters where fuel economy and environmental compatibility are concerned. A wealth of outstanding attributes and technical innovations will once again make it the benchmark in its class – and undoubtedly also a success for our brand. The SLK is a roadster with a character, and everyone will want it.”
A look back at the success achieved by the preceding models. Since the first generation was launched, the SLK has won the enthusiasm of more than half a million customers.
Even more features
The new SLK has a wealth of new features compared to its already well-equipped predecessor.
New standard equipment
New optional extras