Stuttgart, Feb 12, 2004- Eight years after the first SLK premiere in Turin, the second generation of the roadster is set to celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2004. The presentation follows the publication of the first photos of the new SLK at the start of the year. A total of over 7,000 orders have been taken since sales release already. Prices for the SLK-Class range from 33,524 euros for the entry-level model to 63,974 euros (ex factory).
The further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupe 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, whilst the interior features a world first, in the shape of the innovative THERMOTRONIC: This luxury automatic climate control system is fitted with sun and pollutant sensors, allowing it to create the perfect on-board climate in any situation.
Three different engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. The range includes – for the first time in this vehicle class – an eight-cylinder power unit.
The newly developed seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC – the world’s first transmission of this type for passenger cars – opens the door to more powerful acceleration and fast mid-range sprints, as well as helping to reduce fuel consumption. 7G-TRONIC can be ordered as an option in conjunction with the V6 engine in the SLK 350 (fitted as standard on the SLK 55 AMG) and can also be combined with steering wheel gearshift buttons, enabling the driver to make optimum use of the engine’s exceptional power reserves in any driving situation by changing gear manually.
The SLK 55 AMG with eight-cylinder
With the SLK 55 AMG, the top-of-the-range SLK, Mercedes’ has produced a car which gives 360-hp (265kW) output and 376 ft lbs (510 nm) of torque.
Standard Equipment Package:
-AMG sports suspension -AMG sports seats -AMG bodystyling with special front apron and spoiler lip on the boot lid -Mercedes-AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel -High-performance braking system with perforated composite brake discs at the front Interior lighting package -THERMATIC air conditioning -Mercedes-AMG 18 -inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design -Mixed tyres (front: 225/40 R 18, rear: 245/35 R 18) -Nappa leather upholstery -7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT and steering wheel gearshift buttons.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will arrive at Mercedes-Benz’ European sales and service outlets and dealerships on March 27, 2004.
Story by DaimlerChrysler, edited Supercars.net
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $55 000 USD |
| engine | V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valvbes per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 5439 cc / 331.9 in³ |
| bore | 97 mm / 3.82 in |
| stroke | 92 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 11.0:1 |
| power | 268.5 kw / 360 bhp @ 5750 rpm |
| specific output | 66.21 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 233.77 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 510 nm / 376.2 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 225/40 R 18 |
| rear tires | 245/35 R 18 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/ABS |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | McPherson Struts, Coil Springs, Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Gas Pressure Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1540 kg / 3395 lbs |
| transmission | 7-Speed Autopmatic ‘7G-Matic’ |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~10.6 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~12.9 seconds |
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