Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (Roadster)
The SLK is a compact roadster manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in two generations, R170 and R171, since 1997.
As one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles, the SLK followed the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder and preceded other retractable hardtops such as the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Pontiac G6 and the Chrysler Sebring.The designation SLK derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short — in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz.
The term SLK-Class is a Mercedes marketing term referring to the vehicle in all its engine configurations across both design generations. -
R170 (1997- 2004)
The R170-platform SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, though its additional weight compromised the performance of the 193 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999 along with the 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 SLK 320.
An AMG model was added in 2001, with a 354 hp (264 kW) supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing R170 SLK, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It was only offered with automatic transmission and was hand built.
Not all Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany, the SLK 320 being built in South Africa and Mexico. The very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997 and last on April 7, 2004.
Summary of all versions and engine specifications:
- SLK 200 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 136 hp I4
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 163 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 223 km/h (138 mph). NB Not exported to North American markets.
- SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 197 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 240 km/h (148 mph).
- SLK 320 - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 218 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).
- SLK 32 AMG - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 354 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. All engines were hand-built by AMG by an individual engineer. The engine came with an intercooled Lysholm-type "twin-screw" supercharger. Production ran between Aug 2000 and March 2004. Only 4,333 were built in total, of which 979 were retained for Germany, 2,056 exported to the USA and 263 to the UK.
R171 (2004-current)
The SLK was substantially revised in 2004 with a revised body and enhanced performance. For 2005 the new R171-platform SLK was named one of Car and Driver Ten Best and won the Canadian Car of the Year's Best New Convertible award. The current SLK's are built in Bremen, Germany and Mexico city, Mexico. (Assembly at Mexico City plant is disputed, only final prep is done there for cars delivering to that area).Models of the new SLK include:
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 120 kW (163 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
- SLK 300 - 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
- SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).
- SLK 55 AMG - 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 hp DIN) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds (officially time), tested speed 4.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. A tuned version of this was used as the Formula One safety car, replaced by CLK 63 AMG at the beginning of 2006 Season. The SLK55 AMG was the first Mercedes tuned by AMG's Performance Studio to a Black Series model.
- SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 135 kW (184 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine
- SLK 350 - 3.5 L (3498 cc) 224 kW (305 hp DIN) DOHC V6 engine
Mercedes-Benz SLR(Hardtop grand tourer)
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W196S) was a sportscar racing car for the 1955 World Sportscar Championship season, which it won.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German grand tourer jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. At the time Mercedes-Benz owned 40 percent of the McLaren Group.Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement, and its driving characteristics, some commentators classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals would be vehicles like the Aston Martin DBS V12 and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
SLR stands for "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing). Mercedes-Benz stated that they would build 3,500 SLRs over a span of seven years, with an annual production of 500 cars. The car's base price, GB£295,337 (approx. US$450,000, €351,269, CHF 500,000 or C$ 499,999c. 2009), made it the ninth most expensive street legal car in the year 2008.Mercedes-Benz SLS (Luxury grand tourer)
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a luxury grand tourer automobile developed by Mercedes-AMG to replace the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The car is the first Mercedes automobile designed in-house by AMG and is described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the 300SL Gullwing.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 IAA. Sales began in mid-2010 in Europe with MSRP of €177,310 (including taxes) and will begin in the United States in mid-2011 for less than $200,000. Promotional advertisements of the SLS AMG have also begun airing in India as well from April 2010. The SLS AMG is featured as the cover car for the PlayStation 3 racing game Gran Turismo 5, and was the safety car for the 2010 Formula One season.SLS AMG GT3
A GT3-spec racing version of the SLS AMG was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show. It is set to compete in national GT3 championships before being allowed race in the FIA GT3 Championship in 2011.SLS AMG "Blackbird"
The SLS AMG "Blackbird" was a unique, special edition SLS AMG created by Mercedes-Benz's Australian subsidiary specifically for the 2010 Australian International Motor Show. The one-off vehicle will eventually be sold to a private customer.SLS AMG E-Cell
