ZOSicK
May 3rd, 2004, 11:50 PM
http://www.autosite.com/images/edphotos/previews/fullsize/2005-mercedes-benz-slk-front.jpg
http://www.autosite.com/images/edphotos/previews/fullsize/2005-mercedes-benz-slk-interior.jpg
http://www.autosite.com/images/edphotos/previews/fullsize/2005-mercedes-benz-slk-rear.jpg
IRVINE, CA - Another roadster in a long line of sporting machines from Mercedes-Benz is set to debut in Europe this spring and arrives in the U.S. for the 2005 model year. The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class builds on the proportions and philosophies of today’s model, refining them in a completely redesigned car that takes its styling cues from modern concept and production vehicles wearing the three-pointed star.
In Europe, three models will be available. At the bottom of the lineup is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor, which is powered by a supercharged inline four-cylinder engine making 163 horsepower. Like all SLK models, the SLK 200 Kompressor is rear-wheel-drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes-Benz is not expecting to sell this car in North America.
Here in the U.S., the volume version will be the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350, which makes 272 horsepower from its stout V6 engine. This more powerful motor features variable camshaft control and other technological enhancements to make it more fuel-efficient yet more powerful than the previous 3.2-liter V6 engine. Furthermore, its maximum torque output is reached at a low 2,400 rpm and remains strong through 5,000 rpm. Mercedes claims that the 2005 SLK 350 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, with little variance between the standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic. Drivers wishing for more involvement in gear selection on this latter transmission can choose to equip the Mercedes SLK 350 with buttons on the steering wheel for more convenient manual shifting. Seventeen-inch wheels are likely to be standard, with 18-inch wheels possibly bundled with a sport suspension option.
When the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 debuts, it will contain a rack-and-pinion steering system that replaces the old recirculating-ball unit for more responsiveness. Also standard is a larger and more effective braking system, and a new multi-link four-wheel-independent suspension with available sport tuning.
Topping the range is the new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, a road-ripping sports car with a monster 360-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine that blasts the car from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. It comes standard with the seven-speed automatic, steering wheel shift buttons and an AMG SpeedShift manual driving program. With AMG SpeedShift, the driver is in complete control of shift points, and the system includes a torque-converter lockup, active braking downshift and faster gear changes. The SLK 55 AMG’s firmer suspension receives unique struts, dampers and anti-roll bars. Eighteen-inch wheels wearing performance tires are hauled to a halt by composite front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and solid rear disc brakes with four-piston pincers.
Styling modifications for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG include special AMG multi-spoke wheels, a body kit, longitudinal gills on the hood, twin exhaust outlets and smoked taillight lenses. Other modifications include chrome-ringed front fog lights, black painted grille elements and a subtle lip spoiler on the trunk lid that reduces lift by as much as 36 percent. Inside, the SLK 55 AMG receives Nappa leather appointments, AMG sports seats and an AMG steering wheel.
One of the hallmarks of today’s SLK is its slick, retractable hardtop design. On the redesigned 2005 Mercedes SLK, the rear window pivots so that it takes up less trunk space than the old model. Indeed, the trunk has added a third more space than before when the roof is folded. Mercedes-Benz claims that the 2005 SLK’s roof will stow in 22 seconds, and it can now be operated using a button on the key fob, making it easy to drop the top as you approach the car from the outside and raise it as you walk away. Nice touch, Mercedes.
Another nice touch unique to the convertible market is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK’s optional Airscarf system. Airscarf is a neck-level heating system that blows warm air from the headrests on the seat, the effect not unlike wearing a scarf. The automaker claims that this makes the 2005 SLK a year-round, top-down ride – even in winter.
Safety issues have been addressed with the inclusion of a head-and-thorax side airbags system, dual-stage front airbags, two-stage seatbelt force limiters, and rollover bars that deploy from behind the seats. In the event of a rollover accident, a sensor also tightens the seatbelt pretensioners to remove all slack and hold occupants in tightly. As in the previous car, four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, as well as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), keep the SLK on the intended path.
Optional bi-xenon headlights can track around corners to provide better illumination, and the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK can be equipped with a navigation system and 380-watt surround sound with eleven speakers. An available Thermatronic automatic climate control system includes solar and pollution sensors.
Inside the new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK, silver-colored interior switchgear contrasts nicely with the black instrument panel, and buyers have no less than six interior leather colors from which to choose (four on the SLK 55 AMG). Outside, the SLK’s long hood, short deck and wedge profile provide immediate resemblance to its forebear in terms of proportion, but the styling details are all new. The tapered front takes cues from both the SL-Class and the SLR McLaren, while the rounded rump resembles an Audi TT from certain angles. Softly bulging wheel wells and the emerging Mercedes curved-arc beltline help the SLK to look muscular and quick. To our eyes, it’s more appealing that the somewhat disjointed BMW Z4 but still not as taut and lean as the Honda S2000.
Today’s Mercedes-Benz SLK was never taken seriously as a sports car, even in supercharged AMG format. Perhaps this new Benz roadster, with its stout V6 and V8 engines, revised hardware and sleeker look, will provide the goods to go head-to-head with the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster.
:kid: :whine:
http://www.autosite.com/images/edphotos/previews/fullsize/2005-mercedes-benz-slk-interior.jpg
http://www.autosite.com/images/edphotos/previews/fullsize/2005-mercedes-benz-slk-rear.jpg
IRVINE, CA - Another roadster in a long line of sporting machines from Mercedes-Benz is set to debut in Europe this spring and arrives in the U.S. for the 2005 model year. The 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class builds on the proportions and philosophies of today’s model, refining them in a completely redesigned car that takes its styling cues from modern concept and production vehicles wearing the three-pointed star.
In Europe, three models will be available. At the bottom of the lineup is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor, which is powered by a supercharged inline four-cylinder engine making 163 horsepower. Like all SLK models, the SLK 200 Kompressor is rear-wheel-drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes-Benz is not expecting to sell this car in North America.
Here in the U.S., the volume version will be the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350, which makes 272 horsepower from its stout V6 engine. This more powerful motor features variable camshaft control and other technological enhancements to make it more fuel-efficient yet more powerful than the previous 3.2-liter V6 engine. Furthermore, its maximum torque output is reached at a low 2,400 rpm and remains strong through 5,000 rpm. Mercedes claims that the 2005 SLK 350 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, with little variance between the standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic. Drivers wishing for more involvement in gear selection on this latter transmission can choose to equip the Mercedes SLK 350 with buttons on the steering wheel for more convenient manual shifting. Seventeen-inch wheels are likely to be standard, with 18-inch wheels possibly bundled with a sport suspension option.
When the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 debuts, it will contain a rack-and-pinion steering system that replaces the old recirculating-ball unit for more responsiveness. Also standard is a larger and more effective braking system, and a new multi-link four-wheel-independent suspension with available sport tuning.
Topping the range is the new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, a road-ripping sports car with a monster 360-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine that blasts the car from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. It comes standard with the seven-speed automatic, steering wheel shift buttons and an AMG SpeedShift manual driving program. With AMG SpeedShift, the driver is in complete control of shift points, and the system includes a torque-converter lockup, active braking downshift and faster gear changes. The SLK 55 AMG’s firmer suspension receives unique struts, dampers and anti-roll bars. Eighteen-inch wheels wearing performance tires are hauled to a halt by composite front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and solid rear disc brakes with four-piston pincers.
Styling modifications for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG include special AMG multi-spoke wheels, a body kit, longitudinal gills on the hood, twin exhaust outlets and smoked taillight lenses. Other modifications include chrome-ringed front fog lights, black painted grille elements and a subtle lip spoiler on the trunk lid that reduces lift by as much as 36 percent. Inside, the SLK 55 AMG receives Nappa leather appointments, AMG sports seats and an AMG steering wheel.
One of the hallmarks of today’s SLK is its slick, retractable hardtop design. On the redesigned 2005 Mercedes SLK, the rear window pivots so that it takes up less trunk space than the old model. Indeed, the trunk has added a third more space than before when the roof is folded. Mercedes-Benz claims that the 2005 SLK’s roof will stow in 22 seconds, and it can now be operated using a button on the key fob, making it easy to drop the top as you approach the car from the outside and raise it as you walk away. Nice touch, Mercedes.
Another nice touch unique to the convertible market is the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK’s optional Airscarf system. Airscarf is a neck-level heating system that blows warm air from the headrests on the seat, the effect not unlike wearing a scarf. The automaker claims that this makes the 2005 SLK a year-round, top-down ride – even in winter.
Safety issues have been addressed with the inclusion of a head-and-thorax side airbags system, dual-stage front airbags, two-stage seatbelt force limiters, and rollover bars that deploy from behind the seats. In the event of a rollover accident, a sensor also tightens the seatbelt pretensioners to remove all slack and hold occupants in tightly. As in the previous car, four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, as well as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), keep the SLK on the intended path.
Optional bi-xenon headlights can track around corners to provide better illumination, and the 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK can be equipped with a navigation system and 380-watt surround sound with eleven speakers. An available Thermatronic automatic climate control system includes solar and pollution sensors.
Inside the new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK, silver-colored interior switchgear contrasts nicely with the black instrument panel, and buyers have no less than six interior leather colors from which to choose (four on the SLK 55 AMG). Outside, the SLK’s long hood, short deck and wedge profile provide immediate resemblance to its forebear in terms of proportion, but the styling details are all new. The tapered front takes cues from both the SL-Class and the SLR McLaren, while the rounded rump resembles an Audi TT from certain angles. Softly bulging wheel wells and the emerging Mercedes curved-arc beltline help the SLK to look muscular and quick. To our eyes, it’s more appealing that the somewhat disjointed BMW Z4 but still not as taut and lean as the Honda S2000.
Today’s Mercedes-Benz SLK was never taken seriously as a sports car, even in supercharged AMG format. Perhaps this new Benz roadster, with its stout V6 and V8 engines, revised hardware and sleeker look, will provide the goods to go head-to-head with the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster.
:kid: :whine: