Mercedes Benz SLS

The SLK designers had the task of giving driving pleasure a form. Their aim was to develop a car which exuded an air of freedom, independence and adventure. A car to ignite the emotions, a captivating roadster embodying the zest for life. The result was unveiled in autumn 1996 – a charismatic masterpiece, whose short but punchy name still makes the hearts of many a car fan beat that little bit faster: SLK.

This combination of letters harks back to the great Roadster tradition at Mercedes-Benz, recalling breathtaking sports cars such as the ”SS” ( Super Sport), ”SSK” ( Super Sport Short ), ”SSKL” ( Super Sport Short Light), 500 K and 540 K which ruled the roost in the 1920s and 30s. They were succeeded in the post-war period by the 300 SL, 190 SL and finally the SL models of modern vintage, the flagship Mercedes Roadsters of the present day. The SLK is following in the tyre tracks of some truly legendary sports cars.

MERCEDES BENZ SLK R170

Some 40 international prizes and awards – ranging from the ”Golden Steering Wheel” to such accolades as ”Most Beautiful Car in the World” – are evidence of the wide popularity of the compact Roadster, whose technology, design and equipment meets the highest standards for cars in this class. In addition to the innovative vario-roof, which transforms the two-seater from an open-top roadster to a weatherproof coupé in a matter of seconds, the SLK-Class also comes with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ), six-speed manual transmission (excl. SLK 32 AMG) and SPEEDTRONIC fitted as standard.

Engines with output ranging from 120 kW/163 hp to 260 kW/354 hp

State-of-the-art four-cylinder engines and two powerful six-cylinder engines with 3.2-litre displacement set the tone under the bonnet of the Mercedes Roadster. Even the entry-level model, the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, is equipped with a mechanical supercharger, and thus the means to deliver 120 kW/163 hp. The supercharger makes its presence felt at a surprisingly low engine speed, with the engine delivering its maximum torque of 230 newton metres at only 2500 rpm – an imposing figure, which is maintained up to 4800 rpm. The supercharger allows the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 223 km/h. Added to which, the Roadster consumes just 9.5 litres of premium unleaded per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

The SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR develops145 kW/197 hp and impressive torque of 280 newton metres upwards of 2500 rpm. The extra power is the key to even better performance values: the SLK 230 KOMPRESSOR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a lightning 7.2 seconds, recording a top speed of 240 km/h. Fuel consumption stands at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).

The SLK-Class is headed by the SLK 320 and SLK 32 AMG. Their six-cylinder engines enjoy the benefits of three-valve technology, dual ignition, low-friction cylinder liners and leading-edge lightweight materials. The V6 powerplant lurking under the bonnet of the SLK 320 develops 160 kW/218 hp and punches out stunning maximum torque of 310 newton metres upwards of 3000 rpm. It is the perfect recipe for commanding power development and sports-car levels of performance: the V6 Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and is capable of a 245 km/h top speed. Plus, the six-cylinder engine can point to fuel consumption of 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) as further evidence of its state-of-the-art construction.

MERCEDES BENZ SLK 230 Kompressor 1996-2000

The 260 kW/354 hp of muscle packed inside its supercharged V6 engine and a host of other outstanding features propels the SLK 32 AMG head and shoulders ahead of its competitors. A glance at its engine and performance figures tells you all you need to know: peak torque of 450 newton metres allied with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Six gears open the way to sporty driving pleasure

All SLK models (excl. SLK 32 AMG) are fitted as standard with the newly developed six-speed manual transmission, which boasts the particularly short shift travel and low shift force characteristics you would expect of a sports car. Meanwhile, a cutting-edge five-speed automatic is available as an option. It comes as standard with the practical Touchshift function, which takes the effort out of manual gear selection in position "D". The SLK 32 AMG is standard-fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission incorporating the superb SPEEDSHIFT function, your passport to even faster gearchange.

The "Final Edition": Luxury with a sporty and elegant flavour

The sporting elegance of the special-edition SLK "Final Edition" is scheduled to grace the streets from spring 2003, with its top-quality trim elements and exquisite materials sure to turn a few heads. The Roadster's exclusive exterior is fronted by a radiator grille painted in chrome-silver metallic, which blends in with the high-gloss polished aluminium trim for the A-pillars and vario-roof to powerful effect. The special-edition model's distinctive identity is reinforced by the chromed boot lid handle and "Final Edition" logo on the front wings.

The dynamic, yet sophisticated edge to the special-edition SLK is emphasised by 16-inch light-alloy wheels in five-double-spoke design, which come as standard with wide tyres: 205/55 R 16 at the front and 225/50 R 16 at the rear. In addition, two different 17-inch light-alloy wheel variants with 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear) tyres can be ordered as an option.

The interior of the "Final Edition" lavishes the SLK passengers with the luxury of newly designed sports seats in nappa leather, which customers can order in either black or classic red. The same top-quality leather also adorns the central areas of the door trim and the two roll-over bars. For the centre console, gearshift gate and door handles of the ”Final Edition”, the Mercedes designers have created trim elements in brushed aluminium. The silver lettering and numbering of the dials and metal-coloured controls for adjusting the time and daily mileage counter set the instrument cluster apart from the standard SLK Roadster. The black control panels for the blower and ventilation system and the "Final Edition" chrome plate on the gearshift lever are further characteristic features of the new special-edition model. Floor mats in soft velour up the comfort levels even further and their chain-stitched edges come in either chrome or red, to match the interior.

Translator's note: The ”K” in ”SSK” and ”SSKL” stands for the German word ”kurz” which means ”short”