Mercedes-Benz previews third-gen SLK

Open air enjoyment revived as Merc's newest cult roadster is revealed
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Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off its third-generation SLK roadster, which has been completely redeveloped for 2011.

Promising light-footed sportiness, style and comfort the striking new SLK brings vario-roof flexibility to the segment for the first time -- the performance model equipped with Mercedes' latest Magic Sky Control system, which switches the roof from light to dark at the touch of a button. A standard folding hardtop remains available in body colour.

Offered with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines, each with stop-start as standard fit, the new SLK claims increased performance with economy improvements as high as 25 per cent. At this stage, the recently spied hyper drop top SLK 63 AMG has not been announced.

Emphasising SLK's classic proportions, designers have tailor-made the new body to promote the driving attributes traditionally associated with long-nosed, short bodied roadsters, a key attribute Mercedes-Benz says will tempt many sporting buyers back to the brand. Stylistic changes include a more upright and wider grille, and clearly defined all-LED headlamps that are said to resemble those of the legendary 190 SL of the 1950s. The bonnet and wings are now made of aluminium. Benz designers have naturally drawn a close visual link with the styling of the company's latest supercar, the "Gullwing" SLS AMG.

"The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car," said Mercedes-Benz Cars boss, Dr Dieter Zetsche. "I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high-quality interior and its modesty at the filling station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster."

In profile the new SLK comprises fine details and is "said to embody the care taken by its designers". Ventilator grilles in the front wings are topped with a chrome fin, again reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz roadsters of the 50s. From here, a feature line flows to a muscular rear wing sculpted to use light and shadow to add style and 'timeless aesthetics' to the sides.

Inside too, a long list of revisions see not only improved style, but enhanced space utilisation and increased creature comforts. As well as the aforementioned magic roof, Mercedes-Benz has also bettered its draught-stop system Airguide for new SLK, further taming turbulent air flow. The much-loved neck-level Airscarf heating system, familiar to the predecessor, remains.

Cabin decor is characterised by stylish, high-quality materials which, naturally, are customisable through a range of wood and metal finishes. Four round, galvanised air outlets integrated in the dashboard emphasise SLK's place in Mercedes-Benz sports car family, their shape another nod to the SLS.

The instrument panel sees a pair of generously proportioned gauges flank a central information display for the onboard computer. The centre stack's colour display houses all of the SLK's infotainment systems and is topped by a fine analogue clock said to 'subtly underline the roadster's stylish character'.

The new SLK is suspended by three different arrangements: conventional steel set up as standard, optional sports arrangement with stiffer springs and dampers and alternative Dynamic Handling package featuring electronically controlled continuously adjustable damping. The Dynamic Handling package also includes a direct-steering system and torque vectoring brakes.

Maintaining Merc's highly reputed safety credentials, the new SLK features the latest driver assistance systems, including the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST. Developed in-house for the new SLK are safety aids such as Intelligent Light System, Speed Limit Assist, Pre-Safe and the optional  Pre-Safe Brake, which can autonomously apply the brakes in the end of an impending rear-end collision.

The new SLK will launch in the UK in June with pricing and specifications to be revealed closer to that time. Australian launch timing is yet to be announced, though we anticipate sometime towards the middle of the year.

2011 Mercedes-Benz model line-up (from launch):
SLK 200 BlueEfficiency 1796cc direct injection four-cylinder 137kW (7.0 secs)
SLK 250 BlueEfficiency 1796cc direct injection four-cylinder 152kW (6.6 secs)
SLK 350 BlueEfficiency 3498cc direct injection six-cylinder 228kW (5.6 secs)

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