R171 SLK Class






More attractive, more powerful and sportier than its predecessor, this appealing two-seater will be celebrating its European market launch in March 2004. The new model of-fers a choice of three new engines with a performance range extending from 120 kW to 265 kW. This includes - for the first time in this vehicle class - an eight-cylinder supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The SLK 350 is powered by a new 200 kW V6 engine delivering dy-namic driving pleasure.


The second generation of this two-seater, due for Australian release in the third quar-ter of 2004, again captivates the eye with its sophisticated design featuring details reminiscent of Formula motor racing. This quality enables the SLK to uphold its repu-tation as a trendsetter and a technology leader among the sports cars in this class. A further development of its vario-roof transforms this roadster into a coup in just 22 seconds. The range of standard equipment also includes head-thorax sidebags, adap-tive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. Mercedes engineers have added even more sports refinement to the suspension, steering and manual transmission.


As a global first, Mercedes-Benz is offering the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. This delivers a flow of warm air from the headrests at the touch of a button, thereby enabling SLK occupants to keep the roof down even when there is a chill in the air. This extends the top-down driving season to the full calendar year. Automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light, COMAND and the unique 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission add to the technological innovations which can now be supplied as options to the SLK-Class for the first time.


The new Mercedes roadster is now taking the place of its predecessor, a car which has delighted more than 308,000 owners since it first appeared in the autumn of 1996. Worldwide, this model holds the number one position in this market segment and has already established itself as a symbol for the new, dynamic brand image of Mercedes-Benz.


The design and technology employed in this second generation of the SLK-Class place even greater emphasis on sports performance. With more powerful engines, redesigned suspension, direct steering feel and a responsive six-speed manual shift system, the new model offers an even more athletic driving experience than ever
before. The body size has grown by 72 mm in length and 65 mm in width, affording driver and passenger more space and even higher standards of comfort than the pre-vious model.


Design: sports dynamics with designer features from Formula motor racing


From an initial glance, the design of this car reflects the sporty and altogether more powerful character of the new SLK-Class. A long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen, wide doors and short boot are the typical characteristics of a roadster and the new SLK underlines these even more emphatically than its predecessor. The extra 30 mil-limetres on the wheelbase, the distinctive arrow-like tapering at the front and rear and the wedge-shaped silhouette all contribute to this impression.


With attractive geometry details like the strikingly sharp nose section, special fins on the radiator grille and the twin exhaust system reminiscent of a racing car, the design of the new SLK recalls the fact that this two-seater is the child of a company with a long and illustrious tradition of sports car production.


The interior has also been completely redesigned and substantially upgraded with a careful choice of materials. The design concept is characterised by switches, push-buttons and decorative elements with silver-coloured surfaces, creating a sharp con-trast with the black surfaces of the instrument panel. Customers who opt for a leather interior can select from a range of six colours to create their personal choice of interior look.


Body: best in its class for aerodynamics and luggage compartment volume


The beautifully shaped body of the new SLK also stands out for its technical merits: no other roadster in this class matches its superb Cd value (0.32), its exceptional standards of body strength, an equivalent fuel tank capacity (70 litres) or a compara-ble size of luggage compartment (300 litres when vario-roof is closed).


The innovative vario-roof with which the Mercedes sports car set new trends back in 1996 has been further improved by the engineers at the Sindelfingen plant and its technology has been honed. It opens and closes faster than ever before and thanks to a pivoting rear window it now takes up even less space in the luggage compart-ment. When the vario-roof is open, the luggage compartment capacity is 208 litres (applying the VDA measurement method) - this is 63 litres more than that of the predecessor model. For the first time ever, as an optional feature available on re-quest, the vario-roof can also be actuated using the remote control on the vehicle key.


Safety: newly developed protection system with adaptive airbags


An ultramodern design procedure, a 40 % increase in the use of high-tensile steel al-loys and many other additional measures allow the new SLK-Class to surpass the high safety standards set by its predecessor. The occupant protection systems re-spond to the prevailing situation: for the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using adaptive airbags in this model range, which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the accident.


The belt force limiters, now standard equipment, also function in two stages and ad-just to the severity of the accident. In instances of side impact, recently developed head-thorax airbags spring into action and protect the passengerfs head and upper body. A special sensor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners in the event of the vehicle rolling over. Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional protection in accidents of this kind.


Engines: Up to 25 more performance with reduced fuel consumption


The range of engines available with the new SLK-Class is also unique for this market sector. Mercedes-Benz is the first carmaker in this segment to respond with an eight-cylinder engine to the wishes of performance-minded car drivers. The new SLK 55 AMG now sets a new benchmark in terms of power (265 kW), torque (510 newton metres) and acceleration (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds). The V8 power unit is twinned as stan-dard with the recently developed 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission controlled by the driver using gearshift buttons on the steering wheel.


Mercedes-Benz has developed a new six-cylinder engine with around 25 percent more power (200 kW) and 13 percent more torque (350 newton metres) for the SLK 350. The four-valve engine is one of the most powerful V6 units in its displacement class and its sporting character can be clearly distinguished by its powerful, vibrant engine note.


Maximum torque is available from an engine speed of just 2400 rpm and remains constant across a wide rev band extending up to 5000 rpm. This allows the car to be ac-celerated hard and permits rapid bursts of power. From a standing start, the SLK 350 reaches 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds (with the 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and accel-erates from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with the 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).


This is the first time that Mercedes-Benz has ever produced a V6 engine with variable camshaft control on intake and exhaust sides. The outcome is enhanced performance and torque combined with improved fuel economy. A two-stage intake manifold, gtumbleh flaps in the intake ducts and an intelligent heat management system add to the technical distinguishing features of this new six-cylinder engine. When combined with the option of a seven-speed automatic transmission, the new SLK 350 only con-sumes a meagre 9.9 litres of Super grade fuel over a distance of 100 kilometres (NEDC total consumption figures) and therefore, despite a significant increase in per-formance figures, still manages to be some five percent more fuel-efficient than the previous SLK six-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission.


The 120 kW engine in the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is also celebrating a premiere status in this range of Mercedes models. This is one of the new generation of four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz featuring the unique TWINPULSE system which offers further advances in terms of performance, torque, smoothness and fuel econ-omy. The TWINPULSE system combines a range of different technologies such as a compressor, balancer shafts, charge-air cooling, variable camshaft adjustment and four-valve technology. This high-tech package makes the new SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR eight percent more fuel-efficient than its equally powerful predecessor. The NEDC overall fuel consumption rating is just 8.7 litres of fuel over a distance of 100 kilometres.


As standard equipment, the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and SLK 350 are going to the starting grid with a six-speed transmission equipped with short, fast shift lever strokes and high levels of shift precision. As an option, the four-cylinder engine can be twinned with the tried and tested five-speed automatic transmission while the new six-cylinder can be paired up with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmis-sion. To reflect the dynamic character of the new SLK-Class, drivers can operate both automatic transmissions using gearshift buttons mounted on the steering wheel (as an optional extra) to select the desired ratio.


The distinguishing features of the sports-tuned suspension are the new design of three-link front axle, the rack-and-pinion steering unit and an even more powerful braking system than the previous model. Mercedes engineers have modified many details of the multi-link independent rear suspension unit and have adapted it to suit the increased track width of this new model. Depending on the choice of model, standard equipment in the new SLK-Class can include 16, 17 or even 18-inch alloy wheels. Low-slung sports suspension is also available as an option.


Comfort: AIRSCARF - a world first for even greater top-down driving pleasure



Longer and more often is the clear message from the new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class to fans of top-down driving. AIRSCARF is a world first which allows drivers to lower the vario-roof even when there is a real chill in the air. Owners can now enjoy the true roadster experience more frequently than ever before. AIRSCARF is an innovative heating system located in the seat headrests: at the touch of a button, temperature-controlled air flows out of special vents in the headrests to keep the shoulders, neck and heads of SLK occupants warm on the road - acting just like an invisible scarf.


This new development is a unique option in the open-top car market. It operates in three stages and is equipped with an electronic control unit. It controls head-level heating to suit ambient conditions - depending on roadspeed and temperature - and adapts the fan speed continuously to ensure that the best possible distribution of hot air is delivered in any given situation.


The THERMATIC system represents a further innovation for perfect in-car climate control and is standard equipment on the SLK 350 and the SLK 55 AMG. For even more demanding car drivers, Mercedes-Benz has developed the THERMOTRONIC luxury climate control system, equipped with solar and pollutant sensors.


To keep SLK driver and passenger entertained and informed, optional equipment in-cludes the Audio 20 CD stereo car radio, the Audio 50 APS with integrated colour display and a navigation system or COMAND APS, which features a DVD/CD player, colour display and separate DVD drive for the navigation system. Another option is the surround sound system with eleven speakers and a 380 Watt amplifier for that ul-timate acoustic experience. Mercedes-Benz will confirm specifications for Australian delivered cars closer to the release date.

W251 R-Class (Vision GST Concept)


See the similarities Not many on the skin, maybe more underneath.

Vision Grand Sports Tourer






















new m class
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/w164.html

 

so waht do you think of the new slk r171 slk roadster and coupe?
roadster


http://www.mercedes-benz.com/omb/amg...galerie_01.htm - more R171 amg slk photos

 

I love my xfire coupe, but
this is going to put price pressure on the xfire. Why buy a convertible xfire for 40k when (if) you can get the above for 50k ? OTOH, I can't wait until MB gives up the 171 to Chrysler for a better styled body. I like the idea of heat with the top down.

 

Are they making a hard top like the 1st picture ,and a hardtop convertable?

 

I don't think so, at least not available in the US (the 4 banger version is not available in the US either I don't think). List is 45k but of course that is completely devoid of any options. Most people are paying 50-55k

http://www.mbnz.org/forums/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=27


The 170 forum has an immense amount of info of interest to xfire owners.

http://www.mbnz.org/forums/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=26

114,000 posts or so.


In fact, I found out about the xfire on that forum when I was looking for a used slk320 manual (a hopeless quest), so I'm very happy with the xfire, though I think its price will have to go down even further after the 171 hits the lots.

 

I like the hardtop,don't need a convertable.As for price drop on Crossfire,i think it will go up!When people see MBs' are 10-15k more.Mercedes has abig following of customers over 30+ years and just like Porsche owners are very "snob appeal "towards other brand of cars.That's their advertizing isn't it! You can own a Benz for almost the same $s So why buy a VW or ?

 

confused by some of the posts..

this is the new slk350 with has the 3.8 liter engine (26x horse power)...

It is the new SLK platform that they knew they where going to when they used the old SLK platform for our cars.

We will probably never see any of the changes they made on this car in ours untill they come out with the next SLK platform...

I am glad that most of the girly parts of the car are gone, but you could buy a srt for the same price.

(btw - the 250 version 4 cylinder should have a kompressor just like the current 230)

-marc

 

Personally, I think the R171 looks alot like our Crossfire!

Take a real long look at the Silver (SSB?) car in the second picture and the third picture as well........

And I think is can be called official - inesshell has made the longest post, with the most pictures ever in any one posting!!!!! I will have to hand over my trophy - my longest post is not even close to this one! :lol:

 

I WANT the rims from that red one!!!!!

 

more pics :wink:




and check this article out. it makes me think why people would buy the amg instead of this.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=7782
if the 600 can pull off those times i wonder what the sl65 amg would do?
Net Power 604 hp @ 5500 rpm
Net Torque 738 lb-ft @ 2,000 - 4,000 rpm


David Burns- those rims are formula 1 rims i think offered by mercedes they range between 2k-3k for a set im not sure but i get back to you with a exact price

edit- my bad rims are called 18" Turbine Style 5-Hole Alloy Wheels @ mercedes and they cost only $1,992.00 for a set

and what really has me troubled is in that car and driver article its saids 0-60 times are 3.6 but in the street start {5-60) it saids 4.5? aren't street starts faster then 0-60? or is the 3.6 some typo. i know the 3.6 sec 0-60 time for the sl600 is very possible because the sl has a larger engine with more hp/t ft then the e55 which in one of my motor trend mags had a 4.2 sec 0-60 versus the rs6 which got 4.3 so im not to sure about the street start times on the sl. also ive heard from the mb forums that the 6.0 litre engien from the 600 can well produce over 900 lb-ft torque but mb had to limit it due to the tranny breaking.

 

ONLY you say :?:

Though look awesome, and I think would enhance the Crossfire look, but only if they could be had in a mixed 18"/19" set that accepts the same size rubber as the stock rims.

 

Still the best mercedes ever!

the 1954-1957 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing:








-marc

 

Drunkiq... cool pics but the file size is big time overkill.
Can't see the whole thing without scrolling or copying it
to a file. Any chance of using a computer screen friendly
size, say 640x480 or a little smaller??? It really plays hell with the dial up
folks too. Just some friendly advice... 8)
Same photo, much easier on the eyes and fits on the
screen... :wink:

 

Those rims are $350 each and they are on the 2004 SL500.I priced them locally.and they will fit the XF!!

 

You still haven't figured out how to post a quoted message yet, eh Dan? :twisted:

So, what, you want to sell me a set of those rims? You're saying they come in the exact same diameter, width, offset, etc. as the stock Crossfire rims??? Like I said... "that accepts the same size rubber as the stock rims"?

 

here's some great close ups of the SLK. It is quite beautiful. Almost brings a tear to the eye
http://automobilemag.com/photo_galle...slk/index.html
http://automobilemag.com/photo_galle...lk/index1.html