Mercedes-Benz SLK - The Best of Both Worlds
Roadster or coupe? You have 25 seconds to decide. Why? Because 25 seconds is all it takes for the SLK's electrohydraulic top to open for sunshine, or close, sealing out inclement weather. While retractable hardtops are nothing new, with Peugeot having been first to market in the late 1930s and Ford's 1957 - 1959 Skyline being popular among collectors, Mercedes-Benz's modern-day execution is something to be admired.
When the SLK was introduced in late 1996, the slick folding roof, nimble handling and attractive design were its best attributes. Its acceleration, however, was hardly performance oriented. The 185-horsepower, 2.3-L four-cylinder engine produced a less-than-exhilarating exhaust note and only shifted via an automatic transmission - not the stuff to ignite a sports car enthusiast's passion. Answering the call, Mercedes substituted a 5-speed manual as standard equipment in 1999, making the automatic optional. While not much quicker, when combined with the SLK's free-revving supercharged engine, accurate steering and thoroughly damped suspension, the manual produced a more entertaining driving experience.
For 2001 the 215-hp 3.2-L V6 powered SLK320 arrived. The 5-speed manual previously available in the 4-cylinder was dropped, replaced by a 6-speed manual, standard with both engines - the 5-speed automatic is still offered. Additionally, the entry engine was massaged to 190-hp.
Roadster or coupe? You have 25 seconds to decide. Why? Because 25 seconds is all it takes for the SLK's electrohydraulic top to open for sunshine, or close, sealing out inclement weather. While retractable hardtops are nothing new, with Peugeot having been first to market in the late 1930s and Ford's 1957 - 1959 Skyline being popular among collectors, Mercedes-Benz's modern-day execution is something to be admired.
When the SLK was introduced in late 1996, the slick folding roof, nimble handling and attractive design were its best attributes. Its acceleration, however, was hardly performance oriented. The 185-horsepower, 2.3-L four-cylinder engine produced a less-than-exhilarating exhaust note and only shifted via an automatic transmission - not the stuff to ignite a sports car enthusiast's passion. Answering the call, Mercedes substituted a 5-speed manual as standard equipment in 1999, making the automatic optional. While not much quicker, when combined with the SLK's free-revving supercharged engine, accurate steering and thoroughly damped suspension, the manual produced a more entertaining driving experience.
For 2001 the 215-hp 3.2-L V6 powered SLK320 arrived. The 5-speed manual previously available in the 4-cylinder was dropped, replaced by a 6-speed manual, standard with both engines - the 5-speed automatic is still offered. Additionally, the entry engine was massaged to 190-hp.