2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 CDI Tri-Turbo Vision Concept

Compared to the production variant of this very engine, which features one

Leopold Mukulic, the man in charge of Benz's engine development, said that the Tri-Turbo engine was a breakthrough in diesel performance. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

turbocharger and a smaller intercooler, the Tri-Turbo-equipped SLK makes 42 additional horses and a torque increase of 67 lb-ft. But more important is how this motor lines up with BMW's twin-turbocharged inline-six diesel. The Tri-Turbo serves up an additional 14 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque, trumping the 3.0-litre I-6 Bimmer diesel.

Aside from delivering credible driving performance, the SLK concept diesel also returns in fuel consumption, averaging a mere 7.5 L/100 km, for a mix of city and highway driving. Compared to the SLK 350's 10.6 L/100 km average consumption, and the SLK 55 AMG's 12.0 L/100 km,

While the cost prohibits the Tri-Turbo engine from being mass produced, at least for now, it doesn't rule out a limited or specialty run. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

it's clear to see why Mercedes-Benz is excited to discuss the topic of performance diesel sports cars.

Leopold Mukulic, the man in charge of Benz's engine development, said that the Tri-Turbo engine was a breakthrough in diesel performance. He added, "We're confident about its ability in a production environment, but the cost of assembly is extremely high." While the cost prohibits the Tri-Turbo engine from being mass produced, at least for now, it doesn't rule out a limited or specialty run.

Hmmm... a potential diesel-powered AMG SLK? Regardless of whether or not the engine will see the light of day, Rudolph, no doubt, would have been proud.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door hardtop roadster
• Engine: 286 hp, 464 lb-ft of torque, 3.0L, 24-valve, triple-turbocharged DOHC V6
• Transmission (estimated): 7-spd auto
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 5.3 seconds
• Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Fuel Consumption: 7.5 L/100 km
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Seating Capacity: 2
• Website: www.mercedes-benz.ca