2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK Preview

The same sporting attitude can be found under the hood in any of the car's two engine choices. The base engine will be a new 3.5-liter V6. What happened to the old

Two engine choices will be available, with a new 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 being standard. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

supercharged 4-cylinder? That model, now putting out 163 horsepower, will no longer be available here. In other markets the engine features vibration-reducing balancer shafts and M-B's Twinpulse technology, the former item's purpose being obvious and the latter said to improve horsepower, torque, smoothness and fuel consumption. The SLK 200 Kompressor features a 6-speed manual standard, also improved over the outgoing manual shifter. Mercedes says the new gearbox offers shorter, faster strokes, and greater levels of precision. The Euro model can be had with a 5-speed automatic with manual mode as well, with steering wheel mounted controls as an option.

The new upgraded 3.5-liter V6 that comes standard in Canada, the first of its type from Mercedes to offer dual-overhead cam technology, can be had with the upgraded 6-speed manual or optional automatic too, but this time the latter choice is the brand's new 7G-TRONIC 7-speed unit. The 3.5-liter V6 is quieter and more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces, boasting 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which currently places it near the top of the

The SLK350 features variably adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts, an industry first as applied to V6 engine configurations. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

roadster class. Maximum torque is available from as low as 2,500 rpm and remains constant right up to 5,000 rpm, which should make the new roadster as effortless to commute through stop and go traffic as it will be entertaining on the open road. Mercedes claims the SLK 350 will charge to 100 km/h from standstill in 5.6 seconds when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, and amazingly 5.5 seconds in SLKs featuring the new 7-speed autobox.

Mercedes arrives at its impressive output figures via variably adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts, an industry first as applied to V6 engine configurations. Adding to this technological tour de force is a two-stage intake manifold, tumble flaps in intake ducts plus an intelligent heat management system.