SLK Roadster from Mercedes

The beautiful SLK Roadster sports convertible from Mercedes-Benz.

Originally launched in 1996, improved models of the SLK Roadster were brought out by
Mercedes in 2004 and 2007. This beautiful car has a variety of engines:

Four petrol engines are available in the SLK range and entry level is the SLK 200 Kompressor, this is powered by a supercharged 1.8 litre inline four cylinder unit that develops 163 bhp, 0 – 62 mph is achieved in 7.9 seconds, the top speed for the SLK 200 Kompressor is a respectable 143 mph. Next up is the SLK 280, this is powered by a 24 valve, 3.0 litre V6 with a power output of 231 bhp, accelerating from 0 – 62 mph in 6.3 seconds the SLK 280 has a top speed that has been electronically limited to 155 mph. The SLK 350 also has a 24 valve V6 engine, although the capacity is increased to 3.5 litres, this engine develops 272 bhp, accelerates from 0 – 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 155 mph. All three of these models transmit their power through six speed manual gearboxes. Top of the SLK range is the SLK 55 AMG, under the bonnet is a 360 bhp, 24 valve, 5.5 litre engine that rockets the AMG from 0 – 62 mph in only 4.9 seconds, once again the top speed has been electronically limited to 155 mph. The SLK 55 AMG transmits its power through the Mercedes 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox.

The SLK Roadster is priced at $88400. Another version of the SLK Roadster will be brought out by Mercedes in 2008. See more about the revised SLK Roadster due out next year

A revised version of the Mercedes SLK roadster will go on sale in April next year, featuring a new look and a range of improved engines.

From the outside, the most obvious changes are at the front of the car, where the designers have given it a new bumper and even more of an arrowed shape to the nose. The rear has been changed, too, with a new low-level diffuser, trapezoidal exhaust pipes and darkened tail lights.

Mercedes has had its scalpels out inside as well, slotting in a new instrument cluster and a three-spoke steering wheel incorporating multi-function controls. The audio system has been upgraded, too, and now includes Bluetooth technology for the first time as well as an MP3 player interface.

With the exception of the V8 engine in the range-topping SLK 55 AMG, all the engines are revised. Most importantly, there's now an all-new V6 engine in the SLK350, which develops more power and torque than the engine it replaces, but consumes less fuel - 29.7mpg on the combined cycle - and emits less CO2. The engines in the SLK 200 and 280 also now use less fuel and emit less CO2, and only the engine in the SLK 55 AMG remains unaltered.

Also available for the first time is a direct steering system with variable assistance. This gives little assistance around the straight-ahead, ensuring good straight-line stability, but gives more assistance as the wheel is turned. This means drivers need to exert less effort turning the wheel around town, but still have decent feel through the wheel at higher speed across country. Standard on the SLK 55 AMG, it will be an option on other models in the range.

Otherwise, the car remains mechanically unaltered. The metal folding roof will continue, as will the Airscarf neck-level heating system and a comprehensive package of luxury and safety equipment. Prices will be announced early next year.

Very different is the clean diesel Bluetec 320 from Mercedes.

It is the favourite car of the British model Bianca Gascoigne. Correction. Was the favorite car of Bianca Gascoigne....because the spoilt celebrity-child smashed it in an accident! Maybe she will get herself the new SLK Roadster model in 2008.