Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The SLK is a compact roadster manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in two generations, R170, launched in 1996, and and R171 launched in 2004.

As one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles, the SLK followed the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder and preceded other retractable hardtops such as the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Pontiac G6 and the Chrysler Sebring. The SLK Vario-roof was first shown on the SLK II concept car at the 1994 Paris Motor Show. The car went on sale two years later in Europe, and in 1997 in the US.

The designation SLK derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short — in German: Sportlich,Leicht und Kurz.

The term SLK-Class is a Mercedes marketing term referring to the vehicle in all its engine configurations across both design generations.

The SLK-Class was launched in 1996 on the new R170-platform, The SLK 230 Kompressor launch model was designed to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Based on the 1994 concept SLK I shown at the Turin Motor Show and the SLK II from the Paris Motor Show, it featured an unusual folding hardtop. It was powered by a 193 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and a choice of automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. The SLK was a modern incarnation of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 190SL by returning to four cylinders and a 94-inch wheelbase. Massively successful in its first year, worldwide sales hit 55,000, over double the entire nine-year production of 190SLs, andetween 1996 and 2004, over 311,000 SLKs were sold.

The range was expanded to include a new entry level model SLK 200 and a new V6 in the SLK 320 (215 hp 3.2 L) in 2001 together with the more sporting AMG model, with a 354 hp (264 kW) supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing R170 SLK, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It was only offered with automatic transmission.

In 2000, the SLK received a facelift which included new front and rear bumper designs, body coloured side skirts and the introduction of new wing mirrors incorporating indicators.

Not all Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany, the SLK 320 being built in South Africa and Mexico. The very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997 and last on April 7, 2004.

The SLK was substantially revised in 2004 with a revised body and enhanced performance. For 2005 the new R171-platform SLK was named one of Car and Driver Ten Best and won the Canadian Car of the Year's Best New Convertible award. The current SLK's are built in Bremen, Germany and Mexico city, Mexico. (Assembly at Mexico City plant is disputed, only final prep is done there for cars delivering to that area).

Models of the new SLK include:

• SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 120 kW (163 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
• SLK 300 (known as SLK 280 in some markets) - 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
• SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).
• SLK 55 AMG - 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 hp DIN) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds (officially time), tested speed 4.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. A tuned version of this was used as the Formula One safety car, replaced by CLK 63 AMG at the beginning of 2006 Season. The SLK55 AMG was the first Mercedes tuned by AMG's Performance Studio to a Black Series model.

In 2007 the R171 was face-lifted, with more powerful engines.

• SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 135 kW (184 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine
• SLK 350 - 3.5 L (3498 cc) 224 kW (305 hp DIN) DOHC V6 engine
• SLK 300 and 55 AMG retain their existing engines