Stuttgart's baby SL
APART FROM AN INNOVATIVE ROOF, MERC'S THIRD-GEN HOPES TO SNARE BUYERS WITH ITS SLS-LIKE NOSE
A horizontal grille is the new norm at Mercedes.
- But it doesn't have the gull-wing-style doors of the SLS...
True, but SLS supercar has been an inspiration for Mercedes-Benz's third-generation SLK. The Stuttgart boys have freely admitted that they wanted the SLK's nose to evoke memories of the 1950s 190SL, as well as today's SLS supercar.
Trying to build a correlation between the biggest and smallest of roadsters by Mercedes isn't new. If you look at the sidebar, you'll note that the second-gen SLK tried to impersonate the past SLR - the predecessor of the SLS.
Be in no doubt, though. Such a grille is becoming the new norm at Mercedes' design department. Other Mercs that have already received this treatment are the CLS and, of course, the SLS.
- Right. No wonder the interior is familiar...
Right, that's another familiarity between the SLK and SLS. Note the rather upright centre console that appears to have a very sturdy build. Again, such a structure could be found in the E-class, as well as the steering that seems to be lifted from the facelifted C-class.
But the real highlight of the SLK's cabin is the ability to brighten or darken it by adjusting the hue of the glass-top called Magic Sky by Mercedes. It's claimed by the Germans to be an innovation whereby the driver simply uses a button to change the ambience whenever needed (like when wanting shade under strong sunlight).
The interior has clues of the SLS supercar.
- Cool. Any other innovations?
Nothing much else, although there are some new features the SLK didn't have previously. For example, there are driver assistance technologies brought over from higher-end models like driver drowsiness detection.
Then, there's a choice of three suspension set-ups buyers can choose from: standard steel suspension, a sportier variation with firmer springs and dampers, and an adaptive suspension alternative that adjusts accordingly to road conditions. This last offering is called Dynamic Handling.
Finally, there are fuel-reducing technologies like automatic stop/start and seven-speed automatic transmission available in all engine variances to bring down consumption by some 25%.
- You mean the engines aren't new?
New for the SLK, but not for Mercedes-Benz. The 1.8-litre inline-four petrol-turbo - used vastly in other mainstream Mercs - produces 184hp in SLK200 and 204hp in SLK250 forms. There's also a 3.5-litre V6 generating 306hp for the SLK350.
The SLK350 is naturally the fastest from 0-100kph with a 5.6sec time; the SLK250 does 6.6 and SLK200 7.0. Claimed economy figures are 14.1kpl for the SLK350, 16kpl for SLK250 and 16.4 for SLK200.
- Heard that the SLK will be going diesel for the first time...
Although Mercedes hasn't made any announcement on it yet, the European media suggests that the ubiquitous 2.1-litre diesel-turbo will eventually appear in the new SLK.
But whether you are going to crave for it in Thailand is another thing because when such a flashy roadster is going to cost between 4.5 to 5 million baht in four-cylinder form, running cost is highly unlikely to be an issue.
And since you would be asking, the SLK is slated to be launched at March's Bangkok motor show after it is unveiled in Germany this month (no, it didn't premiere in Detroit last week).
As ever, the SLK is going to be a highly sought after roadster, explaining why we once reported that one independent importer already snatched 20 orders for it from Thai clients last year - even when they haven't seen the car yet.
Expect another mini war between Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) and the Thai grey market this year.
The bloodline
R170 - 1996-2004
First-gen SLK rolled on to the market with an innovative folding hard-top which Mercedes called Vario Roof. It allowed motorists to drive the roadster either as a coupe or cabrio. An influx of cars from other brands joined the so-called CC fray, including the SLK's chief rival: the BMW Z4.
R171 - 2004-2011
The next innovation Mercedes introduced was Air Scarf, which provided warm air around the occupants's necks during open-top driving. But it was virtually useless for hot countries like Thailand and didn't come as an option. What helped the car sell more was its F1-style, SLR-looking nose.
R172 - 2011-
Once again, Mercedes is laying claim to being the first brand to devise a glass-top (retractable, too) in which the driver can choose to brighten or darken it via a switch inside the car. The system is called Magic Sky and can be a selling point in Thailand over the new grille aping that of the SLS AMG supercar.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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