Mercedes-Benz R171

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Mercedes-Benz R171
Manufacturer:	DaimlerChrysler
Production:	2005–
Predecessor:	Mercedes-Benz R170
Class:	Sports car, Roadster
Body style:	2-door retractable hardtop

R171 represents the second generation of Mercedes-Benz SLK. Compared with the R170, R171 is larger.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster built by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz since 1997. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kompakt (compact). There have been two generations of SLK cars from Mercedes-Benz.

The vehicle is perhaps most famous for its retractable hardtop. While it did not pioneer it, the SLK revived its usage in modern automobiles. It was soon followed by the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC 430 and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

The SLK was updated in 2004 with a new Formula One-inspired appearance and serious performance. The new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005. The current SLK is also built in Bremen, Germany.

[edit] Technical Specifications

Weight is around 3400 lbs.

Current models in the R171 range and year of introduction:

• SLK 200K,

2004 R171.422 engine: M271.944, 9.5:1 compression

• SLK 280, 170 kW (228 hp)

2005 R171.454 engine: M272.942, 11.3:1 compression

• SLK 350, 200 kW (268 hp)

2004 R171.456 engine: M272.963, 10.7:1 compression

• SLK 55 AMG, 265 kW (355 hp)

2004 R171.473 engine: M113.989, 11.0:1 compression

• SLK 55 AMG Black Series, 294 kW (400 hp)

2006

(engine numbers from SLKworld.com member Tslick)

[edit] Options

Mercedes SLK (R171)

• AirScarf
• Audio20
• COMAND
• Navigation
• Sirius
• Designo
• Lighting Package
• Parktronic (limited markets)
• Heated Seats
• Klimatronic
• Sport Edition (limited markets)
• 532- HP Ferrari engine

[edit] AMG Models

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (R171)

• SLK 55

0-60 MPH quoted at 4.9 seconds but individuals have reported times of under 4.6 seconds. (Car & Driver Magazine tested the car and got 0-60 mph of 4.3 seconds)

Increased brake capacity

External Engine Oil cooler

Lowered/Stiffened Suspension

AMG Body Kit

Chrome accented Fog lights

Napa leather interior

Modified AMG 7G-tronic transmission

Quad Exhaust

Smoked tailights and [CHMSL]

• SLK 55 Sport/030/P30 (an option package on top of the standard SLK 55 AMG)

Nurgbring Suspension

Improved Pads and Rotors

Carbon fibre accents

19 inch rims

Upgraded steering wheel

AMG has now released several new Models, not yet available in the USA (as of November 2006)

• SLK 55 Track Sport
• SLK 55 Asia Cup
• SLK 55 'Safety Car'
• SLK 55 Black Series

400 hp (294 kw), 520 NM

Improved Headers and ECU chip

Fixed Carbon fibre roof

19 inch Forged wheels

Racing shell seats

Additional Oil Coolers for Transmission and Steering

Carbon fibre front Fenders with additional Vents

(information from Official Site at AMG: http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/)

[edit] Popular Modifications

• Roof controller

allows roof to be opened and closed by remote and while driving

• LED lights
• CHMSL flasher (Third Brake Light Flasher)

[edit] Popular Tuners

• BRABUS
• KLEEMAN
• RENNTECH

[edit] Unverified rumours

According to Automobile Magazine, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a hatchback-coupe version should be available in 2009, possibly with an SLK63 AMG variant with the new 6.2L (advertised as 6.3 by Mercedes-Benz) DOHC V8 made by AMG.

[edit] External links

• SLK Enthusiast's forum - SLKWorld.com
• Mercedes Enthusiast's forum - BenzWorld.org
• SLK 350 Gallery - FamilyCar.com
• Mercedes-Benz official site - Manufacturer's website
• Official AMG site - AMG website