Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Also called Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class (from 2016)
Production 1996–present
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Compact executive car
Body style 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Layout FR layout
Related Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz 190SL

The SLK is a compact luxury roadster manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in three generations; R170 launched in 1996, the R171 in 2004 and R172 in 2011.

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.[1] The car went on sale two years later in Europe, and in 1997 in the US. The SLK is built in Bremen, Germany.

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 (sport), leicht (light) und kurz (short).[2]

From 2016, with the release of the fourth generation R173 model, the SLK-Class will be renamed to Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class as per the revised nomenclature adopted by the brand. Under this scheme, roadsters use the base name "SL", followed by the model's placement in Mercedes-Benz hierarchy. The "SL" is for sportlich leicht (German for sport light) and alludes the long-running SL-Class. This is followed by the letter "C"—the SLC being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class.[3][4]

R170 (1996–2004)

R170
Overview
Production 1996–2004
Assembly Bremen, Germany
East London, South Africa
Designer Murat Gunak, Michael Mauer (1993)
Body and chassis
Platform Mercedes-Benz R170
Related Chrysler Crossfire
Mercedes-Benz R129
Mercedes-Benz W202
Mercedes-Benz C208
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L I4
2.3 L I4 S/C
2.0 L I4 S/C
3.2 L V6
Transmission

5-speed automatic
5-speed manual

6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 94.5 in (2,400 mm)
Length 1996–2000: 157.3 in (3,995 mm)
2001–04: 157.9 in (4,011 mm)
Width 67.5 in (1,714 mm)
Height 1996–2000: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
2001–04: 50.4 in (1,280 mm)
Curb weight 3,036 lb (1,377 kg)[5]

At start of the 1990s, after the introduction of their two-seater grand-tourer R129 SL and the Mazda MX-5, Mercedes-Benz set out to create a new compact roadster, slotted below the SL. By late 1991 under Bruno Sacco, the first design sketches were drawn and 12 1:5 scale models being built in the first half of 1992. By the middle of the year, five of them were proposed again in full-scale. In early 1993, the final design was selected and approved by the board, with the German design patent being filed on September 30, 1993.[6] On April 22, 1996, the new production SLK-Class, based on the R170 platform was introduced at the Turin Motor Show. SLK 230 Kompressor launch model became a competitor to the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. It was powered by a 193 hp 2.3 L supercharged straight-4 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 (2,400 mm) wheelbase. Massively successful in its first year, worldwide sales hit 55,000, over double the entire nine-year production of 190SLs, and between 1996 and 2004, over 311,000 SLKs were sold. The very first U.S.-market R170 Mercedes SLK was completed on November 1, 1996 and went on sale in January 1997 for the 1998 model year. The last was completed on April 7, 2004.

Vario-roof

The roof design developed by Mercedes-Benz consists of a folding steel hard top which is divided in half along an axis at right angles to the direction of travel. Both halves are linked by a kinematic mechanism which is locked securely when the roof is closed. At the touch of a button on the centre console, a hydraulic system with five cylinders controls the fully automatic folding process in which the boot lid is also integrated. It opens by tipping to the rear so that the two roof halves have sufficient freedom of movement to pivot backwards as the vario-roof opens; the roof sections then position themselves one on top of the other, and disappear into the boot. If the roof is to be closed, the same sequence of movements is performed in reverse order. The hydraulic system stows the vario-roof in the upper section of the boot. A plastic roller blind separates it from the luggage space below, an area with a capacity of 145 litres in the first-generation SLK. With the vario-roof closed, the load volume increased to a substantial 348 litres (12.3 cu ft). Two fixed roll-over bars behind the seats worked with the particularly strong A-pillars to form an integrated system offering a high degree of roll-over protection.

The steel roof provides added protection, which is normally found in a coupe, but with the enjoyment of a convertible at the same time. The technology was considered advanced as its rivals still had folding cloth tops.

1998MY UK SLK230 Kompressor R170 model, with roof lowered (Wales, UK 2008)

R170 facelift (2000)

2000–2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 (Australia)

In 1997, development on updates to the R170 began and by early 1998, design work on an updated SLK was completed and patented on February 2, 1998.[7] In February 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. The range was expanded to include a new entry-level model SLK 200 Kompressor and a new V6 in the SLK 320. Technical improvements included the addition of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a new 6-speed manual transmission. A stabilizer bar was added to the rear and the front one was reinforced. A 3.46:1 axle was added for the manual shift SLK, and the fuel tank grew from 12 to 14 gallons.

In 2001 a new AMG model was added, with a 349 hp (260 kW) supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the most powerful R170 SLK, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It was only offered with the newly engineered five-gear "SpeedShift" and boasted 35% quicker automatic shifts. All engines were hand built by AMG by an individual engineer. The SLK32 AMG's engine has two spark plugs per cylinder for maximum combustion and was fitted with an intercooled Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger. Brakes became 13.15" diameter from 11.8" standard. AMG production ran between Aug 2000 and March 2004. Only 4,333 were built in total, of which 979 were retained for Germany, 2,056 exported to the USA and 263 to the UK.

In July 2004 a Special Edition was launched prior to the replacement with the new R171 SLK in 2005. The R170 lived on as the Chrysler Crossfire until 2008, sharing substantial elements of the SLK including engines and interiors.

R170 range summary

Not all models were exported to all markets.

The SLK in the USA

The SLK was announced to the USA market on Sept. 7, 1997 as a 1998 model. The SLK was on Car and Driver‍ '​s Ten Best list for 1997 and was named “North American Car of the Year” by CAR & DRIVER magazine for 1998. Only in the USA sale of the SL320 (6 cylinder) was ended when the SLK arrived to distance it from the senior SL.

R171 (2004–2010)

R171
Overview
Production 2004–2010
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Body and chassis
Platform Mercedes-Benz R171
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L I4
3.0 L V6
3.5 L V6
5.4 L V8
Transmission

5-speed (SLK 200) 7-speed automatic

6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 95.7 in (2,431 mm)
Length 4,087 mm (160.9 in)
AMG: 4,093 mm (161.1 in)
2009–2011: 161.5 in (4,102 mm)
2009–present AMG: 161.4 in (4,100 mm)
Width 1,788 mm (70.4 in)
1,793 mm (70.6 in)
Height 1,298 mm (51.1 in)
2004–08 AMG: 1,270 mm (50.0 in)
2009–2011 AMG: 50.7 in (1,288 mm)
Curb weight 1,495 kg (3,296 lb)
2004–2008 SLK 280 pre-facelift

In 1998, development on the next SLK began and by 2000 the final design was selected drawing inspiration from the Vision SLR concepts and the concurrently in-development production variant due in 2003. The second generation SLK vehicle was unveiled in 74th Geneva Motor Show in March 2004 with a new sleeker body, new engines and new interior. Known by its code name R171, the exterior featured a new Formula One-inspired front design, and also took design cues from the Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept car from 2000.

For 2005 the SLK was named one of Car and Driver Ten Best and won the Canadian Car of the Year's Best New Convertible award.

Models of the new SLK include:

R171 facelift (2007)

In January 2008 at the Detroit Motor Show, the SLK-Class facelift was launched, following pre-show announcements in December 2007.[10] The R171 facelift included new engines, with a particular improvement to the SLK 200 and 350 with more power and better fuel efficiency. The exterior changes were subtle, with alterations limited to the front bumper design and new wing mirrors.[11]

R172 (2011–present)

Mercedes-Benz R172[12]
Overview
Manufacturer Daimler AG
Production 2011–
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Body and chassis
Class Sports car, Roadster
Body style 2-door retractable hardtop
Platform Mercedes-Benz R172
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L I4
2.1 L I4 diesel
3.5 L V6
5.5 L V8
Transmission

7-speed automatic

6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 95.7 in (2,431 mm)
Length 4,134 mm (162.8 in)
AMG: 4,146 mm (163.2 in)
Width 1,810 mm (71.3 in)
1,817 mm (71.5 in)
Height 1,301 mm (51.2 in)AMG: 1,300 mm (51.2 in)
Curb weight 1,435 kg (3,164 lb)

Development on the R172 began in 2005, with the final design being selected in 2008. Mercedes-Benz announced the new SLK in the autumn of 2010, allowing car magazines to drive disguised test cars[13] several months prior to official announcement in January 2011[14] and formal public launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.[15] The company took the unusual step of issuing several press releases in October and November 2010 announcing new features such as "Magic Sky Control".[16]

R172 range

In popular culture

A red Mercedes SLK 200 appeared in Psy's most popular music video, "Gangnam Style", driven by Yoo Jae-Suk.

American entrepreneur Jim Rogers and his wife, Paige Parker, drove a highly modified SLK through 116 countries between January 1, 1999 and January 5, 2002, covering 245,000 kilometers and setting a Guinness World Record. The journey is documented in his book Adventure Capitalist.

Sales

Calendar year US sales European sales[19]
2001 11,268[20] 27,734
2002 7,784 19,039
2003 6,023[21] 14,629
2004 7,360 38,417
2005 11,278[22] 36,823
2006 10,410 27,128
2007 7,270[23] 20,834
2008 4,941 18,529
2009 2,566[24] 10,805
2010 1,980 8,779
2011 3,220[25] 17,729
2012 4,595[25] 17,731
2013 4,757[26]
2014 4,737[26]

References

  1. ↑ "''The Independent'' 11 August 1995". Independent.co.uk. 1995-08-11. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  2. ↑ The roadsters are back TIME William A. McWhirter / Detroit December 2, 1996.
  3. ↑ Ewing, Steven (11 November 2014). "Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  4. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz expands brand world and introduces new nomenclature: Mercedes-Maybach for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality". Daimler AG. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Convertible 2.3L 4-cyl. Supercharger 5-speed Automatic Features and Specs". Edmunds. Retrieved 2011-04-26.
  6. ↑ "Auto & Design – 98 – Reinterpretation of the roadster". Autodesignmagazine.com. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  7. ↑ "DPMAregister - Designs - Registerauskunft zum Design". dpma.de.
  8. ↑ August 2001 BY FRANK MARKUS PHOTOGRAPHY BY AARON KILEY. "BMW M Roadster vs. Chevy Corvette, M-B SLK32 AMG, Porsche Boxster S Comparison Tests – Page 3". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  9. ↑ "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländers neues Safety-Car". 9 March 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  10. ↑ "The Telegraph". telegraph.co.uk. 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  11. ↑ New Cars on Sale. "The Telegraph 4 April 2008". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  12. ↑ 21 May 2010 (2010-05-21). "Autocar 21 May 2010". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
  13. ↑ "''Auto Express'' October 2010". Autoexpress.co.uk. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  14. ↑ "Auto Express 13 January 2011". Autoexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  15. ↑ "Geneva motor show: Mercedes SLK". AOL. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  16. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz press release 29 October 2010". Media.daimler.com. 2010-10-29. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  17. ↑ "2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG". Car and Driver.
  18. ↑ Mercedes-Benz M278 engine
  19. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK monthly and annual sales in Europe". Left-Lane.com. Retrieved 2014-03-24.
  20. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 2003-01-03. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  21. ↑ "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  22. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  23. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz – The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  24. ↑ "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an... – MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". New Jersey: Prnewswire.com. 2011-01-04. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales Of 305,072". PR Newswire. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Mercedes-Benz Delivers Record-Breaking 2014 Sales Volume Of 330,391, Up 5.7%". PR Newswire. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.

External links

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