Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Overview
Manufacturer Daimler-Benz (1996-1998)
DaimlerChrysler (1999-2007)
Daimler AG (2007-2016)
Also called Currently called Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class
Production 1996–present
Body and chassis
Class Sport compact
Body style 2-door coupĂ©
2-door roadster
Layout FR layout
Related Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz 190SL

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

Mercedes presented the SLK II concept car at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, showing off the "vario-roof".[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 former designation "SLK" derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short—in German: sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) und kurz (short).[2]

For the 2017 model year (late 2016), with the release of the third generation R172 facelift, the SLK-Class was renamed to Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class in accordance with 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 to the long-running SL-Class. This is followed by the letter "C"—the SLC being the roadster equivalent to the C-Class.[3][4]

Concept history

Daimler-Benz wanted to market a new retractable hardtop system they called the "Vario-Roof".[1] 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 Vario-Roof is a hard roof that can fold down into the car by means of an electrohydraulic system, thus transforming the car from coupé to cabriolet.[5]

As one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles, the SLK joined others of this era including the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder, the Peugeot 306 Cabriolet, the Lexus SC, the Pontiac G6, and the Chrysler Sebring.

R170 (1996–2004)

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (R170)
Overview
Production 7/1996 - 4/2004
Assembly Bremen, Germany
East London, South Africa
Designer Michael Mauer (1993)
Murat GĂĽnak (1993)
Body and chassis
Related Chrysler Crossfire
Mercedes-Benz W202
Powertrain
Engine Naturally aspirated 2.0 L4
Supercharged 2.0L L4
Supercharged 2.3L L4
Naturally aspirated 3.2L V6
Supercharged 3.2L V6
Transmission 5-speed manual (Getrag)
6-speed manual (Getrag)
5G-Tronic automatic (Mercedes)

The R170 Mercedes SLK was the first generation compact roadster produced by Mercedes-Benz, from 1996 to 2004. First designed in late 1991 under Bruno Sacco, the final design was selected and approved by the board, with a German design patent filed on September 30, 1993.[6] The production SLK-Class was introduced at the Turin Motor Show on April 22, 1996, appearing as a modern incarnation of the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 190SL, by returning to four cylinders and with an identical 94-inch (2,400 mm) wheelbase. A facelift was introduced to all models in 2000, featuring an updated design and the introduction of the SLK320.


R170 range summary

Model Years Engine Power Torque
SLK2001996-2000M111.946 2.0L L4100 kW (134hp) @5000rpm190Nm (140 ft·lb) @3700-4500rpm
SLK200 Kompressor1996-2000†M111.943 supercharged 2.0L L4141 kW (189 hp) @5300rpm270 Nm (199 ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm
2000-2004M111.958 supercharged 2.0L L4120 kW (161 hp) @5300rpm230 Nm (180ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm
SLK230 Kompressor1996-2000M111.973 supercharged 2.3L L4142 kW (190 hp) @5300rpm280 Nm (206 ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm
2000-2004M111.983 supercharged 2.3L L4145 kW (194 hp) @5500rpm280 Nm (206 ft·lb) @2500rpm
SLK3202000-2004M112 E32 3.2L V6160 kW (215 hp) @5700rpm310 Nm (229 ft·lb) @3000-4600rpm
SLK32 AMG2001-2004M112 C32 supercharged 3.2L V6260 kW (349 hp)450 Nm (332 lb·ft)

†Pre-facelift SLK200 Kompressor models were only sold in Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Greece.

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)
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 pre-facelift
2004–2008 SLK 280 pre-facelift

The R171 features a number of revisions compared to its predecessor, the R170: a 30mm longer wheelbase, increased length (72mm) and width (65mm),[7] 40% increased use of high strength steel,[7] seven-speed automatic transmission, adaptive two-stage airbags, head/thorax sidebags and a revised roof mechanism (marketed as the Vario roof) deployable in 22 seconds (previously 25 seconds) with a rotary-pivoting rear window enabling a more compact folded roof stack and trunk storage increased by 63 litres with the roof retracted.[7] Optional features include remote operation of the retractable hardtop as well as a forced air, neck-level heating system integral to the headrests, marketed as Airscarf.[7]

The fully galvanized bodywork, which features 19 percent improvement in static bending and 46 percent improvement in torsional strength with the roof down, also features a 3% improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, with a Cd value of 0.32.[7] The design has been aerodynamically optimized to minimize interior draughts with the top retracted and includes a fabric windblocker which can be pulled up over the two roll-over bars.[7] Mercedes marketed the R171's tapering front end styling by designer Steve Mattin as "Formula One-inspired".[7]

Models of this SLK include:

R171 facelift (2008)

In January 2008 at the Detroit Motor Show, the SLK-Class facelift was launched, following pre-show announcements in December 2007 with the first American owner being James Glass of Johnson City TN.[9] 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.[10]

R172 (2011–Present)

Mercedes-Benz R172[11]
Overview
Manufacturer Daimler AG
Production 2011–present
Assembly Bremen, Germany
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door retractable hardtop
Platform Mercedes-Benz R172
Powertrain
Engine 1.8 L I4
2.0 L I4
2.1 L I4 diesel
3.5 L V6
5.5 L V8
Transmission 9-speed automatic
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)
Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY (Europe)

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[12] several months prior to official announcement in January 2011[13] and formal public launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011.[14] The company took the unusual step of issuing several press releases in October and November 2010 announcing new features such as "Magic Sky Control".[15]

R172 range

In December 2015 Mercedes presented to the press the new version named SLC-Class, announcing a March 2016 launch date to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the original SLK.[18]

Mercedes-Benz SLC (2016)

All versions have as standard the 9G Tronic automatic gearbox, except for the 180 and 200 in which a manual 6-speed gearbox is standard,[24] although the automatic is available in option [25]

Sales

Calendar year US sales European sales[26]
2001 11,268[27] 27,734
2002 7,784 19,039
2003 6,023[28] 14,629
2004 7,360 38,417
2005 11,278[29] 36,823
2006 10,410 27,128
2007 7,270[30] 20,834
2008 4,941 18,529
2009 2,566[31] 10,805
2010 1,980 8,779
2011 3,220[32] 17,729
2012 4,595[32] 17,731
2013 4,757[33]
2014 4,737[33]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "''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. ↑ The Mercedes SLK has the looks of a supercar, the feel and handling of a velvet glove. Not strictly badger friendly, though... - 2011
  6. ↑ "Auto & Design – 98 – Reinterpretation of the roadster". Autodesignmagazine.com. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class". Mercedes Benz, March 15, 2004.
  8. ↑ "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländers neues Safety-Car". 9 March 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  9. ↑ "The Telegraph". telegraph.co.uk. 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  10. ↑ New Cars on Sale. "The Telegraph 4 April 2008". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
  11. ↑ 21 May 2010 (2010-05-21). "Autocar 21 May 2010". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
  12. ↑ "''Auto Express'' October 2010". Autoexpress.co.uk. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  13. ↑ "Auto Express 13 January 2011". Autoexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
  14. ↑ "Geneva motor show: Mercedes SLK". AOL. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  15. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz press release 29 October 2010". Media.daimler.com. 2010-10-29. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  16. ↑ "2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG". Car and Driver.
  17. ↑ Mercedes-Benz M278 engine
  18. 1 2 "Salon Detroit 2016 : Mercedes SLC". turbo.fr.
  19. ↑ "The new SLC: New name, new dynamic". Daimler-Benz.
  20. ↑ "Mercedes SLC revealed". telegraph.co.uk.
  21. ↑ "Goodbye SLK, hello new Mercedes SLC roadster!". autoexpress.co.uk.
  22. ↑ "Renamed roadster: Mercedes-Benz SLC replaces the SLK". evo.co.uk.
  23. ↑ "Mercedes SLC more than just a name change". ctvnews.ca.
  24. ↑ "Mercedes SLC, la nouvelle mouture du SLK". lefigaro.fr.
  25. ↑ "Mercedes SLC : adieu SLK". autonews.fr.
  26. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK monthly and annual sales in Europe". Left-Lane.com. Retrieved 2014-03-24.
  27. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 2003-01-03. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
  28. ↑ "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  29. ↑ "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
  30. ↑ "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.
  31. ↑ "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.
  32. 1 2 "Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales Of 305,072". PR Newswire. 3 January 2013. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
  33. 1 2 "Mercedes-Benz Delivers Record-Breaking 2014 Sales Volume Of 330,391, Up 5.7%". PR Newswire. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
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