Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
| Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class | |
|---|---|
_%E2%80%93_Frontansicht_(2)%2C_11._M%C3%A4rz_2011%2C_Teneriffa.jpg) | |
| 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 coupé 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 Günak (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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLK200 | 1996-2000 | M111.946 2.0L L4 | 100 kW (134hp) @5000rpm | 190Nm (140 ft·lb) @3700-4500rpm |
| SLK200 Kompressor | 1996-2000† | M111.943 supercharged 2.0L L4 | 141 kW (189 hp) @5300rpm | 270 Nm (199 ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm |
| 2000-2004 | M111.958 supercharged 2.0L L4 | 120 kW (161 hp) @5300rpm | 230 Nm (180ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm | |
| SLK230 Kompressor | 1996-2000 | M111.973 supercharged 2.3L L4 | 142 kW (190 hp) @5300rpm | 280 Nm (206 ft·lb) @2500-4800rpm |
| 2000-2004 | M111.983 supercharged 2.3L L4 | 145 kW (194 hp) @5500rpm | 280 Nm (206 ft·lb) @2500rpm | |
| SLK320 | 2000-2004 | M112 E32 3.2L V6 | 160 kW (215 hp) @5700rpm | 310 Nm (229 ft·lb) @3000-4600rpm |
| SLK32 AMG | 2001-2004 | M112 C32 supercharged 3.2L V6 | 260 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) |
_roadster_(2010-10-02).jpg)
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:
- SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 120 kW (163 PS; 161 hp) 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 PS; 228 hp) 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 PS; 268 hp) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph ou 250 km/h(electronically limited).
- SLK 55 AMG – 5.4 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.9 seconds, top speed 155 mph (249 km/h). A modified version of this model was used in Formula One as its Safety Car during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.[8] The SLK55 AMG was also the first Mercedes tuned by AMG's Performance Studio to create the new "Black Series".
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]
- SLK 200 Kompressor – 1.8 L 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 supercharged engine
- SLK 350 – 3.5 L (3498 cc) 224 kW (305 PS; 300 hp) DOHC V6 engine
- SLK 300 and 55 AMG retained their existing engines
R172 (2011–Present)
| Mercedes-Benz R172[11] | |
|---|---|
_%E2%80%93_Frontansicht%2C_1._April_2011%2C_Velbert.jpg) | |
| 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) |
_%E2%80%93_Heckansicht%2C_3._Juli_2011%2C_Essen.jpg)
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
- SLK 200 (2011-2015) – 1.8 L (1796 cc) 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 7.1 seconds, top speed of 149 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
- SLK 200 (2.0) (2015–present) – 2.0 L (1998 cc) 135 kW (184 PS; 181 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.8 seconds, top speed of 149 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
- SLK 250 (2011-2015) – 1.8 L (1796 cc) 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.4 seconds, top speed of 152 mph.
- SLK 250 CDI (2012-2015) – 2.1 L (2148 cc) 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged diesel engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.5 seconds, top speed of 152 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
- SLK 250d (2015–present) – 2.1 L (2148 cc) 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) I4 turbocharged diesel engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 6.4 seconds, top speed of 152 mph. (not available in Canada and the United States)
- SLK 300 (2015–present) – 2.0 L (1998 cc) 180 kW (245 PS; 241 hp) I4 turbocharged engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.6 seconds, top speed of 155 mph.
- SLK 350 (2011-2015) – 3.5 L (3498) 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) V6 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
- SLK 55 AMG – 5.5 L (5461 cc) 310 kW (421 PS; 415 hp) V8 engine, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) 4.1 seconds,[16] top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). In the SLK55 AMG R172 Mercedes-AMG introduced the all-new naturally aspirated 5.5 L V8 engine. This engine is based on a naturally aspirated variant of the twin-turbocharged M157 V8 engine, the M152.[17]
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]
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- SLC 180 4 cylinders, 1.6L turbo, 156 PS, 250 Nm, 5,6 l/100 km, 127 g CO2/km, 0–100 km/h in 7.9 s, 226 km/h
- SLC 200 4 cylinders, 2.0L turbo, 184 PS, 300 Nm, 5,7 l/100 km, 133 g/km, 0–100 km/h in 7.0s, 240 km/h
- SLC 300 4 cylinders, 2.0L turbo, 245 PS, 370 Nm, 5,8 l/100 km, 134 g/km, 0–100 km/h in 5.8s, 250 km/h
- AMG SLC 43 V6, 3.0L biturbo, 367 PS, 520 Nm, 7,8 l/100 km, 178 g/km, 0–100 km/h in 4.7s, 250 km/h (0-60 mph in 4.6s)
- SLC 250d 4 cylinders, 2.1L turbodiesel 204 PS, 4,4 l/100 km, 114 g/km, 0–100 km/h in 6.6s, 245 km/h[18][19][20][21][22][23]
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 2 3 "''The Independent'' 11 August 1995". Independent.co.uk. 1995-08-11. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ↑ The roadsters are back TIME William A. McWhirter / Detroit December 2, 1996.
- ↑ Ewing, Steven (11 November 2014). "Mercedes renames utility vehicles, repositions Maybach as sub-brand". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ The Mercedes SLK has the looks of a supercar, the feel and handling of a velvet glove. Not strictly badger friendly, though... - 2011
- ↑ "Auto & Design – 98 – Reinterpretation of the roadster". Autodesignmagazine.com. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class". Mercedes Benz, March 15, 2004.
- ↑ "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländers neues Safety-Car". 9 March 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
- ↑ "The Telegraph". telegraph.co.uk. 2007-12-15. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ↑ New Cars on Sale. "The Telegraph 4 April 2008". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-05-18.
- ↑ 21 May 2010 (2010-05-21). "Autocar 21 May 2010". Autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-06-02.
- ↑ "''Auto Express'' October 2010". Autoexpress.co.uk. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ↑ "Auto Express 13 January 2011". Autoexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
- ↑ "Geneva motor show: Mercedes SLK". AOL. 1 March 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz press release 29 October 2010". Media.daimler.com. 2010-10-29. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ↑ "2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG". Car and Driver.
- ↑ Mercedes-Benz M278 engine
- 1 2 "Salon Detroit 2016 : Mercedes SLC". turbo.fr.
- ↑ "The new SLC: New name, new dynamic". Daimler-Benz.
- ↑ "Mercedes SLC revealed". telegraph.co.uk.
- ↑ "Goodbye SLK, hello new Mercedes SLC roadster!". autoexpress.co.uk.
- ↑ "Renamed roadster: Mercedes-Benz SLC replaces the SLK". evo.co.uk.
- ↑ "Mercedes SLC more than just a name change". ctvnews.ca.
- ↑ "Mercedes SLC, la nouvelle mouture du SLK". lefigaro.fr.
- ↑ "Mercedes SLC : adieu SLK". autonews.fr.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz SLK monthly and annual sales in Europe". Left-Lane.com. Retrieved 2014-03-24.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 2003-01-03. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ↑ "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ↑ "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 2010-03-21.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "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.
- 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.
- 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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