New photos of the SLK AMG. I'm guessing it's coming to IAA. All here: FOTO EXCLUSIV* : Mercedes testeaz
The car looks boring!, nothing special about it, same hood as the so called new slk, same boring profile, and those chromo things sticking out like sore thumb behind head rests (how awful), the quads and a few more horsepower( with probably paddle shifters--that will be slowwwwwwwww at changing gears) probably not blip to match revs, dynamics will probably will not be much better (the porsche cayman and boxter will kick ass AGAIN in the dynamics and handling) and this SLK55 will be just like what I have now---fast in straight line--and mine will STILL be better looking. My two cents. people, a front apron and a new bumper or new shiny wheels are not enough to make me run for a new SLK55--AUDI is looking better and better. gday
Why don't you wait until the car is actually unveiled before you start jumping to conclusions? Do you expect a completely new redesign for the AMG model? The previous SLK only had subtle changes for the AMG model. And as you are an SLK owner, I am curious to know why you have such a dislike for the rollover bars. The old SLK had them, but they looked more black plastic-like. At least wait until the car is unveiled with official pictures and details before you characterize it as boring.
The new 350 with the AMG package looks ok, but without it looks boring and unappealing, (really plain) specially when compared to the competition from BMW and AUDI. My comment is based "obviously" on the pics posted here. AND by the looks of it, it will be nothing to write home about it. The motor I am sure will be amazing! The looks department nahhhh. Cheers
I perfectly understand what you say. I agree with you, the car doesn´t look to be anything special. But mind the SLK looked far worse before its reveal, and I´ve seen a few of them IRL and looks pretty fine. There´s still hope, I think. And if not, TT RS is another fantastic option IMO.
Thanks SKYSONY, I am glad you see my point. The blunt look of the new SLK left me really disappointed. I am sure it drives a bit better and fuel efficiency is probably better, but the new SLK is not a radical new car in terms of design/looks---a car should not only be about performance but also style and design-the SLK fails in the last two. And by the impression of the SLK 55 AMG coming up, it looks like it will not be anything radical either. I mean, you can not keep a customer "hooked" by just adding a few cosmetics upgrades (in terms of design) a new bumper and a new front apron will not cut it with most owners and future, people today are far more informed and expect more at all levels...(Audi gets it!) The new SLK350 WITHOUT the AMG package is really a huge let down. Sad to say it, but thats the truth. I hope the new SLK55 AMG takes some hints from the black series designers---then, I think I might stay with MB (AMG). You are right, there is a tiny bit of hope. Cheers
Well, IMO, the problem you seem to have is that you are not really the type of MB customer. Based on you demands, a BMW, or an Audi would work better for you. MBs are usually quite subtle, for those who want simplicity and elegance. You appear to be young, and I think is you own an SLK55 is just because it is "riskiers" than a normal Benz, and sportier too. What about the Z4? It has much more visual drama than the SLK. Or, as I´ve said, the Audi TT. The TT RS is a fantastic machine, surely sportier than the SLK, and more special looking. Anyway, the new SLK doesn´t seem to go with you taste and no matter how the new SLK55 looks, I think it is not going to convince you. MB has gone down the conservative way with the new SLK, and that doesn´t seem to be right with some of the customers, like you. I hope you find a nice choice after all, mate. :t-cheers:
Well, I am not that young but thanks for your words. Yeah, you are probably right in some of your observations. I have had two SLK in 7 yrs, now I own an SLK55 AMG and luv it. But I guess its time to move on. MB is keeping conservative. The R8 and the C63 AMG are getting my attention lately :t-cheers: Cheers and thanks for sharing your point of view. :t-drive:
Autobild said it better than me---(more politically correct) but still this confirms not only my personal discontent with the boring SLK and the poor dynamics of this car. 1. BMW 2. Audi 3. Mercedes Z4 got the classic ingredients. Delicious engine, perfect driving dynamics and comfort. Thirsty engine and too cramped. SLK- its fast and economcial but too expensive, it's too cramped and lack driving fun. Steering could be a little better. (they are being wayyyy polite here) TT - Easy to drive, fun but too loud. We wish it to be more comfortable. Turbo, torque and FWD affect the steering in a negative way. The fan crowd might not agree but if you can take one for a drive do it and then you will see... The looks do nothing for me and for people I have to talked to. I do my own independent poll (dont follow the hype of internets) like many folks do. Oh forget AGE here pointless. lets see what the Black series has in store...the SLK will remain a "delicate" car
Well, we've got 14 SLK350s here for an upcoming ride and drive for all the auto publications. Although there are some things I don't like, I must say the car is overall quite impressive. It has a much more grown up and polished look than the previous. And I would say more so than the others in the segment. No, it doesn't have the sporty DNA of the Z4, but I can honestly say that I think MB was shooting at a different target here. Particularly impressive is the interior. Yes, the screen is off-set, but other than that, there is little to complain about. The interior presents itself very upscale, even with the aluminum trim. In fact, the wood package may be overkill. It is amazing how big of an improvement was made over the previous SLK. Fit seems impeccable. Material quality is very high. You feel like you are in a Benz. From having the memory seat controls on the door panel, to having the central controller, not too mention, functional cup-holders, the cockpit impresses. Magic Sky roof is very cool. Styling is a matter of taste. I can safely say, as a MB rep that this is a car I can represent with pride.
Well hell if they please you Tennmb, Mercedes has done something right...lol!!! I'm going to a launch party this Wed evening at my local dealer. M
Is there a thread for the SLK55 AMG? The lack of information on the upcoming SLK55 amg is killing me... lets hope that THIS TIME the lack of info is a good sign. Cheers
Byron Pope reports from Knoxville Mercedes SLK Serves as Technological Test Bed KNOXVILLE, TN – The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster has served as a key test bed for new technologies from the luxury auto maker since the first generation launched 15 years ago, a product planner here says. The ’97 SLK marked the debut of Mercedes’ retractable hardtop. The second-generation roadster in 2004 unveiled the patented “Air Scarf” feature, which warms the back of an occupant’s neck when driving with the top down. The Air Scarf is a returning technology that has proven popular with buyers. Mercedes says the take rate is 98%. But the ’11 SLK, now in its third generation, boasts what arguably is its most innovative feature yet – Mercedes’ “Magic Sky Control” roof. With the push of a button, what appears to be an ordinary panoramic glass roof built into the retractable hardtop instantly darkens, blocking out nearly all light. The process may appear magical, but it’s based on science, says Scott Keilman, assistant product manager-SLK-Class. The principal is similar to other high-tech automotive features, such as magnetic-ride suspension. In this case, the roof glass is composed of two layers. Sandwiched between them is a chemical film coated with randomly placed nanoparticles. When the button is depressed, an electrical current causes the particles to arrange themselves uniformly, which allows light to pass through the glass panels. When the current is removed, the particles scatter, blocking the light, Keilman tells Ward’s during a recent media event here. The system has been tested extensively in extreme climates, including the Arctic Circle and Death Valley. For those who don’t want to hand over the $2,590 for the optional package that features Magic Sky Control, the SLK also is available with a solid retractable hardtop as well as one with the panoramic glass sans the nanoparticles. Todd Grieco, product manager-SLK, says there is no projected take-rate for Magic Sky Control, noting it’s “more about being able to offer the customer three (roof) choices.” While the technology currently is offered on the recently launched ’12 SLK350 only, it’s a good bet it will migrate to other vehicles in Mercedes’ lineup. Magic Sky Control “kind of matches (the) SLK,” but it might soon be offered on “another roadster, which is coming in the near future,” says Bernhard Glaser, general manager-product management. “Then probably go to other cars like sedans.” Another technology Mercedes hopes will strike a chord with consumers is the Attention Assist system. Standard on the ’12 SLK350, it uses a steering-movement sensor in conjunction with “intelligent” software to identify signs of drowsiness and erratic input. A warning message then appears in the instrument cluster declaring “time for a rest!” Mercedes says the system, which measures 70 different parameters, is sophisticated enough to tell the difference between sporty and erratic driving. Grieco says Attention Assist is not necessarily a feature customers have been asking about, but notes a lot of safety technologies launch with little fanfare. “One of the core DNA attributes of our brand is safety, and we think this technology is core to the overall development of safety in autos,” he says. Mercedes is hoping the SLK’s technologies and new, more “masculine” styling will help bolster sales, which have been on a downward spiral. Grieco says the luxury roadster segment has contracted by 100,000 units over the last decade. But the SLK still controls 6%-7% of the segment. The SLK’s typical buyer is 55 years old, 55% are male with an annual salary of $160,000. Grieco declines to reveal a sales target for the latest roadster, but says first-year deliveries likely will top sales of the last-generation SLK. Deliveries in 2010 totaled 1,980 units, down 22.8% from the prior year, according to Ward’s data. “We’re optimistic,” he says. “We feel the car is all grown up now.” The ’12 SLK350, powered by a 302 hp 3.5L V-6, starts at $54,800, excluding destination and delivery charges. The SLK250 with a 1.8L turbocharged engine is scheduled to launch early next year. Pricing for the model has yet to be announced. bpope@wardsauto.com Mercedes SLK Serves as Technological Test Bed :t-cheers:
Mercedes’ new SLK55 AMG for the Frankfurt motor show will be equipped with a new 5.5-litre V8 engine. The hand-built 5461cc engine in the new Mercedes SLK55 AMG is a normally aspirated version of the twin-turbo 5.5 V8 found in the new CLS63 AMG and E63 AMG models. Removing the two turbos is a necessity for packaging the all-aluminium 187kg V8 in the SLK, but as one insider pointed out: “It also wouldn’t do to have an SLK that’s faster than the SL.” Power from the new 5.5 V8 has risen by 60bhp over the old 5.5 V8 in the outgoing SLK55 AMG to 416bhp, while torque has risen from 376lb ft to 398lb ft. Advances have been made in fuel economy and CO2 emissions, too, the former improved by 30 per cent in the new SLK55 AMG over the old model. Combined economy is 33.2mpg and CO2 emissions are 199g/km. Stop-start is as standard. The engine features an innovative F1-inspired AMG Cylinder Management shut-off system that allows the engine to run on just four cylinders under partial loads to help boost economy. The SLK55 AMG will also feature a new sports exhaust system with two independent rear silencer flaps. These stay closed at low loads and engine speeds below 2000rpm, and progressively open as the driver applies more throttle for a louder exhaust note. Alongside the SLK55 AMG at Frankfurt will be a diesel version of the new SLK, the first time an oil-burner has features in the roadster. The Mercedes SLK 250 CDI will be powered by a 201bhp four-cylinder turbodiesel that is already used in many of the staple Mercedes models. A spokesperson explained: “There seems to be the necessary demand for diesel cabriolets. We’ve seen good sales of diesel E-class cabriolets and other manufacturers have had a lot of success with similar models, so it only makes good sense to add it to the SLK.” Both models will be in showrooms by early 2012. Though not confirmed, expect the SLK 250 CDI to sit between the base 200 and the 250 petrol models at roughly £34k and the new SLK55 AMG to top the range at close to £55k. http://www.autocar.co.uk /News/NewsArticle/AllCars/258277/ :t-cheers:
Surprisingly light for it's configuration, almost as light as a 6-cylinder. Sounds like the SLK55 will be a beast.
