From the article: SLK 350 (2009): 43 pts. SLK 350 (2011): 35 pts. Seems like the new one is even more comfort-oriented and less an all-rounder. :eusa_thin
It's 80 kgs heavier than the old one and that affects the performance badly. The slalom speed reduced from 67,6 km/h to 64,8 for instance - even with the optional "Performance-kit". The ESP is not fully deactivable and it's very un-harmonic. Plus, the 7G-Tronic gearbox oprerates with sluggish up- and downshifts. :t-cheers:
I seem to remember reading somewhere that the new model is somewhat lighter than the old one... Also, the TG magazine scan (and other sources) seemed to say that comfort was preserved while making good strides in dynamics and sporty behavior... strange.
Thats what people said before the car was launched. Obviously they were wrong since it turned out not to be true.
Not exactly. Tyres are not answer for worse acceleration and in-gear times. It's about the weight. Tyres only can affect the slalom speed and tracktime (plus the braking-results). :t-cheers:
No questions about acceleration for me. SLK still has N/A 3.5 V6. Just slightly better but it cannot cover such noticeable weight difference.
Well, just got back from training on the new SLK. Sadly, the problems I had with the exterior are just as bad in person. The front end just doens't do it for me. The back looks great, but this has to be one of the most confusing cars in how the front and back simply do not match at all. And they really had a chance for a home run. The A pillar meeting the front fender, instead of flowing into the hood lines adds so much weight to that area, that it looks bloated. Plus the headlamps simply do not go with the car. The should have carried the rear arch in the 1/4 panel to the front. But that is my taste. A lot of the other people there loved the look. The interior is very nice. Obviously big circular air vents may not be everybodies favorite, including mine, but the materials are very, very good. The interior looks way better, and fits way better than anything else in this class. It truly feels like a luxury roadster. Anyone expecting a Z4 competitor will be dissapointed. It isn't. But it does feel like a Mercedes inside. The seats are incredibly comfortable. Major improvement. With these enhancements, and the new COMAND, it is not just much better than the last SLK, but it is light years above the current SL. The seat adjustments are now on the door panel. Electronic parking brake. No hand brake opens up center console. Functional cupholders!! My material claims 0-60 in 5.4 for the 350, which is simply more than fast enough for a Benz buyer. The SLK will also offer the latest COMAND system which is simply incredible. The thing has eight airbags standard. Crazy!
