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“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”

In Western Europe, by far the most important sales market for the SLK, the two-seater was once again the market leader for its segment in 2007. The compact roadster enjoys the greatest popularity in Germany, with over one-third of all SLK drivers coming from the home market of the brand with the star. The rest of Western Europe accounts for a further one-third of sales. Moreover, one in every five SLK customers comes from the U.S. The most popular model among customers is the SLK 200, which is selected by half of all SLK owners worldwide and by more than two-thirds in Germany. Also in strong demand is the SLK 280, which is driven by over one-quarter of all SLK owners.

The new-generation SLK, which celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in January, inspires imagination especially with its sportier looks and the promise of an even more emotional driving experience. The most important changes in the vehicle’s appearance include redesigned front and back views, as well as a carefully modified interior, featuring a new combination instrument panel and a three-spoke steering wheel. Three enhanced engines underscore the two-seater’s dynamic character. Engineers have devoted particular attention to the V6 sports engine. Despite a considerable increase in power in some instances, all the engines use significantly less fuel. For example, the SLK 350 with manual transmission consumes 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers less than its predecessor, despite an added 33 horsepower, for a new total of 305 horsepower.

If desired, the SLK is also available with the newly developed direct-steer system and new-generation audio and telematics features. Like its predecessor, the latest SLK is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant, the brand’s center of excellence for its open-top vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz has announced their plans for the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March, 2008) in Switzerland. They will debut 5 new models: the recently revealed SL, the refreshed SLK, the new CLC, the updated CLS and also a 4MATIC version of the CL 500 Coupe. This 4MATIC system is the lightest ever created weighing in at just 70 kg allowing the CL 500 a 0-100km/h in 5.4 sec.

More pictures and full press release after the break

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Official Press Release

Mercedes-Benz enters spring with five new model highlights

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its commitment to further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions with new products in five model series which will take the stage at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Despite their outstanding levels of safety, comfort and refinement, the new coupes and roadsters consume up to 10 percent less fuel than their predecessors.

At the pinnacle of the new Mercedes dream machines celebrating their public premiere in Geneva is the SL-Class. Mercedes-Benz has refined, improved and developed the roadster further to a level of detail and extent that goes well beyond a mere model facelift. The result is a car that combines sportiness, safety and comfort into a synthesis unrivalled in this vehicle class, offering Mercedes driving refinement at sports car level.

The new, decidedly sporty and assured exterior design reflects the handling characteristics of this Mercedes roadster, which is now even more agile with a new direct-steer system while offering even more safety and comfort. Two new six-cylinder engines will round off the SL range from spring 2008: the SL 280 develops 170 kW and provides an attractive entry into the SL sports car world. The SL 350 is powered by a newly developed and particularly lively sports engine. Output has increased by 16 percent to 232 kW compared to the previous 3.5-litre engine, while maximum torque has improved by 10 Nm to 360 newton metres. This powerpack accelerates the new SL 350 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, making it 0.4 seconds faster than the previous SL 350. More output does not mean higher fuel consumption for this sports car, however: at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres, the SL 350 is 0.4 litres more economical (NEDC) than the preceding model with 200 kW.

The flagship models in this series continue to be the SL 500 with a V8 engine and the twelve-cylinder SL 600. Their engines consume up to 0.4 litres less fuel per 100 kilometres than before.

The SL consolidates its substantial lead in the field of safety with bi-xenon headlamps and the optional Intelligent Light System, whose lighting functions are designed for typical driving situations. One new onboard feature is the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system invented and patented by Mercedes-Benz. This optional system improves comfort when driving with the top down, and is able to extend the roadster season into the cooler months of the year.

The front-end design of the SL-Class shows that Mercedes-Benz has enhanced the sporty attributes of the roadster even further. The centrepiece is a wide and therefore very imposing radiator grille, whose arrow shape symbolises virtues such as go-getting performance potential. A horizontal louvre adds visual width to the radiator grille and thereby reinforces the muscular appearance of the SL’s front end, which consequently seems surprisingly new yet very familiar.

SLK: even more driving pleasure with considerably lower fuel consumption

Following a comprehensive model facelift, the Mercedes-Benz SLK is now even more dynamic and provides an even more emotional driving experience. The most important visual changes include a redesigned front and rear end, as well as a carefully modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz also installs the V6 sports engine from the SL-Class in the new SLK 350, where it develops an output of 224 kW at 6500 r/min 24 kW more than the six-cylinder unit in the previous SLK 350. Torque has also been increased by 10 Nm, and is now 360 newton metres at 4900 r/min.

Despite this higher output and very good performance figures, the fuel consumption of the SLK 350 has been significantly reduced. Its combined consumption with the six-speed manual transmission is now only 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which represents a remarkable reduction in fuel consumption by 1.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

In addition to the SLK 350, the four-cylinder model SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and the six-cylinder SLK 280 remain available in this compact Mercedes roadster range: the output of the supercharged four-cylinder engine has increased by 15 kW to 135 kW, while fuel consumption has been lowered by one litre to 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The NEDC fuel consumption of the SLK 280 (170 kW) has been reduced by 0.4 litres to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The SLK 55 AMG continues to be powered by the familiar 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 265 kW.

The designers have given an even more sporty touch to the visual appearance of this cult two-seater. One eye-catching feature is the newly designed front bumper, which now has differently distributed cooling air apertures and a more pronounced arrow shape. The rear end has also been restyled; the diffuser-look lower section now makes the roadster appear even more muscular from the rear. Trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted tail lights do even more to accentuate this impression. The exterior mirrors now have LED indicator repeaters with a pronounced arrow shape, and also have a larger lens area.

CLC: new Sports Coupé with CDI engines in the five-litre consumption class

With the new CLC, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a distinctive model series at the Geneva Motor Show which provides an attractive entry into the Coupé family of the Stuttgartbrand. Compared to the previous Sports Coupé, Mercedes engineers have newly developed or improved more than 1100 components.

Compact body dimensions and powerful proportions underline the sporty appearance of the new CLC. The front and rear ends have been completely newly designed. With its striking coupé radiator grille, which has a large Mercedes star at its centre, as well as the new projection-beam headlamps, the Sports Coupé follows the modern Mercedes design idiom. The large, newly designed boot lid conceals a variable luggage compartment with a capacity of up to 1100 litres. The new tail lights, the long row of LEDs forming the third brake light and the rear bumper subdivide the rear end and accentuate its width.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz CLC is akin to a modern bespoke suit - precisely fitting and comfortable. Sports seats with further improved lateral support, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control and brushed aluminium trim are standard equipment.

Mercedes-Benz has put together a sports package for drivers with particularly sporty leanings. This includes exclusive technical innovations and extras such as 18-inch light-alloy wheels, wide-base tyres, headlamps with a black-tinted interior frame, a lowered sports suspension, a leather sports steering wheel and tinted aluminium trim. Another special feature the CLC that has been adopted from racing sports cars is the instrument cluster, which has red needles in the speedometer and rev counter. When the ignition is switched on, both needles spin right around the scale once then return to their starting position.

Another standard feature of the sports package is the new direct-steer system, which further enhances the agile handling of the CLC and represents a major safety benefit. This new development is based on the speed-sensitive steering system, and also has an additional, variable rack ratio which responds to the steering angle.

The new CLC is available with a choice of four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines developing outputs from 90 kW/122 hp to 200 kW. With its up-to-date turbodiesel engines, the Sports Coupé is right at home in the five litre fuel consumption category: the CLC 200 CDI is happy with 5.8 to 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC), i.e. up to 10.8 percent less than the preceding model. The CDI models are capable of a range exceeding 1000 kilometres with one tankful (62 litres). The 135 kW power unit of the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR now has 15 kW more output, and consumes only 7.8 to 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC) - up to 0.7 litres less than before.

CLS: new six-cylinder engine and fine-tuning to the last detail

The unique, four-door CLS Coupé - which pioneered a new automotive segment - has also been made more attractive than ever by specific fine-tuning. The front aspect is dominated by a modified radiator grille, which now has two rather than the previous four louvres. The exterior mirrors also have a new shape, with integrated, arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters and more than 30 percent larger lenses. The tail lights are now also in LED technology: the brake lights, rear lights and indicators feature particularly fast-responding light-emitting diodes.

Great attention to detail has also been lavished on the updated interior: a newly designed leather steering wheel with three spokes and multifunction buttons is part of the package, as is a new-look instrument cluster, whose white dial faces form an attractive contrast to the structured surface of the backplate. New chestnut wood inserts replace the previous trim.

Like the SL, SLK and CLC, the CLS benefits from new-generation infotainment systems. These high-performance units combine ease of operation and intuitive menus with perfect entertainment. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, an MP3-capable CD and DVD player and a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects a mobile phone with the onboard hands-free system. Audio 20, Audio 20 CD with CD changer, Audio 50 and Audio 50 APS with DVD changer and the LINGUATRONIC voice-control system now feature a 5-inch colour monitor. COMAND APS has a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour display, LINGUATRONIC for audio, navigation and telephony, a music register for storing audio files and an SD memory card slot.

As the new entry-level model, Mercedes-Benz now offers the CLS 280 with an up-to-date 2996 cc V6 engine, a maximum output of 170 kW and a maximum torque of 300 newton metres. Its combined NEDC fuel consumption is 9.8 to 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres. The second V6 petrol model is the CLS 350 CGI. Its advanced six-cylinder engine with piezo-electric direct injection and a spray-guided combustion system develops an output of 215 kW and has a convincingly low NEDC fuel consumption of 9.1 to 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

The CLS 500 is powered by a V8 engine with a displacement of 5.5 litres and a peak output of 285 kW/388 hp. The CLS 320 CDI with its 165 kW V6 diesel engine above all excels with its high torque of 540 newton metres, accompanied by a low diesel fuel consumption of 7.6 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres. All CLS models are equipped with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.

CL: permanent all-wheel drive with no fuel penalty

The Mercedes Coupé family continues to be headed by the luxurious CL-Class, which offers the widest model range in this vehicle class with the CL 500, CL 600, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. In addition Mercedes-Benz will be entering the lists with the new CL 500 4MATIC with permanent all-wheel drive from summer 2008. This two-door model is equipped with a 285 kW V8 engine, and in addition to 4MATIC it features innovations such as the Intelligent Light System and the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® as standard.

Mercedes-Benz has further improved this all-wheel drive system, and uses the latest-generation system in the CL 500 4MATIC - the one that has already proved successful in the S-Class. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore requires no response time to assist the driver in infavourable weather and driving conditions. As a result, critical situations can be mastered better and more confidently.

With a weight of just 70 kilograms, the newly-developed 4MATIC is the lightest drive system of its kind. The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the CL 500 4MATIC is 12.1 litres per 100 kilometres, which puts it at the same level as the CL 500 with rear-wheel drive – another advantage of the new, highly efficient Mercedes all-wheel drive system. The CL 500 4MATIC requires just 5.4 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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New too are the projection-beam headlamps with dark surrounds and the exterior mirrors. The mirrors now have a larger surface to afford an improved view to the rear, whilst arrow-shaped LED indicator repeaters also ensure added safety. The AMG 18‑inch light-alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design are more stunning than ever: painted in titanium grey and with a high-sheen star in the centre, they form an intriguing contrast when viewing the SLK 55 AMG side on. With a width of 7.5 and 8.5 inches at the front and rear respectively, the AMG light-alloy wheels are shod with size 225/40 (front) and 245/35 (rear) tyres. New, high-sheen AMG 18-inch twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with the same dimensions are furthermore available for the SLK 55 AMG as an option. Outstanding deceleration is guaranteed by the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 345×30 mm, at the front. The newly developed direct-steer system is also part of the standard specification.

AMG eight-cylinder power unit for superior performance
The striking bonnet with its signature lengthways fins conceals the 5.5-litre AMG eight-cylinder engine delivering a maximum output of 265 kW/360 hp and 510 Newtonmetres of torque - figures which remain unrivalled in this segment. Phenomenal pulling power, instant responsiveness and the unmistakable AMG V8 sound mould the driving experience, together with the superlative performance: the two-seater rockets from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaches the 200 km/h mark in 17.5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). Power is transferred by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission with steering wheel gearshift paddles, which now boasts even greater agility: gear changes in the “S” (Sport) and “M” (Manual) driving modes are executed around ten per cent faster than before. This is not only thanks to the new components in the seven-speed automatic transmission, but also to the new engine and transmission management, which promises smoother gearshifting too.

Functional interior with new AMG instrument cluster
In the functional and sporty interior of the SLK 55 AMG, the new AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its three-spoke design gives a visual hint of the direct-steer system. The grip area is specially contoured and lined with perforated leather, while the vertical spoke is embellished with a silver-coloured insert. Two aluminium AMG shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

The AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale, silver/red needles and AMG lettering also sports a new look, with the new graphics ensuring that vehicle speed and rpm are even more clearly legible. In “M” mode, the AMG main menu is able to display the currently selected gear including an upshift recommendation, as well as the engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the RACETIMER. The AMG sports seats with their special upholstery layout feature pronounced side bolsters for optimising lateral support when cornering at speed; Alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas improve this support even further. Fine nappa leather upholstery makes up part of the standard appointments on the SLK 55 AMG. It is available in a choice of four attractive colours, including the combination black/gullwing red which is a new addition to the range.

Performance package for the driver with racing ambitions
The list of optional extras includes the AMG performance package: developed by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO, this package incorporates technical components offering yet greater performance and durability. The result is an even more thrilling driving experience for sports car enthusiasts who sometimes like to put their AMG model through its paces on the racetrack.

The AMG performance package for the SLK 55 AMG comprises:

• AMG high-performance braking system with composite brake discs at the front wheels

• Internally ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, size 360 x 32 mm, with six-piston fixed callipers at the front

• Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs, size 330 x 26 mm, with four-piston fixed callipers at the rear

• AMG 18-inch multi-piece light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design, size 7.5 x 18 with 225/40 R 18 tyres at the front and size 8.5 x 18 with 245/35 R 18 tyres at the rear

• AMG performance suspension

• AMG performance steering wheel with smaller diameter, flattened lower section and silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles (plus aluminium trim element)

• AMG carbon-fibre trim in the interior

With the exception of the AMG high-performance composite braking system, all the components of the AMG performance package can also be ordered individually for the SLK 55 AMG

The 2009 model also receives an all new interior which includes a superbly designed instrument panel, redesigned seats and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The SLK also gets new sporty tail-lights and headlights.

Two new engines join the 5.5L V8 of the AMG model, including a revised kompressor (supercharged) four-cylinder producing 184 hp/184 lb.-ft of torque and a new 3.5L V6 producing a whopping 305 hp/265 lb.-ft of torque. Both the engines have been designed to deliver better fuel efficiency and lesser emissions. The choice of a five-speed automatic and six-speed manual are available along with the magical 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic gearbox. Prices announced are shown below

* SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: € 36,503.25
* SLK 280: € 41,858.25
* SLK 350 with sports engine: € 46,975.25
* SLK 55 AMG: € 69,049.75

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The famous F1 or SLR lookalike nose has finally justified its appearance. Well, it could be a potential überflieger, a car that Porsche drivers won’t make happy at all.

After shifting the CLK63 AMG into overdrive with the Black Series treatment, Mercedes is repeating the process, this time with the SLK55 AMG. Thanks to a massaged 5.5-liter V-8 that now makes 400 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque — up 40 and 7, respectively — and lightweight components that shave 99 pounds off the car’s weight, the SLK55 AMG Black Series goes 0-62 in 4.5 seconds — 0.4 second quicker than the regular SLK 55 — with a top speed of 173 mph.

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The added power comes from a modified intake, high-flow air filter, and a new exhaust. With more horsepower comes more stopping power in the form of 14.2-inch composite front discs in place of the SLK55’s 13.4-inchers; 13-inch discs remain in the back. To improve handling, a height-adjustable suspension with adjustable dampers is fitted, along with 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero rubber. A front strut bar provides additional chassis rigidity, and a limited-slip differential can be fitted for a price of 3475 euros ($4746). Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters remains as the only available gearbox.

Visually, the Black Series is separated from its more conventional counterpart with aggressively styled carbon-fiber front fenders, a restyled front fascia, and large side air outlets to provide adequate airflow to the enlarged oil cooler and added transmission and power steering coolers. Most of the weight reduction, however, comes from the replacement of the hardtop convertible top with a fixed one with a carbon-fiber center panel that also provides the added benefit of lowering the car’s center of gravity. Inside are sport bucket seats in black cloth, a leather/Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and carbon-fiber door panels.

Buyers interested in even more comfort can opt for the 6310 euro ($8619) AMG Leather package that includes a leather-trimmed dash, center console, and armrest, door panels, and leather seats. A 2630 euro ($3592) interior carbon-fiber package adds carbon-fiber instrument cluster covers, steering-wheel buttons, gearshift lever, and door-sill panels. Finally, a 4325 euro ($5908) exterior carbon-fiber package adds carbon-fiber front-grille inserts, rearview-mirror covers, and carbon-fiber trim to the rear trunk spoiler.

Something that might stop potential buyers faster than the car’s brakes is the price tag. At 92,500 euros ($125,716), it costs more than a Porsche 911 S and as much as a BMW M5, using the German prices of both vehicles. The SLK55 Black Series is already available at European dealers, but there’s no word if the car will make it to the U.S.

From: motortrend.com

The compact second-generation SLK-Class roadster alone has been sold to about 162,000 customers all over the world since its market launch in March 2004. With a total of 480,000 deliveries, the SLK is the best-selling premium roadster ever. The open two-seater is especially popular in Germany, where the SLK has a market share of around 55 percent in the roadster segment. More than half of the SLK customers throughout the world chose an SLK 200 Kompressor.

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Ever since the world-famous 300 SL gull-wing coupe made its debut more than 50 years ago, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class sports cars have been among the world’s most fascinating and sought-after automobiles. The current SL-Class is the fifth generation to continue this tradition. About 133,000 enthusiastic customers have been delighted by its sophisticated design, pioneering technology, outstanding comfort and all-around driving pleasure. The most important market for the Mercedes-Benz roadster in the luxury segment is the U.S. The SL 500, which is chosen by approximately two thirds of SL customers, is by far the most popular model in the series.

Sales of the CLK-Class convertible already reached the 105,000 mark. Like the coupe, the open version of the current CLK series continues to be very popular. Demand for the CLK convertible is especially high in Germany and the U.S. First place on the list of best-selling variants goes to the CLK 350 with seven-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment, which accounts for about 40 percent of sales in the series.

I personally can’t stand the host and her voice, but the comments aggravate me the most. What fifth gear needs to do is stop trying to be like Top Gear. That would eliminate a lot of these “trying-to-be-funny” comments from the hosts.

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While we did have our fair share of weird names in the Hollywood world (Nicolas Cage naming his son Kal-el and Gwyneth Paltrow naming her daughter Apple), this one definitely tops the list.

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Who else would put an SUV against a roadster in a drag-race but Top Gear. This one of those comparison tests that really don’t make sense, but achieve a great amount of laughter and excitement. Top Gear put a Range Rover, tuned by Overfinch, that has a 380 hp engine from BMW and costs 105,000 British pounds, against an old Mercedes SLK 320 V6 in an unusual drag-race. I do have to say that the Range Rover, especially this one tuned by Overfinch, is a great SUV that looks and drives great.

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