|  | Design: sporty dynamism, with styling elements inspired by motorsport | | Body: best dynamic performance and biggest luggage volume in its class | | Safety: protection system with adaptive airbags | | Engines: low consumption while high output | | Comfort: AIRSCARF system ensures even greater open-air driving pleasure |
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The second generation of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars on the market: Mercedes-Benz presents the SLK-Class. The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from Formula 1. The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader in this category of sports cars. To increase the Mercedes-Benz sporty image and fascination, Mercedes-Benz SLK PASSION 08 Limited Edition dubuts at Auto Beijing, and planned to launch in the China market in May to accompany the ongoing Year of China.
The further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds, is joined on the list of standard equipment by head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. The car's chassis, steering have been given an even sportier edge.
Plus, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a world first, in the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF generates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints. This allows the SLK passengers to keep the roof down even when the outside temperatures drop and to enjoy the open-top roadster experience the whole year round. Automatic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, and COMAND APS are among the other technical innovations offered as China standard in the SLK-Class. |
| Sporty dynamism, with styling elements inspired by motorsport |
The design of the car reflects the sporty and powerful character of SLK-Class. A long bonnet, flat windscreen, wide doors and a short rear represent typical roadster characteristics given extra emphasis by the SLK.
A range of captivating details inspired by racing cars – such as the arrow-shaped nose, wing profiles in the radiator grille and the twin-tailpipe system – underline the origins of the SLK in a company which can point to an illustrious sports-car tradition.
The interior design concept is distinguished by switches, buttons and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, which form a striking contrast to the dark tones of the dashboard. Plus, customers can choose from a range of four shades for the leather trim.
The SLK PASSION 08 is newly equipped with the AMG body styling, which adds to the sporty elements to the overview of the cars. The exclusive PASSION 08 floor mat, on the other hand, is sure to bring new feeling. |
| Best dynamic performance and biggest luggage volume in its class |
The beautifully sculptured bodywork is also an achievement in terms of its technical prowess. The SLK 200 K bears a Cd value of only 0.32, which is a good example.
The Sindelfingen engineers have further optimized and perfected the technology behind the innovative varior-oof, which marked the SLK out as a trendsetter on its arrival in 1996. The roof now opens and closes even more quickly and takes up even less space in the boot – thanks to the pivoting rear window. Moreover A further new feature now makes it possible to operate the vario-roof by a remote control function in the car key. |
| Newly developed protection system with adaptive airbags |
State-of-the-art construction processes, the increasingly large proportion of high-strength steel alloys and a host of other measures besides allow the new SLK-Class to leave the outgoing model in its slipstream. The occupant protection systems adjust their reactions according to the situation in hand. For example, adaptive airbags – which inflate in two stages in response to the severity of the accident – are making their debut in this model series.
The standard-fitted belt force limiters also work through two stages and adapt to the severity of the accident. In the event of a side impact, newly developed head/thorax airbags inflate to protect the head and upper body of the passengers. A special sensor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners if the car rolls over. Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional protection in this type of accident. |
| Low consumption while high output |
For the SLK 350 PASSION 08, meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has developed a six-cylinder engine with 200 kW/272 hp of output and 350 Newton metres torque. The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class and reinforces its sporting credentials with a pleasing, full-throated sound.
Peak torque is available as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm. This provides the key to powerful acceleration and impressive mid-range sprints. The SLK 350 PASSION 08 reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.5 seconds.
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment in the V6 engine. This boosts output and torque, whilst also helping to save fuel. A second intake manifold, tumble flaps in the intake ducts and intelligent heat management are further technical highlights of the new six-cylinder unit. When fitted with the seven-speed automatic transmission, the SLK 350 PASSION 08 burns 10.1 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 km (NEDC combined). |
| AIRSCARF system ensures even greater open-air driving pleasure |
| The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is an open-top motoring enthusiast's ticket to enjoying themselves more frequently, more of the time. The AIRSCARF system allows you to open the vario-roof in cooler weather and thus enjoy the roadster experience more often. AIRSCARF is an innovative heating system located in the seat backrests. At the touch of a button, heated air is directed out of special vents in the head restraints and acts like an invisible scarf to warm up the head and neck of the SLK passengers when out on the road. |
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