Both engines can team with the standard six-speed-manual transmission or with an optional five-speed-automatic unit that incorporates Touch Shift for manual gear changes. Moving up to the SLK320 brings a 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. The supercharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine in the SLK230 Kompressor roadster is rated at 192 hp. Mercedes-Benz claims the SLK32 AMG can race from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The SpeedShift transmission in the SLK32 AMG promises shifts that are up to 35 percent faster than those in a conventional automatic. The hottest engine of the SLK-Class is the supercharged Kompressor V-6 in the SLK32 AMG, which whips out 349 hp and 332 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes-Benzs Tele Aid emergency assistance system includes such functions as vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlocking and alarm monitoring. Two-tone leather trim throughout the interior mates with dark birds-eye maple wood. Sport seats in the SLK32 AMG are upholstered in two-tone Nappa leather and come equipped with integrated headrests and what Mercedes-Benz calls substantial side bolsters. Maximum cargo space is 9.5 cubic feet but is only 3.9 cubic feet with the top down. In addition to the V-6 engine and wood interior trim, the SLK320 has eight-way power seats and a telescoping steering wheel. Standard equipment includes dual-zone air conditioning, an air filter, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a Bose cassette stereo system. A front air dam incorporates AMG fog lights, while a small lip spoiler at the rear of the trunk lid reduces aerodynamic lift by more than 50 percent, according to the manufacturer. Double-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels on the SLK32 AMG hold P225/45ZR17 tires up front and P245/40ZR17 tires in the rear. The SLK32 AMG gets a special, recalibrated, reinforced suspension with unique spring rates and shock-absorber valving. Door mirrors feature integrated turn-signal flashers. The trunk opens in two different modes: at the front to accept the roof or at the rear to fit a small amount of luggage. Push a button on the console and the articulating metal roof raises or retracts automatically into the dual-hinged trunk space in about 25 seconds. Each model has Mercedes-Benzs Electronic Stability Program.Įquipped with sculpted rocker panels, Mercedes-Benzs smallest model in the United States sits on a 94.5-inch wheelbase that is 5 inches longer than the Mazda MX-5 Miatas. A new Sport Package that is inspired by the SLK32 AMG is available for the regular SLK-Class models and includes a fresh front air dam, rocker panels and a rear valance.įace-lifted for 2001, the SLK320 has a 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, while the original SLK230 Kompressor uses a supercharged four-cylinder that makes 192 hp. Only 1,000 models were destined for the U.S. A new, high-performance SLK32 AMG version emerged for the 2002 model year and is equipped with a 349-horsepower supercharged V-6 engine, racing-derived brakes and an AMG SpeedShift transmission. The 2003 SL500 starts at $85,000.Little has changed for 2003 on Mercedes-Benzs lower-priced, two-seat, retractable-hardtop convertible. More powerful versions are coming as well: The 469-hp SL55 AMG is scheduled for this fall the V12-powered SL600 will arrive late next year. Even so, the car gives you the sense that it could handle such velocity, thanks to a smooth 5.0-liter V8 engine, an active suspension that soaks up bumps and ripples, and a new brake-by-wire system that trims 3 percent off the SL’s stopping distance at highway speeds. Like all German cars, the SL’s top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, far faster than anyone should drive on American highways. The all-new 302-horsepower SL500 carries the banner high. The reputation of the original SL has cast a long shadow over subsequent models. I’m driving the legendary 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing-the car that inspired the real reason for my trip west: to test Mercedes’ new flagship sports car, the SL500 hardtop convertible. As I rocket across the desert outside Phoenix at 120 mph, I’m surprised by my test car’s stability.
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