Filed under: Convertibles, Mercedes-Benz
First look at facelifted Mercedes SLK
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We've been seeing spy shots of the upcoming facelifted Mercedes-Benz SLK for some time now, awaiting its unveiling to see what those zany Germans have been up to on the baby SL, and now the first factory-released images have surfaced on the internet.
The most prevalent changes have been made cosmetically to the front end, where Mercedes seeks to capitalize even further on its ties with Formula One – not only does Mercedes partner in the McLaren team, but the SLK itself can often be seen pulling duty as safety car at grands prix. The F1-style nose and front bumper are accompanied by new tail-lights out back and a refreshed interior with redesigned seats and a more subdued center console.
The updated SLK also benefits from a revised 3.5-liter V6 with an anticipated 10 extra horsepower over the current version. More details will be made available as we close in on the car's official unveiling in the spring, but we'll be on the look-out in the meantime, so watch this space. Mercedes-Benz does not yet have the images up on its press site, so enjoy these branded pics courtesy of AutoExpress in the meantime - check out the gallery below.
[Source: AutoExpress]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MGBYG 11:37AM (12/20/2007)
It would look nicer here in Arizona, we don't need a front plate, and even better in my driveway...
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Bennet Pullen 11:46AM (12/20/2007)
Those headlights look really bad. The rest of the thing is nice but the headlights look like Pokemon eyes or something... way too cute for this car.
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Alex 11:50AM (12/20/2007)
still looks like a chick car...
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Mondo 11:54AM (12/20/2007)
It's still a pretty girlie car. Not VW Eos girlie but pretty girlie. And, have to agree about the headlights.
Also, rode shotgun in the pre-facelifted version and my right knee was somewhere near the top of my right ear. I'm only 6'2".
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Mark 11:56AM (12/20/2007)
when i look at that, all i can see is a renault megane
http://www.lnsvaleting.co.uk/USERIMAGES/Renault%20Megane%20After.JPG
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Hooper 11:57AM (12/20/2007)
"...the SLK itself can often be seen pulling duty as safety car at grands prix."
I thought it was SL's that were used as safety cars in F1.
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housegsx 11:59AM (12/20/2007)
Nope, modified SLK 55AMG.
andybee 1:22PM (12/20/2007)
your both wrong. The FIA use a CLK AMG
see:- http://www.autosport.com/gallery/photo.php/id/87227/s/1
Zane 2:06PM (12/20/2007)
Not trying to be a smarta** out here but andybee, you're wrong too. :P
The current F1 safety car is the CLK63 AMG "Black" series.
andybee 8:35PM (12/21/2007)
Dear Smart****
How exactly am I wrong. Last time I looked a CLK AMG 'Black' Series was part of the CLK AMG model range. Doh!
Wally 12:15PM (12/20/2007)
And now with more estrogen! They should just hand these things out with vasectomies.
Just kidding, you're a tough guy, Hanz. Grrrrr
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David(Postal) 12:17PM (12/20/2007)
Come on now... they still look pretty aggressive.. and quite an image improvement over the originals
Xcountryflyer 12:29PM (12/20/2007)
Still 2nd fiddle to the Boxster and Z4 among mid-premium convertibles.
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nissanfreak87 12:38PM (12/20/2007)
ugly, Merc's design just sees half-done anymore, to me at least
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mooj 1:20PM (12/20/2007)
soooo.....they just gave it a harelip and called it a day?
nice.
i've driven one of these, though-- definitely a fun little thing.
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Keith M 2:03PM (12/20/2007)
I always thought the nose was too busy for my liking. The bling trend in automotive design of late - is really starting to get old. No wonder a BMW is starting to look like a Pontiac.
Less is more, give me simple, understated, elegant design - ala Apple.
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Larry 4:54PM (12/20/2007)
I think the car looks good, but I AGREE with you on that "BL**G" COMMENT..... a "coined" word so low class I refuse to either say it or write it! Realize, most EVERYTHING (not just cars) these days, is aimed at the lowest common denominator, alas.
05mbsl500amg 10:13PM (12/20/2007)
I just saw one parked outside a restaurant downtown Baltimore, I'm not a big fan of the SLK in general however, I thought the new front end looked much imporved.
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Calguy 1:15AM (12/21/2007)
Ugh. They had an opportunity to ditch the gimmicky it's-not-a-chick-car-see?-there's-a-wiener-on-the-front! nose and skipped it. Duh. It so cloyingly attempted to butch up with that silly phallic nose and it still looks like a wanna-be. MB should evoke timeless classic design. This ain't it.
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