Autoblog

click above image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK

The image we showed you yesterday of the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been proven to be the real deal as the German automaker has officially unveiled the new roadster this morning. As we reported yesterday, the tweaks to the SLK's front end bring it even more in line with the style of an F1 car's nose, for better or worse, while the rear actually gets a cleaner, smoother look with a faux diffuser affixed between the trapezoidal tailpipes. In addition to exterior enhancements, the 2009 model also gets an updated interior with an instrument panel design we actually find appealing and a new three-spoke steering wheel. The availability of "gullwing red" leather for the seats and interior trim that harkens back to the appointments of the original 300 SL is also a nice touch. Two new heavily revised engines join the familiar 5.5L V8 of the AMG model that carries over, including a revised kompressor (supercharged) four-cylinder producing 184 hp/184 lb.-ft of torque and a new 3.5L V6 producing a healthy 305 hp/265 lb.-ft of torque. Both engines also get better fuel economy and emit less CO2 than their predecessors, which is a plus. While a five-speed automatic and six-speed manual are available, we'd opt for the 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic to carve up the powerband, and there's a new all-mechanical direct-steer system that seems pretty trick. Pricing for the new SLK, at least in the European market is 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

(incl. VAT in each case)

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]