Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/rendered-speculation-next-mercedes-slk-to-spawn-gullwing-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/rendered-speculation-next-mercedes-slk-to-spawn-gullwing-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/28/rendered-speculation-next-mercedes-slk-to-spawn-gullwing-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mercedes-Benz SL range is growing. For years just a solitary model, the mainstay roadster has since spawned the smaller SLK, the fixed-roof Black Series and the McLaren SLR (in its many iterations). Slated to be replaced by the SLC supercar and supplemented by a new baby SLA, new reports indicate that with the next SLK on its way, a compact roadster could gain a gullwing hybrid variant as well.

While the two elements would seem unrelated, Mercedes engineers are reportedly set on using the classic SL door configuration as a space-saving, access-enabling solution. The battery packs for the electric motors are earmarked to sit in the door sills, leaving reduced space for entry and exit that could be alleviated by the use of the top-hinged gullwing doors that appeared on the original 300SL - the very same door type that is earmarked to appear on the new range-topping SLC.

The hybrid propulsion system - based on that of the Concept BlueZero E-Cell unveiled earlier this month in Detroit - will reportedly be supplemented by a gasoline-burning V6, an F1-derived kinetic braking system and start-stop engine management. Word is that the combination should be good for AMG levels of performance while returning exemplary gas mileage and low emissions. The next-generation SLK, which could itself include a folding glass roof mechanism, is expected to arrive by 2011, with the hybrid gullwing model following the year thereafter.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gullwinggullwing slkGullwingSlkhybridhybrid slkHybridSlkmercedes hybridmercedes slkmercedes slk gullwingmercedes slk gullwing hybridmercedes slk hybridmercedes-benz slkmercedes-benz slk gullwingmercedes-benz slk gullwing hybridmercedes-benz slk hybridMercedes-benzSlkMercedes-benzSlkGullwingMercedes-benzSlkGullwingHybridMercedes-benzSlkHybridMercedesHybridMercedesSlkMercedesSlkGullwingMercedesSlkGullwingHybridMercedesSlkHybridslkWed, 28 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Mercedes SLK to offer diesel option]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/next-mercedes-slk-to-offer-diesel-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/next-mercedes-slk-to-offer-diesel-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/06/next-mercedes-slk-to-offer-diesel-option/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the current Mercedes SLK

While Porsche reportedly mulls the idea of a four-cylinder Boxster and Audi offers a TDI version of its iconic TT, Mercedes-Benz is now reportedly preparing to offer a diesel engine in its next-generation SLK.

The unit in question will be the same 2.2-liter "BlueEfficiency" 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel currently offered in the C250 sedan, where it returns a claimed 54.3 mpg while spewing out just 138g/km of carbon dioxide. Although to previous generations the idea of a diesel convertible remains an anathema, the advance of particulate filter and common rail injnection technologies now common among the most advanced diesel engines make them a viable, earth-friendly option for open-air motoring. Unfortunately, no mention was made whether or not the diesel SLK will be offered in the U.S., which is a tough question for all automakers to answer when it comes to diesels thanks to stricter diesel emissions standards in California and other states compared to the rest of the country.

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK


[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Next Mercedes SLK to offer diesel option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedes dieselmercedes slkmercedes slk dieselmercedes-benz blueefficiencymercedes-benz slkmercedes-benz slk250 cdiMercedes-benzBlueefficiencyMercedes-benzSlkMercedes-benzSlk250CdiMercedesDieselMercedesSlkMercedesSlkDieselslkslk dieselSlkDieselThu, 06 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/18/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-slk55-amg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

It sits there, all tension and sinew, ready to pounce on lesser cars. Start it up and it barks with a clear V8 voice that thumps off the neighbor's house, setting them discreetly peeking from behind their lace curtains. This is an SLK? Oh yeah. No longer a blocky Benz with dwarfism, the SLK55 AMG ripples with muscle and delivers speed like a spin kick to the temple. A bad-ass Mercedes, indeed.


Gallery: Review: Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedgaragein the autoblog garageInTheAutoblogGaragemercedesmercedes ambmercedes amgmercedes benzmercedes slkmercedes slk55mercedes-benzmercedes-benz slkMercedes-benzSlkMercedesAmbMercedesAmgMercedesBenzMercedesSlkMercedesSlk55reviewslkslk 55slk 55 amgslk55slk55 amgslk55amgFri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Glass Roof Mercedes SLK spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/spy-shots-glass-roof-mercedes-slk-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/spy-shots-glass-roof-mercedes-slk-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/spy-shots-glass-roof-mercedes-slk-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Apparently Mercedes-Benz will finally offer a glass roof on its SLK hardtop convertible, similar to the one fitted to the little coupe's big brother, the SL. The two-piece roof looks very similar to the SL's, with the only discernible difference from the standard SLK being a slightly tweaked C-pillar. Aside from that, nothing else will change except that occupants can finally enjoy scenic surrounds while being isolated from uncomfortable climes.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Glass Roof Mercedes SLK spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glass roofglass topGlassRoofGlassTopmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz slkmercedes slkMercedesBenzMercedesBenzSlkMercedesSlkslkFri, 07 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/geneva-08-preview-mercedes-to-debut-five-new-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/geneva-08-preview-mercedes-to-debut-five-new-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/geneva-08-preview-mercedes-to-debut-five-new-models/#commentsFiled under: ,


Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC: click to view in high resolution

While we have four big auto shows every year in the United States - Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York - the Europeans get only two major shows, one in Geneva and the other alternating annually between Frankfurt and Paris. No wonder, then, that the big European automakers are descending upon Switzerland in full force, and Mercedes is no exception, coming to Geneva's Palexpo with no less than five new models.

Most of the new model debuts we've already told you about. There's the newly updated SL-Class roadster, which Mercedes will be showing with engines ranging from six to twelve cylinders. Its kid brother, the SLK, which we already saw in Detroit, will also be there with its facelift on. The new entry-level CLC will also be on display for the first time since its debut at the Berlin fashion show, along with the updated CLS four-door coupe. What we haven't told you about yet is the fifth model to debut at Geneva under the three-pointed star: the CL500 4MATIC. In case we've lost you by now with the various models bearing the letters CL, the CLC is the compact C-Class hatchback, the CLK is the mid-range coupe, the CLS is the slinky four-door and the CL is the big mama two-door version of the S-Class sedan. 4MATIC, meanwhile, is Mercedes' term for all-wheel-drive, finding its way into the big GT for the first time. The latest version of the system adds only 70 kg (154 lbs.) to the vehicle's curb weight, which relative to its existing heft is like spitting in the ocean, and helps the big coupe accelerate smoothly to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds, while sacrificing no penalty in fuel consumption over the rear-drive model.

Check out the press release after the jump to read more about the Mercedes fleet pulling into Geneva next week, and the galleries below. including the new images of the CL500 4MATIC.

Gallery: Geneva 2008: Mercedes-Benz CL500 4MATIC


Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC Class


Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS


Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL


Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models

Geneva '08 Preview: Mercedes to debut five new models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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click above for high res media and live images of the new SLK

Mercedes Benz showed off its newly-restyled-for-'09 SLK350 (closed roof) and SLK55 AMG (open roof) in Detroit this week. While the platform remains the same, the cars feature restyled noses and tails that bring the mini roadster into line with the company's SL and SLR uber roadsters. Whether or not it's an improvement we'll leave up to you to decide. While the non-American markets will get the option of selecting an SLK200 Kompressor or SLK280 model, we will need to be content with the thoroughly revised 3.5L V6 or unchanged 5.5L V8 editions, with 305 or 360HP respectively. No matter which SLK suits your needs, you'll still get that nifty vario-top that goes from wind-in-the-hair convertible to cozy coupe in a blink. You'll also get new "direct-steer" suspension geometry, a new interior, and the company's new "NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics componentry." You can read more about that in the press release that follows the jump. For now we'll leave you with our gallery of live and media pics.

[Source: Mercedes Benz]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Mercedes SLK looking a bit SLicKer for '09

Detroit 2008: Mercedes SLK looking a bit SLicKer for '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowMercedes SLKMercedesBenzMercedesSlkNAIASSLK350SLK55Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:32:00 EST