Autoblog

Carlsson turns Mercedes-Benz SLK into 610-HP hill-climb clawer

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mercedes-Benz, Racing

Carlsson's race-tuned versions of the Mercedes-Benz SLK have been taking checkered flags for years, and we won't be surprised if its SLK 340 hill climber fares any different. Developed by multiple German and Swiss hill climb champion Reto Meisel, the carbon-bodied SLK 340 with lightweight brakes and a closed underbody weighs 1,716 pounds. Propelling that tiny bit of weight is a 3.4-liter V8 from Judd with 610 horsepower, and it rolls on 18-inch wheels shod in Avon tires.

It will debut at the Geneva Motor Show before beginning its racing campaigns in the summer. This one won't just tear up roads in Europe, though - Meisel says he plans on bringing it to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The press release below has more details.

Continue reading Carlsson turns Mercedes-Benz SLK into 610-HP hill-climb clawer

Carlsson turns Mercedes-Benz SLK into 610-HP hill-climb clawer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK pops its auto-tinting lid [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK - Click above for high-res image gallery

The thing about innovation is that to follow up, you tend to need another dose of innovation to keep people interested. Case in point: Mercedes-Benz having shoes to fill with its little SLK. The original was one of the first cars on the market with a modern retractable hardtop, taking after its costlier forebearer, the SL. And fourteen years later, with nearly everyone fitting folding tin roofs to their convertibles, the Stuttgart has launched the third-generation model with Magic Sky Control.

The innovative roof, as we've reported in the build-up to its release, adjusts the tinting of the glass panels automatically. It's an option, and buyers can still get a solid metal folding roof or a fixed-tint glass one if the electronic trickery is too much. Naturally, though, that's not all that's new about the new SLK.

The latest compact roadster from Stuttgart sits on a new platform with new styling. Whereas the outgoing model aped the SLR with its Formula One-style nose, the new SLK takes its cues from the SLS AMG with its more upright grille. The new shape is also more aerodynamic, and Mercedes has incorporated a new transparent panel between the rear roll hoops that tilts to optimize airflow and keep turbulence in the cabin to a minimum.

The SLK will launch in the North American market in SLK350 guise, packing a 3.5-liter V6 good for 302 horsepower and a 5.4-second sprint to 60 mph. The 1.8-liter, four-cylinder, 201hp SLK250 will follow, as is expected the naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 SLK55 AMG. The new SLK gets its official launch later this month at the head office in Stuttgart in celebration of the company's 125th anniversary, with its public debut slated for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Follow the jump for a video and full press release, but be sure to check out the high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK pops its auto-tinting lid [w/video]

Officially Official: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK pops its auto-tinting lid [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz releases own spy shots of SLK testing "magic" roof in Death Valley

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK testing in Death Valley - Click above for high-res image gallery

We love it when automakers go through the trouble of releasing their own spy shots. Our spy photographer friends, however, could easily see this as their own hard work being done for them. In any case, what we have here is a brand new set of photos of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK testing in the Death Valley heat, prepping for its debut in 2011 (Geneva Motor Show, perhaps?).

One of the new features that Mercedes-Benz will debut on the 2012 SLK is its Magic Sky Control roof. This glass-paneled hardtop contraption can automatically be tinted to control how much light shines through the roof in an effort to keep the interior cooler on bright, sunny days when the top isn't down. We'd expect this sort of technology to make its way onto the Big Daddy SL roadster after the SLK's launch, and could even be used on side windows for the rest of Merc's product line.

Scroll through our image gallery below to see high-res shots of the SLK testing in Death Valley. Mercedes-Benz's prolific press release is available after the jump, as well.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Testing in Death Valley

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz releases own spy shots of SLK testing "magic" roof in Death Valley

Mercedes-Benz releases own spy shots of SLK testing "magic" roof in Death Valley originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been staring at spy shots of the forthcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK for months, but now we have our best look yet at what Benz' baby coupe will look like once the camo tape is peeled away.

The grille gets a nose job to match its larger SLS AMG sibling, and the photo above reveals it to be a more pleasing aesthetic than in previous shots. Also, it seems the new SLK wants to play with the cool kids who are all wearing LED running lights.

If our intel holds up, the reason behind the larger grille isn't just to mimic the gorgeous gullwing, but to feed the new 476 horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. If that mill is going in any SLK, it'll be wearing an AMG badge on the back, and we're hoping to get a better look when we stop by the Mercedes-Benz booth at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK caught training for Z4 fight

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The engineers in Stuttgart are hard at work prepping the next-generation SLK roadster, which should launch next year as a 2012 model. The smallest offering from Mercedes-Benz doesn't look all that far from being show-worthy either, which leads us to believe that the SLK could possibly make an appearance at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

Details on the new SLK are slim, but rumor has it that an all-new twin-turbocharged V6 is in the works for the AMG-badged roadster, producing somewhere in the area of 476 horsepower. That's pretty insane, especially considering that the current (and already potent) SLK55 AMG makes due with just 355 horses.

Obviously, the refreshed exterior design takes a lot of cues from the Big Daddy SLS AMG supercar, but new interior spy shots show that the updated cockpit will also be more akin to the Gullwing, as well. Note that the center stack features the Command head-unit integrated into the flat dash, with the radio and HVAC controls placed on a separate console below. We like what we see, especially since the current SLK interior is rather drab - not nearly as nice as what you'll find in the new BMW Z4.

Scroll through the gallery below to see new spy shots of the next-generation SLK from all angles.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK caught training for Z4 fight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK out in the wild

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

A few eagle-eyed spies have laid their peepers on what appears to be the next iteration of the Mercedes-Benz SLK. The shooters managed to nab the car with significantly less camouflage than we're used to seeing, allowing the interwebs a quick look at what the car's new nose job should look like. From what we can tell, the Silver Arrow's designers have decided to pull from the same gene pool as the SLS AMG when it comes to the car's new fenders, fascia and hood.

Usually that would be a good thing, though we're having a hard time swallowing that new upright grille. Yes, the language looks right at home on the new Gullwing, but on the baby SLK we're getting whiffs of Dodge Caliber from the look. We're hoping that's something we stepped in.

Regardless of whether or not you can get behind the new face of the SLK, rumors of what will find its way behind those new headlights will likely set your heart a flutter. The whispers cruising around the web right now say the company is mulling a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 good for an insane 476 horsepower.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK out in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market

Noah Joseph — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

For some, driving a Mercedes-Benz roadster is special enough. But when the local high-end mall is surrounded by row upon row of the Three-Pointed Star, some look for a little something extra special. For such European customers, Mercedes has launched a pair of special editions.

The SL Night Edition comes in black with 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, silver brake calipers and darkened light housings front and rear. The interior gets black nappa leather with arrow-shaped, silver-tone stitching, as well as a special steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining and special touches to the Airscarf ventilation system.

The SLK Grand Edition, meanwhile, arrives in graphite gray paint with 18-inch alloys and silver trim for the vents and lights, and an interior done up in basalt grey pearl nappa leather and complimenting trim.

The SL Night Edition commands a 3,700-5,200 euro premium over the standard version (that's a healthy $5,300 to $7,500 USD), with the SLK Grand Edition going for an additional 2,300-3,500 euros ($3,300 to $5,000), depending on additional specifications. Follow the jump for the press release, and click the thumbnails below for the high-res image gallery.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market

Mercedes-Benz SL Night Edition and SLK Grand Edition launched for European market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK follows a new leader

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

Since its launch in 1997, the Mercedes-Benz SLK has always been the baby-something. The first generation looked like a smaller SL and the second (current) generation apes the SLR. But if these latest spy shots are any indication, the upcoming third generation model could take the form of a baby SLS.

We're already expecting a hybrid, fixed roof version of the next SLK with gull-wing doors like the upcoming AMG supercar, but while the test mule spotted by intrepid auto-paparazzi is heavily camouflaged, it bears more than a passing resemblance to spy shots of the upcoming flagship SLS AMG gullwing supercar. So bid farewell to the current SLK's F1-style nose (borrowed from the SLR McLaren) and look for restyled side mirrors, door panels and a footprint that remains roughly the same as the model it replaces. Sources place the new SLK in showrooms by 2012, and with a clean diesel version appearing alongside its gasoline-powered counterparts.

[Source: NextAutos.com]

Spy Shots: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK follows a new leader originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant?

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Mercedes-Benz, Rendered Speculation

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.

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Next Mercedes SLK to offer diesel option

Noah Joseph — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Green, Mercedes-Benz

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.

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Review: 2008 Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Convertible, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

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

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.

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First look at facelifted Mercedes SLK

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

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]

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

First look at facelifted Mercedes SLK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes tuner Kleemann drops GTK Concept

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:38:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Tuners, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz

click above pic to view more images of the Kleeman GTK Concept

Well-known Mercedes tuner Kleemann has released the first official rendering of its own car, an in-house production called the Kleemann GTK. The carbon fiber skin is wrapped around an SLK body, and the design language is "based on the unique Kleemann design code of elegance and simplicity acknowledging the Nordic design traditions of simple and organic shapes." That apparently means a Reventon (again with the Reventon) snout, a Castagna Aznom front fender treatment, and sharper SLK lines from the A-pillar back.

The GTK is actually based on the SLK 55, and gets a Kleemann Kompressor system, 20-inch Kleeman wheels and 8-piston Kleemann brakes in front and 4-piston out back. That "kompressor" means the little roadster puts 540 HP and 516 lb-ft through its 7-speed auto box. Twenty-inch Kleeman rims ride rubber slivers called Toyo T1-R tires designed specifically for the car. According to Kleemann, it gets to six-oh in 3.7 seconds and runs up to 180+ MPH. Kleemann isn't going to do mass production, so for those of you with the means (lots), place your call now.

[Source: Kleemann]

Gallery: Kleemann GTK Concept

Continue reading Mercedes tuner Kleemann drops GTK Concept

Mercedes tuner Kleemann drops GTK Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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