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Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for a busy 2008 with this facelifted version of the SLK roadster, revealed here officially for the first time prior to its UK launch in March.
The reworked two seat roadster gets a subtle visual makeover with shapely new bumpers, larger exterior mirrors with LED indicators and darkened tail lamp lenses differentiating it from the existing model.
Inside, there is a new multi-function steering wheel, revised instruments and upgrades to the audio and telematics system, including an iPod interface in the glovebox.
It’s under the bonnet, though, where the real changes to the second-generation SLK are concentrated, in the form of upgraded versions of the standard petrol engines. They are headlined by a revised version of the SLK350’s 3.5-litre V6 running a higher compression ratio, modified valve train, redesigned inlet manifold and higher 6800rpm cut out. The result is 33bhp increase in power, bumping it up to Porsche Boxster S-beating 305bhp.
The entry level SLK200 Kompressor’s supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder unit has also been reworked, and now develops 21bhp more at 184bhp.
Despite earlier rumours suggesting the facelifted SLK would receive Mercedes-Benz’s 6.2-litre V8, the range topping AMG version retains the German car maker’s decade old supercharged 5.4-litre V8, producing 360bhp.
Greg Kable
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