MERCEDES-BENZ REVS UP SLK FOR 1999 WITH NEW FIVE-SPEED
STICK SHIFT New Sport Package Option Puts A Sharper Edge On Styling And Handling
MONTVALE, NJ - The Mercedes-Benz SLK, the sports car that helped rekindle America's love
for high-performance roadsters, gets revved up for 1999 with a new five-speed manual
transmission and an optional Sport Package that enhances the car's already sharp reflexes.
In addition, the SLK is equipped with a new-generation stereo radio/cassette head unit
that uses fiber-optic technology and integrates controls for the optional portable
cellular phone.
For 1999, the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster with five-manual transmission has a suggested
retail price of $40,000. A driver-adaptive five-speed automatic transmission is available
as an option for $900. Mercedes-Benz expects about 20 percent of SLK customers to choose
the manual transmission. The SLK is the only production car in the world with an automatic
retractable hardtop that transforms it from coupe to roadster in less than 30 seconds.
Also new for 1999 is an AMG-designed Sport Package, which will be an option for any 1999
SLK. Similar in concept and content to the Sport Package that's optional for the
V8-powered 5L500 and V 12 SL600 coupe/roadsters the SLK Sport Package adds visual and
handling enhancements to an already striking vehicle. For the SLK, the optional Sport
Package includes rakishly styled side sills and new front and rear fascias.
The Sport Package maintains a "staggered" wheel and tire setup (larger,
lower-profile tires on the rear) like the standard SLK, but upgrades the wheels to 17-inch
diameter from the standard 16-inches. Front tires for the Sport are 225/4SZR-17 and rears
are 245/4OZR-17, compared to the standard car's 205/SSR-l6 front and 225/SOR-16 rear.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK burst into the market in January 1997 as onc of the industry's
most-anticipated sports cars. The car has been such a resounding hit that Mercedes-Benz
had t&127;o double production (and U.S. imports) to meet demand. From its supercharged
engine to its retractable hardtop and its lengthy list of standard features, the SLK has
truly proven to be the sports car for all seasons and reasons. As soon as Mercedes-Benz
introduced the SLK, an independent jury of automotive journalists named it North American
Car of Year, and Car & Driver Magazine
immediately put the SLK on its "Ten Best" list.
Kompressor: That's German for Supercharged And Means Fun In Any Language
The Mercedes-Benz SLK23O Kompressor is powered by the only supercharged engine in the
sports car category, a 185-horsepower 2.3-liter DOHC inline four. Just as important as
horsepower is torque, the force that actually turns the wheels and moves the car. The
SLK23O Kompressor engine cranks out 200 lbs.-ft. of maximum torque, equivalent to many
larger six-cylinder engines - but with less weight than a six. Even more impressive,
however, is that the torque "peak" in the SLK is actually a "plateau"
available from 2,500 rpm to 4,800 rpm. That gives the SLK quick off the-line response
coupled with a potent midrange punch.
The SLK's crankshaft-driven supercharger features twin three-lobed rotors that turn at up
to 12,000 rpm within the oval compressor housing, compressing incoming air. An intercooler
then cools the pressurized air, which creates a denser intake charge to boost power
further. To enhance component durability and conserve fuel, the belt-driven supercharger
disengages at idle via magnetic clutch. There is a smooth transition, with none of the
"lag" or sudden power surges that affect performance in some turbocharged cars
(which use exhaust gas to drive the compressor).
A Sports Car For All Seasons and Reasons
The SLK has been designed as a sports car for all seasons and reasons, and this is made
clear by the car's most unique feature - a fully automatic retracting hardtop. Pushing one
button triggers a sequence of events that transforms the SLK from a closed coupe to a
fully open roadster in 25 seconds.
The retractable hardtop creates two cars in one, and also offers the refinement and
structural integrity of a coupe. The hardtop provides increased security against theft,
and the glass rear window with integrated defroster ensures clear visibility to the rear.
Standard full-range traction control (ASR) is another all-season asset. The system can
control rear wheelspin with both the brakes and throttle. As on every U.S,.-market
Mercedes-Benz, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes are standard on the SLK.
Double wishbone front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension
endow the SLK with the handling reflexes expected of a modern sports car, without
thejarring; ride of some of the "classics." Selective use of lightweight
materials such as magnesium and aluminum contribute to a low curb weight of 2,975 pounds
(3,036 with the automatic transmission), which yields a Iean weight-to-power ratio of 16
pounds-per-horsepower.
Choose Your Transmission
For 1999, there are two SLK23O Kompressor models, one with a five-speed manual
transmission, and the other with the driver-adaptive five-speed automatic transmission has
had since: its introduction. Both SLK models are capable of 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds,
so customers do not sacrifice perform&127;ance by choosing the automatic, as they
might in some other sports cars.
The five-speed automatic transmission uses electronic controls and a microprocessor to
adapt to road conditions and even an individual's driving style. For example, on inclines,
the transmission will sense the road grade and delay an upshift to preserve climbing
power. Then, on a descent, the transmission will downshift to take advantage of engine
braking, just as a driver would do if shifting manually. In normal driving, the
transmission shifts quickly and smoothly for optimal fuel efficiency. However, when the
transmission computer senses spirited driving, it responds with crisper shifts at higher
engine speeds.
As Safe As It Is Fun
Mercedes-Benz advanced the safety of open cars with the current SL, coupelroadster -
particularly in regard to rare but dangerous rollover accidents - and these lessons have
been applied to the new SLK. Occupant safety in the SLK starts with the "crumple
zone" construction pioneered by
Mercedes-Benz and includes a new ellipsoid bulkhead the latest refinement to the proven
forked front member that helps dissipate crash energy. The integrity of the Mercedes body
structure also contributes to an exceptionally high level of ride comfort and refinement
for an open car.
The sturdy SLK passenger compartment is further protected by reinforced A-pillars, dual
integrated rollover bars, front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. Its three-point
seatbelts incorporate Emergency Tensioning Retractors (ETR), with
belt-force limiters to guard against upper body injuries caused by seatbelts in a severe
front or rear impact.
In addition, a11 1999 Mercedes-Benz models come equipped with Brake Assist, the only
system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking
situations. First introduced on several 1998 Mercedes-Benz models, Brake AsSist can detect
an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then,
with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.
The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, which made its debut on the I998
SLK roadster is now standard on all 1999 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. BabySmart uses
transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a
special infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers).
Looking Forward With A Hint Of Retro The contemporary styling of the SLK includes cues from a rich heritage of
Mercedes-Benz racing and sports cars, such as the supercharged SSK of the 1920s and the
300SL of the 1950s and 1960s. Notable design elements linking the SLK with its proud past
include the long hood/short deck proporrions and the "power domes" on the hood,
a tribute to the original 300SL.
The five-speed automatic transmission uses electronic controls and a microprocessor to
adapt to road conditions and even an individual's driving style. For example, on inclines,
the transmission will sense the road grade and delay an upshift to preserve climbing
power. Then, on a descent, the transmission will downshift to take advantage of engine
braking, just as a driver would do if shifting manually. In normal driving, the
transmission shifts quickly and smoothly for optimal fuel efficiency. However, when the
transmission computer senses spirited driving, it responds with crisper shifts at higher
engine speeds.
As Safe As It Is Fun
Mercedes-Benz advanced the safety of open cars with the current SL, coupelroadster -
particularly in regard to rare but dangerous rollover accidents - and these lessons have
been applied to the new SLK. Occupant safety in the SLK starts with the "crumple
zone" construction pioneered by Mercedes-Benz and includes a new ellipsoid bulkhead
the latest refinement to the proven forked front member that helps dissipate crash energy.
The integrity of the Mercedes body structure also contributes to an exceptionally high
level of ride comfort and refinement for an open car.
The sturdy SLK passenger compartment is further protected by reinforced A-pillars, dual
integrated rollover bars, front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. Its three-point
seatbelts incorporate Emergency Tensioning Retractors (ETR), with belt-force limiters to
guard against upper body injuries caused by seatbelts in a severe front or rear impact.
In addition, a11 1999 Mercedes-Benz models come equipped with Brake Assist, the only
system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking
situations. First introduced on several 1998 Mercedes-Benz models, Brake AsSist can detect
an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then,
with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.
The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, which made its debut on the I998
SLK roadster is now standard on all 1999 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. BabySmart uses
transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a
special infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers). Looking Forward With A Hint Of Retro
The contemporary styling of the SLK includes cues from a rich heritage of Mercedes-Benz
racing and sports cars, such as the supercharged SSK of the 1920s and the 300SL of the
1950s and 1960s. Notable design elements linking the SLK with its proud past include the
long hood/short deck proporrions and the "power domes" on the hood, a tribute to
the original 300SL.
The Mercedes SLK design is one that looks toward the future, while paying respect to its
past. The taut wedge profile, short overhangs and wheels that fill the fender wells convey
action and performance, even standing still. It's intended to be a timeless design, and it
is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. The SLK interior blends modern design, classic touches and
functional luxury. The two-tone leather interior is unlike anything Mercedes-Benz has ever
put into a production car. Three color-combinations are available - navy/charcoal,
oysterlcharcoal and salsalcharcoal - and one solid tone, charcoal.
The seats use a special built-in spring system to help absorb bumps, and there's nearly 43
inches of legroom.
The standard telescoping steering wheel helps the driver fine-tune the driving position. A
standard wind blocker easily slips over the rollover bars to reduce wind buffeting in the
cockpit, enhancing comfort for both driver and passenger.
Gauges with poIished aluminum bezels, ivory faces and red dial pointers help give the SLK
instrument panel a classic sports car look, and the stainless steel and chrome trim on the
door sills and door handles adds a retro touch, too. The console trim recalls the carbon
fiber used in race cars. The top center of the instrument panel houses a pair of hidden
cupholders. In addition to the safety and luxury features described, the extensive
standard equipment list for the Mercedes-Benz SLK includes dual-zone climate control,
transponder key anti-theft system with, Bose sound system
and headlight washers.
Only Four Options
Since the Mercedes-Benz SLK is so comprehensively equipped as sta.ndard, there are only
four factory options: heated seats for $595, metallic paint for $600 and a portable
telephon&127;e/CD changer combination for $l,595 and the Sport Package for $3,990.
Like all 1999 Mercedes-Benz models, the SLK models come with a comprehensive
four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the
full coverage period. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance Program
covers all. Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles,
regardless of model year. This peace of mind can include a freejump-start, a few gallons
of fuel or mounting the spare tire, even for a decades old Mercedes.