Nearly three inches longer and der than the previous generation, the current SLK's wedge-shape profile is punctuated by a nose that mimics the look of the ultra-rare and ultra-expensive McLaren SLR supercar. The powered folding metal roof retracts in about 22 seconds.
Use of high-strength steel ensures maximum structural rigidity, which translates into a stable ride without the shakes and rattles that tend to plague many convertibles. Riding on standard 16-inch (SLK 280 and 350) or 17-inch (SLK55 AMG) alloy wheels and performance tires, a four-wheel independent suspension affords crisp handling with decent compliance over bumps and potholes.
Trunk space is reduced with the top down but is still accommodating for a small, two-seat sports car. The new base SLK 280 comes powered by a 3.0-liter twin-cam V6 engine that generates 228 hp. The SLK 350 continues with its 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. A standard six-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels on the SLK 280 and 350, and a seven-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is optional.
Like the Mercedes SL, the SLK features a power-retractable hardtop for quick conversion from coupe to open-air roadster. At the touch of a button, the cars convert from coupe to convertible or back in 22 seconds.
The beauty of the SLK is its unique hardtop convertible roof, which allows it to behave as an open-air roadster in the summer and a hardtop coupe in the winter.
In addition to using design inspired by Mercedes-powered McLaren Formula One racing cars, the new SLKs offer an optional Airscarf system that blows hot air through the seatback to neck-level outlets in the driver and passenger seats. For optimum comfort, the system automatically adjusts the airflow to vehicle speed.