Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The Mercedes SLK is a compact roadster manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in two genera
tions, R170 and R171, since 1997. As one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles, the Mercedes SLK followed the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder and preceded other retractable hardtops such as the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Pontiac G6 and the Chrysler Sebring. The designation Mercedes SLK derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short — in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz. The term Mercedes SLK-Class is a Mercedes marketing term referring to the vehicle in all its engine configurations across both design generations.
tions, R170 and R171, since 1997. As one of the first modern retractable hardtop convertibles, the Mercedes SLK followed the 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder and preceded other retractable hardtops such as the Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Pontiac G6 and the Chrysler Sebring. The designation Mercedes SLK derives from the company's design mission to create a roadster that was at once sporty, light and short — in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz. The term Mercedes SLK-Class is a Mercedes marketing term referring to the vehicle in all its engine configurations across both design generations. The R170-platf
orm Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, though its additional weight compromised the performance of the 193 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The Mercedes SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999 along with the 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 Mercedes SLK 320.
orm Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, though its additional weight compromised the performance of the 193 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The Mercedes SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999 along with the 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 Mercedes SLK 320.An Mercedes AMG model was added in 2001, with a 354 hp (264 kW) supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This Mercedes SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing R170 Mercedes SLK, and was a direct rival of
the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It was only offered with automatic transmission and was hand built.
the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S. It was only offered with automatic transmission and was hand built.Not all Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany, the Mercedes SLK 320 being built in South Africa and Mexico. The very first R170 Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997 and last on April 7, 2004.
Summary of all versions and engine specifications:
Mercedes SLK 200 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 136 hp I4
Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 163 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 223 km/h (138 mph). NB Not exported to North American markets.
Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 197 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 240 km/h (148 mph).
Mercedes SLK 320 - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 218 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).
Mercedes SLK 32 AMG - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 354 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. All engines were hand-built by AMG by an individual engineer. The engine came with an intercooled Lysholm-type "twin-screw" supercharger. Production ran between Aug 2000 and March 2004. Only 4,333 were built in total, of which 979 were retained for Germany, 2,056 exported to the USA and 263 to the UK.
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