Road TestCar reviews - Mercedes-Benz - SLK-class - SLK350 convertibleMercedes-Benz modelsOverviewBenz's SLK roadster has had a makeover to help it meet new market challenges5 Jun 2009 WITH a revised Porsche Boxster and new BMW Z4 now on sale, Mercedes-Benz has sharpened its popular SLK two-seater roadster with about 650 fresh parts, including more power and better economy for the SLK350. The result is a charming and unexpectedly involving luxury convertible with impressive road manners and a sweet drivetrain. Better still, the makeover helps the SLK seem a lot younger. Model release date: 1 June 2008 to 1 July 2011 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelMERCEDES’ second-generation SLK was a far-more accomplished performer than its timelessly beautiful predecessor, thanks to a concerted effort to improve the two-seater roadster’s on-road dynamics. Rack-and-pinion steering led the charge, but it was the inclusion of a strong and smooth 200kW/350Nm 3.5-litre quad-cam 24-valve V6 – mated to the firm’s innovative 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox – that really shone. And while sports suspension aided the SLK350’s tidy handling, it was the inclusion of all the usual luxury accoutrements that made this a highly polished all-rounder. Topping it all off (quite literally) was the folding hardtop roof – an idea reintroduced in the 1997 R170 SLK after decades of neglect – that reliably provided all-year motoring pleasure for those who could afford this stirring and rewarding grand touring convertible. |
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