Detroit show: Benz packs power into SLK

MORE than just a GLK extravaganza for Mercedes-Benz, Detroit was also chosen as the venue to show its updated SLK, which is due in Australia mid-year.

The two-seater roadster has a redesigned front and rear end, a modified interior and a number of specification detail and mechanical improvements including engine upgrades (the highlight being a higher-revving 224kW 3.5-litre V6 for the SLK 350), and, as an option on all models bar the SLK 55 AMG, a newly developed direct-steer system.

With its power output up from 200kW, the engine can now rev to 7300rpm. Torque has also climbed 10Nm to 360Nm at 4900rpm.

The 0-100km/h acceleration benchmark is now claimed to be 5.4 seconds with the six-speed manual transmission (better by 0.2 seconds), while fuel consumption is down 1.1L/100km to 9.5L/100km.

The 1.8-litre four-cylinder supercharged engine in the SLK 200K increases 15kW/10Nm to 135kW/250Nm, while the 3.0-litre V6 in the SLK 280 retains the same 170kW/300Nm but benefits from minor improvements to fuel consumption.

The 265kW/510Nm 5.5-litre V8 in the SLK 55 AMG is unchanged.