(Press release by
DaimlerChrysler) More dynamism and sportiness, in other words more
driving pleasure, is what Mercedes-Benz now offers with the new
Sports Package for the SLK. This package makes the sporty character
of this attractive two-seater even more visible and tangible. A
lowered sports suspension with
18-inch wheels, a more beefy braking system, an AMG breakaway edge
at the rear and, as an option, the new 7G-TRONIC Sport automatic
transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles improve the agile
handling characteristics of the Roadster even further. In models
equipped with V6 engines, a specially developed air filter
accentuates these enhancements with an even more throaty sound. The
most noticeable highlights in the interior include red seat belts,
red topstitching, black roof lining and black trim, some of which is
in carbon-look.
The SLK-Class Roadsters are the market leaders in their segment, and
are among the world’s most successful and exciting sports cars.
Although sportiness is already a designed-in attribute,
Mercedes-Benz is now offering a special sports package for the
two-seater which combines two aims: more incomparable driving
experience and an even more potent visual impact.
This enhanced sportiness is immediately obvious to the driver in the
form of a sports suspension, the large 17-inch braking system with
perforated front discs and brake callipers bearing the lettering
"Mercedes-Benz". With 225/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 245/35 R 18
at the rear mounted on 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a new
6-twin-spoke design, the running gear provides ample scope for a
more sporty style of driving and even more driving enjoyment. The
appropriate soundtrack to this enhanced driving pleasure comes via a
special sports air filter (only for SLK 280 and SLK 350) with a
powerful, throaty sound.
The even quicker, more direct gearchanges made possible by the
M-mode of the optional 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic
transmission make for an even more singular driving experience,
while the steering-wheel shift paddles accentuate the sportiness of
the car even further.
Exterior enhancements include headlamps with dark surrounds and a
rear breakaway edge adopted from the SLK 55 AMG. These not only
underline the dynamic performance of the Roadster, but also improve
its aerodynamic qualities even further.
The colour red provides unmistakable visual highlights in the
interior of the
SLK-Class equipped with the new sports package. Both the driver and
passenger wear red seat belts, while the door armrests, seats,
leather steering wheel and the gaiter of the leather gearshift lever
are enhanced with fine, craftsman-like red topstitching. This
concept is continued with floor mats edged in red and eye-catching
red needles in the instrument cluster. A striking contrast is
provided by black roof lining, black trim to the left and right of
the steering wheel, and a carbon-look trim strip above the glove
compartment.
The SLK is the acknowledged trendsetter and technological leader
among sports cars in its class. In addition to the vario-roof, its
outstanding features include
a sophisticated design with cues from Formula One racing and
standard head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage
belt force limiters which are activated in two phases according to
accident severity. Available
optionally for the SLK-Class is the AIRSCARF neck-level heating
system.
Mercedes-Benz is still the world’s only manufacturer to offer such a
feature. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF causes warm air to flow
from the head restraints, enabling the occupants of the SLK to
travel with the roof down even in cooler outside temperatures and
enjoy open-air driving all year round. Other technical innovations
available optionally for the SLK-Class include automatic climate
control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and the
COMAND APS system.
Depending on the engine version, the ex factory cost of the sports
package for the SLK-Class is between € 1,148.40 and € 1,612.40.
