Mercedes-Benz’s New SLK with 3.0 litre V6 and 7-speed transmission
The latest SLK to hit Malaysian shores has the same 3.0 litre V6 engine that is found in the E280. With 231 horsepower on tap, and 300Nm of torque, the engine does not have a supercharger anymore. Instead, 4-valves per cylinder and variable valve timing makes the engine power more flexible, with max torque available from as low as 2,500 rpm, stretching in a flat curve all the way to 5,000 rpm. Compression ratio is now 11.3:1, making this a relatively highly tuned piece of machinery. The V6 engine is the latest in the Mercedes lineage, being all-aluminium in construction, and weighing much less.
Insofar as overall shape and dimensions are concerned, there is no change; the kerb weight of the new SLK has gone up marginally to 1,465 kg, but the additional power now means a much-improved power to weight ratio of 157 horsepower per ton. Also new is the well-known 7-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is available in the ML Class, the new C-Class, and in the S-Class, clearly an indication of the direction that Mercedes-Benz transmissions are heading. The transmission comes with three modes, M for manual, C for Comfort (and cruising), and S for Sport mode, each of which, when invoked, simply by pressing on a button located next to the shift lever, modify the shift points and engine ECU program accordingly.
Inside, the upholstery is leather, and although the padding is not as thick as in the regular Mercedes sedans, the seats accord a reasonable level of comfort. Mind you, they do hold you well, and the adjustments are electrical. The steering wheel is also electrically adjustable for height and reach. Instrumentation is comprehensive, but the essential ones are the tachometer and speedometer, and these are thankfully the analogue type, in true sports car fashion. The air-conditioner is excellent, and has more speeds than I can remember. Everything is within easy reach, and all the controls are logically placed. No problems there.
The suspension parts remain the same; the front is a three-link Macpherson strut and coil spring arrangement, while the rear multi-link suspension is retained. The front brakes are vented discs, while the rear carries a solid disc. Wheel size has gone up one inch to 17 inches, with 7.5-inch wide rims at the front, and wider 8.5-inch wide rims at the rear for more traction. Tyres are 45-series at the front and 40-series at the rear. The main attraction of the SLK, namely the push-button, electrically controlled convertible roof, is retained.
On the road, the SLK is claimed to get from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. In our actual test, we got a best of 8.1 seconds, but that was with the air-conditioner on. Top speed is claimed at 250 km/h, but the best we got was a little over 245 before we ran out of road. Handling is one of the SLK’s finer points; the short overhangs and the large low profile tyres make it a point and squirt car, very sure footed. In case one puts a foot wrong, the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) takes over and helps to stabilise the car.
The sound of a V6, though not as deep-throated as a V8, is still very sweet. Putting your foot down hard invokes an urgent-sounding roar that is awe-inspiring. The mid-range pull makes overtaking a breeze, and the superb handling makes it very ‘chuck-able’. One can have such fun in one of these babies.
Of course, the cream at the top of the cake, insofar as the SLK is concerned is the ‘CM’ (chick magnet) factor. The SLK, in whatever form, never fails to turn eyes, and is an attention-grabber wherever it goes. One feels so good driving around in it, especially in the cool mornings or evenings with the top down.
In an overall sense, it is certainly not the fastest sports car around; the guys at AMG have a 5.5-litre supercharged monster V8 to give you all the power you want; this one is meant to give you enough fun without burning a hole in your pocket in fuel bills. The 70 litre tank, full when we got it, still had a little under half tank when we returned the car after 199 kilometres of use, most of which was driven at hard throttle. This is not to say the power is not enough: it certainly can give a good account of itself when push gets to shove. It will still toodle around slowly without any fuss, and the shape itself is great enough to keep that smile on your face for many years to come. The entire team had a go with the SLK, and not one of us had anything negative to say about it. Of course it is a strict two seater, and goods carrying is not one of its big selling points, but who cares?
Selling price? A spokesperson from DaimlerChrysler Malaysia said that it is not finalised as yet, but I would expect it to be around half a million ringgit.
