The arrival this month of the new SLK 280 heralds the start of a V6 engine offensive by Mercedes-Benz which will see 11 new six-cylinder models released in Australia over the coming months.

The new engine offensive is based on all-new V6 petrol and diesel engines, which offer significant increases in driving pleasure and ride comfort, will become available in the SLK-Class, E-Class and C-Class model variants.

First up with the new V6 is the SLK-Class, a car that has enjoyed tremendous success in Australia since its market launch nearly twelve months ago.

Over one thousand SLK’s have been delivered since the slinky new roadster first went on sale.

The 200 kW SLK 350 has so far accounted for over half of all SLK sales highlighting the appeal of powerful V6 engines in this class.

Priced under $100,000, the new 170 kW V6-powered SLK 280 will compete against such delights as the highly desirable Audi TT and the successful Porsche Boxster in the luxury roadster segment.

“The SLK 280 is an exciting new addition that will further enhance the appeal of the SLK-Class range in Australia,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“With the new 170 kW engine, we’re able to put new customers behind the wheel of an acclaimeded Mercedes V6 roadster for under $100,000."

The SLK 280 will appear on Australian roads this month with a different wheel design and brake dimensions compared to the SLK 350. The SLK 280 boasts 17-inch light alloy wheels in a ten spoke design and wide-base tyres in size 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear) as standard. In addition to the long list of standard features, notable standard equipment includes 7-speed automatic transmission (7G- TRONIC), speed dependant parameter steering and infared remote control for the roof operation.

The 170 kW (300 Nm) six cylinder engine accelerates the SLK 280 from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

The technology package in the new six-cylinder units also includes variable camshaft adjustment on both the intake and exhaust sides, which Mercedes-Benz is using for the first time in V6 engines. This ensures that the 24 valves open and close at the best possible time in any driving situation, significantly improving the charge in the cylinders and reducing energy losses. As a result this technology helps to reduce fuel consumption under partial load. The SLK 280 combined fuel consumption figure is 9.5 litres/100kms for the automatic.

Recommended retail pricing for the SLK 280 is $99,900, suitably priced between the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR ($86,900) and SLK 350 ($112,900).

For those customers who desire the increased power of the SLK 350 (200kW), standard features over the new SLK 280 include metallic paint, 17” light alloy wheels in a five spoke design, MP3 compatible six stacker CD changer, COMAND, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats and larger brakes with cross drilled front discs.

2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280

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