9th November, 2005
Australian customers snapped up more than one thousand second-generation
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters in the car’s first year on sale, three times
as many as the first-generation model back in 1997.
One thousand and thirteen SLK Roadsters were delivered in the first 12 months
and since launch 1,186 cars have been delivered across the country.
The new SLK stormed onto the scene in August 2004, capturing the fascination
of roadster enthusiasts across the country with the promising of power, safety and
driving pleasure.
“The second-generation of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars
on the market has been welcomed by roadster aficionados with open arms,” said
Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.
“Australians have fallen in love with the beguiling two-seater which is even
more alluring, more powerful and sportier than ever. The aspirational new
roadster has set new benchmarks in the luxury roadster segment,” said von Sanden.
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster was introduced in
August last year in the form of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR priced from $86,900 and
the SLK 350 priced from $112,900. The SLK 55 AMG arrived in February of this
year followed by the new SLK 280 in August.
The SLK-Class Roadster range included, for the first time in this vehicle
class, an eight-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-AMG, whilst the newly
developed four-valve V6 engine in the SLK 350 developed 200 kW and delivered
impressive dynamic driving pleasure.
A further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupe in
just 22 seconds, was joined on the list of standard equipment by the likes of
head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters.
At the same time, the car’s chassis, steering and manual transmission were given
an even sportier edge.
Plus, Mercedes-Benz presented a world first with the second-generation SLK in
the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of
a button AIRSCARF generates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints
allowing passengers to keep the roof down even when the outside temperatures
drops and to enjoy the open-top roadster experience the whole year round.
Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and COMAND APS (standard on
SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG) were among the other technical innovations offered as
options for the first time in the SLK-Class.
Another technical innovation, the unique seven-speed automatic transmission
7G-TRONIC, was introduced as a standard item in the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG and
for the first time a six-speed manual transmission became available as an option
on the V6-powered SLK 350 in addition to the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR.
For the SLK 350, Mercedes-Benz developed a new six-cylinder engine with
around 25 percent more power (200 kW) and 13 percent extra torque (350 Newton
metres). The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its
displacement class and reinforces its sporting credentials with a pleasing,
full-throated sound.
The 120-kW engine under the bonnet of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR celebrated its
premiere in this Mercedes model family. The new arrival is a member of the
unique TWINPULSE generation of four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz, which
offer further advances in terms of output, torque, smoothness and fuel
consumption.
The arrival in August this year of the new SLK 280 heralded the start of a V6
engine offensive by Mercedes-Benz which saw 11 new six-cylinder models released
in Australia.
The new engine offensive was based on all-new V6 petrol and diesel engines.
Priced under $100,000, the new 170 kW V6-powered SLK 280 raised the stakes in
the luxury roadster segment already dominated by Mercedes.
The new Mercedes Roadster replaced a successful first-generation model
enjoyed by over 308,000 delighted owners worldwide since autumn 1996. The global
number one in its market segment, it served as a symbol for the new, dynamic
brand image of Mercedes-Benz.
| Mercedes-Benz
SLK-Class historical sales in Australia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Model |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005* |
Total |
| SLK
200 |
|
38 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
56 |
37 |
45 |
19 |
|
235 |
| SLK
230 |
13 |
302 |
721 |
427 |
259 |
163 |
122 |
115 |
50 |
3 |
2175 |
| SLK
320 |
|
|
|
|
88 |
108 |
41 |
13 |
5 |
1 |
256 |
| SLK 32
AMG |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
38 |
11 |
1 |
|
58 |
| R170 |
13 |
340 |
734 |
441 |
360 |
335 |
238 |
184 |
75 |
4 |
2724 |
| SLK 200
K |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
263 |
182 |
445 |
| SLK
280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 |
24 |
| SLK
350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
119 |
505 |
624 |
| SLK 55
AMG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
93 |
93 |
| R171 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
382 |
804 |
1186 |
| TOTAL |
13 |
340 |
734 |
441 |
360 |
335 |
238 |
184 |
457 |
808 |
3910 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * to October
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Mercedes-Benz Classic Days 2005
7th September, 2005
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6th September, 2005
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Cadillac BLS
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ROAD TEST
2004 Audi S4
Let's keep it simple ...... the S4 is a powerful car!
It provides 253 kW of amazement at 7,000 rpm!
18th October, 2004
Larger image
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ROAD TEST
Peugeot 307 CC
Very appealing with the top up
and
excessively appealing with the top down!
29th September, 2004
Larger image
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