Super Roadster

Throughout its production history, the SLK has been wowing the market with radical innovations. For example, in its first generation in 1996, the SLK stunned the public with its vario-roof. In a few seconds, the car could be changed from a roadster to a hard-top coupe.

In its second generation, the SLK began to comfort customers with its AIRSCARF, a system that wrapped warm air around the head and shoulders of occupants. This extended the “top down season” greatly: you could drive comfortably with the top down in December.

Now, in its third generation, the SLK makes its debut with another stunning and hi-tech innovation -- the panoramic varioroof can be switched to light or dark at the touch of a button. At the spectacular launch of the SLK at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dr. Claus Weidner, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited, said: “The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car. I am convinced that, with its passionate design, its high-quality interior and its modesty at the filling station, it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road.”

SlK: The unending innovation 

SLK continues to give ‘road-lovers’ more and better options to love the outdoors. The continuous innovation of SLK offers satisfaction at its finest. 

New lines of the SLK make it even more roadster-like. You have a higher front grille, allowing a longer bonnet. The cockpit is set slightly farther back and the rear end is shorter and more sporty.

The interior is surprising. You naturally expect a roadster to have a small cockpit, but you find it easily accommodates two full-size adults.

Tremendous care has been taken to match refinement with function in the interior. As always, the meticulous craftsmanship is eye-catching. Next most notable feature is the multi-functional sports steering wheel. It has a flattened lower section and a thick leather rim, for better grip and handling. 

Note: the leather is sun-reflecting. That means the sections covered by leather do not heat up so quickly. The cabin again features ambient lighting, but this time it includes a red colour tone.

And, here is where the MAGIC SKY CONTROL comes in. You have three alternatives for your roof. First is the familiar varioroof, which opens or closes in seconds. Next is the panoramic vario-roof with tinted glass.

Third is the first-ever panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This means you can make the roof totally transparent, in effect creating a top-down experience, even with the top up and all windows up. 

Or, you may switch the roof to dark mode, for shade if you are parked, or cruising slowly in bright summer sunshine.

Power
With all this talk of comfort and refinement, let us not forget that the new SLK is also a rampant rocket when it comes to performance.

The top-of-the-range SLK BlueEFFICIENCY V-6 engine generates 306 horsepower out of 3,498 cc., which can take you from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The manufacturer mentions the top speed as 250km/h. Actually the top speed is much higher, but is electronically governed to 250km/h.

If you drive on the autobahn at over 250, a rev-limiter cuts your power. I understand this is an understanding with the German government, in return for there being no speed limits on major highways in Germany.

Meanwhile, as you drive along, enjoying the summer breeze with the SLK top down, rest assured you are also saving the planet. The BlueEFFICIENCY engines are using up to 25% less fuel than previous models. For more information about the new SLK, visit our website at www.zungfu.com. 

- Roger Boschman