Mercedes-Benz admits that its outgoing SLK-Class roadster had some significant problems. For example, Doug Worrell of Mercedes-Benz USA’s product management department said at the media introduction for the new 2005 SLK that “we have been criticized in the past for having a sloppy six-speed transmission.”
Besides the sloppy transmission, it was cramped, not responsive enough, underpowered and, dare we say it, too feminine. But even women didn’t like it or at least not enough of them. In the U.S., sales declined to 6,023 units in 2003 from 7,784 in 2002 — a drop of 23%. Clearly, buyers knew a stinker when they saw it even if it did have a three-pointed star on the hood.
That sloppy six-speed has been replaced with a manual transmission that is more responsive and provides for the kind of short, tight shifts that fast drivers love. (The other new SLK gearbox is a seven-speed automatic transmission a $1,375 option and a first for a six-cylinder car.) The new steering wheel is well hefted, allowing for smooth inputs, even if the response could still be a bit more precise in corners.
The pedals although they aren’t adjustable are well-placed for performance maneuvers, such as heel-and-toe downshifting, in which you rev the throttle with half of the foot that is braking, decreasing the strain on the machinery and making the shifts smoother. Lots of torque is available at low engine speeds, which grants you grip and acceleration whenever you want it. The SLK now has its first sports suspension an option and a great exhaust noise.
The new SLK, which went on sale last week for a base price of $45,500, has gone from being the last-place car in a pack of excellent roadsters to being every bit as good as the models Mercedes identifies as the SLK’s main competitors: BMW’s Z4, Volkswagen’s Audi TT and Porsche’s Boxster. General Motors may even have something to fear as it is introducing the new Corvette.
As you can see, we liked a great deal about the new car. About the only significant problem is that the interior gets a D- for storage space. The map pockets in the doors are very narrow, and a six-CD changer takes up most of the glove box. You can’t even fit a CD in the center storage bin. One more storage bin, a unit that is mounted at shoulder-level between the seats, is also narrow. You can fit a couple of CDs and a pair of glasses in there, but not both.
All of that is forgiven, however, considering the SLK’s newfound sportiness and that’s just on the SLK350, the V-6 model we tested. We haven’t even touched on the forthcoming SLK55 AMG, which is due out in November. That car will feature a 362-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 with 376 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque, not to mention suspension, exhaust and brakes by AMG, Mercedes’ hot-rod shop. Mercedes has not announced pricing for the SLK55, but said it will start at under $60,000.
In the meantime, the SLK350 introduces a new SLK-Class with plenty of performance chops. Not thrilled with the stock SLK350? Spend $4,000 for the optional sports package, which gets you AMG front-body cladding, sports wheels and suspension and gearshift buttons on the steering wheel.
Mercedes is planning to build 10,000 new SLKs for the U.S. market next year or two-thirds more than they made in 2003. It might seem optimistic, but based on how improved the SLK is, their optimism should be justified.
Related Articles:
2007 C-Class: The C-Class is the Mercedes-Benz entry luxury sedan which received both exterior and interior makeovers for 2005, including new body styling, headlights, taillights, grille, wheels,
2005 CLK 320: In a constant attempt to keep up with ever-tougher competitors, some carmakers seem to upgrade or redo models at a fast pace. So here we
2005 SLK: The SLK's "cramped cockpit, soft styling and underpowered engine" has always been highly criticized. But That sloppy six-speed has been replaced with a manual transmission