In 1997 Mercedes-Benz introduced a compact roadster to compete with the BMW Z3 and the Porsche Boxster. While the two competitors where purist performance-oriented convertible, Mercedes went for a practical approach and amazed anyone with the addition of an electro-hydraulically controlled foldable hardtop.
This gizmo transformed their car from roadster to coupe in 25 seconds at the push of a button. Cars with foldable hardtops were created before, but none in the modern era of the automobile. Mercedes have resurrected and revolutionized a concept lost for years. And what a bombshell that was, as today all manufacturers seem to be switching to this type of a roof.
The name of the compact Mercedes-Benz roadster was intended to reflect the car’s main characteristics those of being Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kompakt (compact). By now, two generations of the SLK have been produced, the second one being introduced in 2004. With an updated design inspired by the F1 racer and the larger SLR, the current SLK was an instant success.
For 2010 Mercedes is preparing a replacement model, the third generation SLK. Wearing the internal code R172, the 2010 model will have to face a matching competition. The SLK Mk I had the advantage of being the only roadster/coupe at the launch time. Even the Mk II, only had to face a few competitors, but by 2010, almost every roadster will feature a foldable hardtop option.
We have prepared for you two illustrations that will help us imagine how the third SLK might look like, when it is released. A third illustration is an official sketch from Mercedes-Benz. There are rumors pointing that Mercedes will continue using a “nose” design inspired by that of their F1 car for their sports cars. In 2001, Mercedes have presented the F400 Carving concept, and advanced roadster design, featuring top-edge automotive technology.
While this sophisticated technology of the F400’s drive train could not be road-used. Design elements could. And our best guess is that the 2010 SLK will feature a very dynamic design, making of serious departure from the styling of the previous models. This design revolution will be required in order to maintain the SLK’s technological advantage to the competition.
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