“With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times,” expains Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”

The new generation SLK is one of the more unique cars that we have seen from Mercedes. The design gives the car a sporty edge to it with the promise that it will provide us with the power that we crave. Mercedes changed up the interior by giving it a three-spoke steering wheel and a new combination instrument panel. The engine has also been modified with more power – but less gas to consume. The total horsepower that it can punch out is now 305.

If desired, the SLK is also available with the newly developed direct-steer system and new-generation audio and telematics features. Like its predecessor, the latest SLK is manufactured in the Mercedes-Benz Bremen plant, the brand’s center of excellence for its open-top vehicles.

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The 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350 gets a boost in output to 305 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is improved with both the six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic gearboxes. The supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in the SLK200 Kompressor receives a bump to 184 hp and 184 lb-ft. But the 5.5-liter V8 in the SLK55 AMG is carried over with no major changes.

Mercedes is also offering a new direct-steering system with variable assist as an option on the SLK; it’s standard on the SLK55 AMG. Visual changes include a new front bumper with modified airdam and a more pronounced arrow shape to emphasize the relationship with the SLR McLaren. The rear end now features a diffuser-style lower section housing trapezoidal exhaust pipes. The exterior mirrors have LED indicators, and the choice of alloy wheels is mostly new.

The AMG edition has a new front apron with black cross strut and side air outlets, as well as darkened headlamps. Inside, all models receive a new instrument cluster and a revised three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons.

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The SLK280 has a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The SLK350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6, and the SLK55 has a 355-hp V8. SLK280 and 350 offer a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed automatic. SLK55 comes only with the automatic. All have ABS and traction/antiskid control. Also standard are knee airbags and side airbags designed to protect head and torso; they also include rollover deployment.

A Sport Package for SLK280 and 350 includes firmer suspension, specific wheels and tires, body trim, and steering wheel shift buttons for the automatic transmission. Optional on all is Mercedes’ Airscarf feature that delivers heated air through neck-level vents in the seatbacks.

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The new model will offer a choice of three new engines with a performance range ranging from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. This will include for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The SLK 350 is powered by a new 200 kW/272 hp V6 engine delivering a dynamic driving experience.

The second generation of this two-seater again captivates the eye with its sophisticated design featuring details reminiscent of Formula motor racing. This quality enables the SLK to uphold its reputation as a trendsetter and a tech-nology leader among the sports cars in this class.

A further development of its vario-roof transforms this roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds. The range of standard equipment also includes head-thorax sidebags, adaptive front air-bags and two-stage belt force limiters. Mercedes engineers have added even more sports refinement to the suspension, steering and manual transmission.

As a global first, Mercedes-Benz is offering the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. This delivers a flow of warm air from the headrests at the touch of a button, thereby enabling SLK occupants to keep the roof down even when there is a chill in the air. This extends the top-down driving season to the full calendar year.

The design and technology employed in this second generation of the SLK-Class place even greater emphasis on sports performance. With more powerful engines, redesigned suspension, direct steering feel and a responsive six-speed manual shift system, the new model offers an even more athletic driving experience than ever before. The body size has grown by 72 mm in length and 65 mm in width, affording driver and passenger more space and even higher standards of comfort than the previous model.

The innovative vario-roof with which the Mercedes sports car set new trends back in 1996 has been further improved by the engineers at the Sindelfingen plant and its technology has been honed. It opens and closes faster than ever before and thanks to a pivoting rear window it now takes up even less space in the luggage compartment.

When the vario-roof is open, the luggage compartment capacity is 208 litres (applying the VDA measurement method) this is 63 litres more than that of the predecessor model. For the first time ever, as an optional feature available on request, the vario-roof can also be actuated using the remote control on the vehicle key.

The range of engines available with the new SLK-Class is also unique for this market sector. Mercedes-Benz is the first carmaker in this segment to respond with an eight-cylinder engine to the wishes of performance-minded car drivers. The new SLK 55 AMG now sets a new benchmark in terms of power (265 kW/360 hp), torque (510 newton metres) and acceleration (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds).

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The new base SLK 280 comes powered by a 3.0-liter twin-cam V6 engine that generates 228 hp. The SLK 350 continues with its 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. A standard six-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels on the SLK 280 and 350, and a seven-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is optional.

Nearly three inches longer and wider than the previous generation, the current SLK’s wedge-shape profile is punctuated by a nose that mimics the look of the ultra-rare and ultra-expensive McLaren SLR supercar. The powered folding metal roof retracts in about 22 seconds. Trunk space is reduced with the top down but is still accommodating for a small, two-seat sports car.

Use of high-strength steel ensures maximum structural rigidity, which translates into a stable ride without the shakes and rattles that tend to plague many convertibles. Riding on standard 16-inch (SLK 280 and 350) or 17-inch (SLK55 AMG) alloy wheels and performance tires, a four-wheel independent suspension affords crisp handling with decent compliance over bumps and potholes.

The car’s interior is elegant, with a dashboard that flows into the door panels and an instrument panel that sports large, chronograph-style gauges. As with all Mercedes-Benzes, there are many buttons and knobs that can seem overwhelming at first.

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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.

What we’re trying to tell you is that 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.

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.

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The “Edition 10″ SLK is distinguished by aesthetic tweaks, including a new matte grey metallic paint caled “allanite grey Mango” that is available for a limited edition of only 350 cars. The car will also be available in obsidian black metallic, and iridium silver metallic, while black will be the standard color.

Other exerior tweaks include dark-gray alloy wheels with a high-gloss “chrome shadow”, and dark-tinted rear lights. Inside, the seats, center console armrest and gearshift lever are covered in black leather, with the center panels of the seat cushions and backrests feature a silver-colored under layer which shows through the perforated leather.

The “Edition 10″ will be available on the SLK 200 Kompressor (supercharged), SLK 280 and SLK 350 with prices ranging from 37,734 to 47,671. There is no new about availability in the U.S.

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