Next Mercedes-Benz SLK a mini Gullwing
Spy shots emerge as Benz prepares to sharpen up the SLK's soft imageAlthough these heavily disguised cars don't show it, the next generation Mercedes-Benz SLK will have a more macho look to appeal more to men – without getting the fairer sex off side.
The latest model took a step closer to being more able to carve up the corners, but the third iteration of the SLK is said to make another leap in the sportscar direction.
And, although it won't have 'gullwing' doors, namely because of its folding metal roof, insiders have told the Carsales Network it will borrow some of the styling cues from the flagship Gullwing sportscar.
The next generation SLK is not expected to break cover until this time next year, possibly at the Frankfurt motor show, and on sale in Europe and Australia early to mid-2012.
It is expected to take advantage of the new range of direct injection petrol engines that Mercedes calls CGI – and a diesel version may also be on the cards. Mercedes is yet to offer a diesel version of its sportscar.
The SLK AMG will live on, too, although it will follow the rest of the SLK range by about 12 months. The next gen SLK AMG is said to be powered by the all new direct injection 5.5-litre V8 – but not supercharged as the whole package won't fit under the bonnet. Besides, the 5.5 V8 has enough power on its own in any case.
Mercedes has shown it will go to any lengths to ensure the quality is right for its entry level sportscar.
When developing the previous model, one of the build quality engineers curled up in the boot and was driven over rough dirt roads in Arizona to find a squeak or a rattle. The ordeal lasted 30 minutes in sweltering conditions, but the effort ensured the rattle never made it to production cars.
The SLK was given a mid life facelift earlier this year but sales haven't received the bounce the car maker was expecting.
In Australia, SLK sales have only just managed to remain stable (down 1.4 per cent in the first eight months of this year compared to last year, 211 sales compared to 214) despite a boom market and a broader SLK model range.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
