Car Reviws |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250, an AW Flash Drive: Posted: 02 Mar 2011 09:05 AM PST  The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 is rated at 201 hp.
What is it? Mercedes-Benz is promising quite a lot with its new SLK, the third iteration of the company's two-seat hardtop convertible roadster, suggesting it represents a much bigger evolutionary step and possesses greater sporting flair than its predecessor. Wearing a nose treatment similar to that on the SLS, there is timeless elegance and a more muscular look compared with that of the old model. Inside, the car feels roomier, thanks to an extra 1.3 inches of width. The interior also picks up many of the aeronautical cues present in the SLS. One cool option is a new variable-tint glass roof. Called Magic Sky Control, the roof uses an electrically charged condenser element to vary the tint of the glass. Three models will come to the United States: -- The SLK350 running the German carmaker's new naturally aspirated 3.5-liter, direct-injection V6 with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque arrives in June. -- The SLK250 with a 201-hp, 229-lb-ft turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder arrives in February 2012. -- Finally, we expect there will be a successor to the SLK55 AMG, which will get a 422-hp naturally aspirated version of AMG's new 5.5-liter V8. What is it like to drive? We're testing the SLK250 first because it is new to the lineup and is expected to account for a large percentage of U.S. sales. The blown four-cylinder, known internally as the M271, is well suited to the new Mercedes-Benz roadster, providing gutsy performance across a wide range of revs. Our test car was equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual gearbox will be available on the 250). So equipped, the SLK250 hits 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Even with considerable attention to the chassis and torque apportioning across the rear-wheel drive, the new SLK still doesn't deliver a leap in sportiness. At the same time, it is quite accomplished--especially at high speed--and is nicely balanced, it possesses good body control, resists understeer and provides excellent ride quality. Do I want one? There are more overtly sporting roadsters to choose from, but few of them can claim to match the new SLK's impressive breadth of abilities. It is a more accomplished car than its predecessor in many ways. If the idea of a junior SL takes your fancy, you're going to like the new SLK a lot. For that is, in essence, what Mercedes-Benz has succeeded in creating. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 On Sale: June Price: N/A Drivetrain: 1.8-liter, 201-hp, 229-lb-ft turbocharged I4; RWD, seven-speed automatic Curb weight: 3,307 lb 0-60 MPH: 6.5 sec Fuel Economy: 38 mpg (European cycle) |
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