By @Automedia

June 2003

Although the F1-like nose is still cleverly disguised at the pre-series model shot on the Nürburgring, the sculpted bonnet hints to what artists have suggested months ago: the nose of the SLK will mimic the design of a current Formula-One car, crowned by a huge Mercedes star. The same design will also be given to the Mercedes SLR super-sportscar. The dynamic "arrow'ed" side of the car with the body swage running diagonally from above the rear wheel arch to the front bumper is seen here for the first time, and also clearly visible are the foldable metal roof, the long bonnet and the monochrome taillights.

Though length of the SLK will not grow and width will be growing only marginally, interior-space is yet believed to be greater due to a lengthened wheelbase which, at the same time, will optically stretch the silhouette.

The interior is also going to be more luxury and sporty and especially the materials used are said to be of very high quality. The Command-System, a six-speed automatic or the Sequentronic transmission with gearchange pedals behind the steering wheel will round the car's equipment. An adaptive accelerator, the electro-hydraulic SBC brake system will be standard, too, though all-wheel drive will not be on offer. From the start, the car will be available as the SLK 230 with 1.8-litre Kompressor engine developing 192 HP or SLK 320 with 218-HP V6 unit. The new V6 four-valve GDI drivetrains will be available later in 2004 or early 2005. Diesel engines, though, will not be offered for the new SLK.

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