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Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Nelson Ireson August 19th, 2009 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author August 19th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 The SLK roadster has served Mercedes-Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, spotted on numerous occasions testing in Germany and previewed in our renderings below. A new report today tips the roadster for introduction in early 2011, after going on a strict diet and gaining some cargo space - and possibly gaining a sporty new engine. According to a new report from Automobile, the next-gen SLK will drop 200 pounds in weight while adding a bit of space to the smallish trunk, increasing capacity to 11.2 cubic feet. That will definitely make the vehicle more useful, both for trips to the golf course and weekend getaways. A new engine may also be in the mix, with a 300-350 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 tipped for release some time after the car's official debut. The launch engines will stick with the current tried-and-true lineup of  gasoline engines, with evolutionary developments expected. There is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-8 generating over 470 horsepower for the AMG version once the standard 6.2-liter V-8 is replaced, though neither of the twin-turbo reports has yet been confirmed by any Mercedes or AMG officials. There is also the possibility that the 2011 SLK will get the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK. Aside from the next-gen car's general proportions not much is clear due to generous slabs of camouflage cladding in the spy photos captured so far. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position. The sharper angle between the rear of the hard top and the rear deck area also mimic the upcoming SLS AMG supercar to a degree, though the real design cues shared with that car are expected to be located around the front fascia. At any rate, it's clear that Mercedes has dumped the controversial front end of the current models for something new. In addition to the spy shots, we have these computer generated renderings previewing the final design of the stylish roadster. The next-generation SLK had been expected to make its debut in late 2010, so the 2011 release date moves the car's schedule back a bit - unsurprising given the past year's economic climate. Pricing for the current model starts just under $46,000 in the U.S., and the next model isn't expected to stray far from that mark.

The next-generation SLK is expected to make its debut in late 2010 as a 2011 model

The next-generation SLK is expected to make its debut in late 2010 as a 2011 model

Enlarge Photo

The SLK roadster has served Mercedes-Benz well over its life since introduction in 2004, and like all cars its once-cutting-edge design has become somewhat tired, despite a mid-cycle facelift. An all-new SLK is in the works, however, spotted on numerous occasions testing in Germany and previewed in our renderings below. A new report today tips the roadster for introduction in early 2011, after going on a strict diet and gaining some cargo space - and possibly gaining a sporty new engine.

According to a new report from Automobile, the next-gen SLK will drop 200 pounds in weight while adding a bit of space to the smallish trunk, increasing capacity to 11.2 cubic feet. That will definitely make the vehicle more useful, both for trips to the golf course and weekend getaways.

A new engine may also be in the mix, with a 300-350 horsepower 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 tipped for release some time after the car's official debut. The launch engines will stick with the current tried-and-true lineup of  gasoline engines, with evolutionary developments expected. There is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-8 generating over 470 horsepower for the AMG version once the standard 6.2-liter V-8 is replaced, though neither of the twin-turbo reports has yet been confirmed by any Mercedes or AMG officials.

There is also the possibility that the 2011 SLK will get the 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in its C-Class application, the engine would be sporty, but whether Americans would find it palatable is an open question. Mercedes has discussed bringing diesels to the U.S., but in the GLK and C-Class, not a sporty model like the SLK.

Aside from the next-gen car's general proportions not much is clear due to generous slabs of camouflage cladding in the spy photos captured so far. Nevertheless, the car's LED daytime running lights, common to all of Mercedes' most recent models, are obvious. The door-mounted side mirrors stand out further on thinner stalks than the outgoing model, while the general proportions of the car with the top up seem to reflect a longer hood and more rearward seating position.

The sharper angle between the rear of the hard top and the rear deck area also mimic the upcoming SLS AMG supercar to a degree, though the real design cues shared with that car are expected to be located around the front fascia. At any rate, it's clear that Mercedes has dumped the controversial front end of the current models for something new. In addition to the spy shots, we have these computer generated renderings previewing the final design of the stylish roadster.

The next-generation SLK had been expected to make its debut in late 2010, so the 2011 release date moves the car's schedule back a bit - unsurprising given the past year's economic climate. Pricing for the current model starts just under $46,000 in the U.S., and the next model isn't expected to stray far from that mark.

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Tags: Spy Shots, Mercedes-Benz, Preview, SLK

Posted in: 2011, Mercedes Benz, Spy Shots, Convertible, 2 Doors, Sports Cars, Luxury, SLK Class


Comments (29 total)

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  1. By Roy #1, Posted: 7/1/2008

    Well, it's not what I would call "pretty."

  2. By bambam #2, Posted: 7/1/2008

    I like the old one.
    Oh well At least the older model price will drop after this is release. LOL

  3. By ally #3, Posted: 7/1/2008

    the old one was much better...it combined sportiness with elagance...this doesnt do tht

  4. By nigel #4, Posted: 7/1/2008

    mmmmm...... maybe mb focus too much on sport,but elegance is the essence of this brand..it looks sharp,ferocious but no longer attractive....

  5. By vb #5, Posted: 7/1/2008

    Again, I seriously doubt the car will look like that. Pictures like this one are mere speculation how the car COULD look like. It's not like they were released by Mercedes....

  6. By veroomer #6, Posted: 7/3/2008

    Looks to me like a flatten Dodge truck front grilll and shades of a Crossfire for the hood...MB should have let the Dodge design team go too.

    This new version looks like a Pikachu smiley face straight on - upward sweep of the bumper

    I think I will keep my 07 Slk55.

  7. By Dann #7, Posted: 7/4/2008

    it doesn't look like Dodge truck at all its just a smaller SL - which is hideous now compared to the elegant car that it was last year

  8. By cobyalex #8, Posted: 7/4/2008

    I like it alot! I hate the space face models Merc has had latley , this brings back the R-129 face ... Simple and Mercedes,If you want a celica face buy a toyota! One thing I wold do is dip the frame of the grille in CHROME! and let pop in a vintage way!

  9. By John #9, Posted: 7/9/2008

    I think that the Mercedes is dispicible..... all Mercedes are, but this is an outrage... I would much rather a BMW. They are much more luxuriouse and much better than Mercedes

  10. By Jonathan #10, Posted: 7/11/2008

    They have tried to make it look sporty ,but in doing so have lost the character of the car and made it look a bit bulky.

  11. By teddy #11, Posted: 7/12/2008

    Absolutely stunning for a small roadster -- It makes the ZR 4 (I like bimers) look like their designers were on drugs. If I was going to buy another roadster, I think I'd opt for the biggest Vette Z, a wonderful car.

  12. By Iskaryotes #12, Posted: 7/13/2008

    lol. when I first got my '08 SLK55 AMG, I was so scared that the face lift they were going to come out with this year's SLK would improve the looks so much. Now that I see the new SLKs on the street, I am so damn glad that I got the '08 model. My white SLK55 looks beautiful compared even to the new SL!!! Mercedes needs to rethink their designs.

  13. By S.H. #13, Posted: 7/14/2008

    Looks sharper than older model. Its just need to grow on you guys, come on.....

  14. By bourbon #14, Posted: 7/22/2008

    That car is hideous! It looks like a car an old man would drive to make himself look cool (no offence old men, but if you're trying to get a car, trust me, DON'T GET THIS ONE)!!!

  15. By ver #15, Posted: 7/23/2008

    the quattroportte is sports and luxury mixed duh

  16. ma_james avatar by James Martinez #16, Posted: 11/6/2008

    i just don't see what you people don't like about this car. it's a progression of the previous model - honestly, if you liked the last one, you'll like this one. and as stated above, this isn't put out by mercedes, it's a design render of what it could look like. i think it looks pretty good. also, anyone who bashes the new SL just isn't a car person and should stick to buying lexuses

  17. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #17, Posted: 11/6/2008

    i like this better than the old one, the old one had the worst grill on the planet, i think merc r jst tryin to cater for men aswell as women now, all the old slk were woose little girls cars.

  18. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #18, Posted: 11/7/2008

    I would so buy one with a diesel engine, all that low end torque

  19. ma_Countach avatar by Countach #19, Posted: 1/19/2009

    I like the present SLK better. This one is just plain ugly and lost the sporty design of the present model. They are going for the elegant conservative looks. Come on, sport cars that looks conservative is plain boring!

  20. ma_Countach avatar by Countach #20, Posted: 5/5/2009

    Did they update the photo or rendering? I sure don't remember seeing that red one. But I still prefer the present model, thanks!

  21. ma_TrelinDTR avatar by TrelinDTR #21, Posted: 5/5/2009

    The design is nice, but there's nothing that really stands out about it...I mean it's a gorgeous car none-the-less...But the previous model has something about it that really stands out...this one looks rather plain

    When I first saw it, I thought this was the current model out now, until I saw the rear. The front looks almost identical to the current model post-facelift. The rear looks more like a CLK...

    It will still sell, and it will still stop people in their tracks, and people will gawk in awe but Mercedes could've done a better job.

  22. ma_phil12321 avatar by phil12321 #22, Posted: 5/5/2009

    For some reason it looks like a Ford to me.... it kinda has the front facsia styling of the upcomin taurus in convertible coupe form..... has Merc acquired volvo designers...lolol j/k!!!!!

  23. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #23, Posted: 5/5/2009

    People commenting on the design, you realize this is a rendering, not what it will actually look like, right?

  24. ma_forresth avatar by forresth #24, Posted: 5/5/2009

    I don't know I really like this rendering. Whether it has lost its elegance or not is seriously up for debate.

  25. ma_phil12321 avatar by phil12321 #25, Posted: 5/6/2009

    though its a rendering its still close to what the car will actually look like

  26. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #26, Posted: 7/1/2009

    though its a rendering its still close to what the car will actually look like

    Can not say that till it is revealed. Anyways I would like to see the 2.2 liter turbo-diesel in there, lots of torque, great milage.

  27. ma_iftwb avatar by iftwb #27, Posted: 7/12/2009

    I'd take the new Z4 in black anyday. This seriously looks the same as an SL, just a little thicker body and less aggressive lines. Almost very similar headlights...

  28. By NoNameDenton #28, Posted: 8/19/2009

    iftwb you realize this is a rendering not what the car will actually look like

  29. By Mark #29, Posted: 8/28/2009

    When I saw the current production model for the first time, back on 2004, I thought "what a beautiful car, one day I will buy one!" As a matter of fact, I sold my Boxster S and I bought the SLK R-171. Now that I see the preview of the 2011 SLK I think she lost the nimble lines of the R-171, I wouldn't have one even if I could have it for free and when my R-171 will be no longer in production I will trade it for a BMW Z4 or may be another Boxster. Too bad MB doesn't understand that the SLK has not to be a smaller copy of the SL, but a small, nimble car with her own style.

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