Next-gen Mercedes SLK to feature diesel engine

Posted Thu Nov 6 2008 3:51 AM by Alex Kaufmann

The 2.2L turbodiesel engine destined for the next SLK is rated at 204hp and returns fuel-economy of 54.3mpg in the C-Class

The current Mercedes Benz SLK has been on the market since 2004 and recently underwent a mid-cycle facelift to keep it fresh until the arrival of the next-generation model sometime early next decade. The first two generations have been extremely successful for Mercedes, selling more than half a million examples since the launch of the compact roadster back in 1997.

An inside source at Mercedes has now revealed that the new SLK will be available with the same 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine found in the current C250 CDI when it arrives in late 2010. The efficient mill is rated at 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque, and in the C-Class sedan returns fuel-economy of 54.3mpg (4.33L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

The new diesel is "perfect" for the SLK, the source told Automotive News. Output is high, it runs smoothly, and it's appropriately fuel-efficient for the times, he said. At the other end of the spectrum, the AMG model is expected to pick up the hand-built 6.2L V8 engine found in the C63.

There are few other solid details about the third-generation model but this rendering gives us an early look as to what the new version could look like. As expected, the next SLK will pick up the angular styling Mercedes has adopted for most of its vehicles of late but one key change is the elimination of the F1-inspired nose of the current car.

Other features will include an optional glass panoramic sunroof integrated into the folding hard-top, as well as ribbed bonnet similar to the design used on the new SL range.

The SLK’s closest rival, BMW’s Z4, is due for an update early next year and is expected to grow in both size and price, and is also confirmed to adopt a new folding hard-top roof as well. The new SLK, therefore, will have its work cut out for it when it arrives but its proportions and price are expected to remain similar to the current model.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK 63 AMG

Reader Comments

Tue Jul 1 2008 9:17 AM
Roy says

Well, it's not what I would call "pretty."
Tue Jul 1 2008 10:37 AM
bambam says

I like the old one.
Oh well At least the older model price will drop after this is release. LOL
Tue Jul 1 2008 10:47 AM
ally says

the old one was much better...it combined sportiness with elagance...this doesnt do tht
Tue Jul 1 2008 12:09 PM
nigel says

mmmmm...... maybe mb focus too much on sport,but elegance is the essence of this brand..it looks sharp,ferocious but no longer attractive....
Tue Jul 1 2008 3:30 PM
vb says

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....
Thu Jul 3 2008 9:30 AM
veroomer says

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.
Fri Jul 4 2008 9:13 AM
Dann says

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
Fri Jul 4 2008 9:17 PM
cobyalex says

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!
Wed Jul 9 2008 12:45 PM
John says

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
Fri Jul 11 2008 6:00 AM
Jonathan says

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.
Sat Jul 12 2008 11:11 PM
teddy says

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.
Sun Jul 13 2008 2:20 AM
Iskaryotes says

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.
Mon Jul 14 2008 2:36 PM
S.H. says

Looks sharper than older model. Its just need to grow on you guys, come on.....
Tue Jul 22 2008 2:25 PM
bourbon says

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)!!!
Wed Jul 23 2008 7:24 PM
ver says

the quattroportte is sports and luxury mixed duh
Thu Nov 6 2008 8:07 AM
james says

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
Thu Nov 6 2008 8:02 PM
azlan says

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.
Fri Nov 7 2008 1:34 PM
NoNameDenton says

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

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