Aside from the car's general proportions not much is clear due to generous slabs of camouflage cladding. 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 mimics the 2010 SLC 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.
Powertrains expected for the next-generation SLK include the 2.2L four-cylinder diesel found in the current C250 CDI. Rated at 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) 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.
Petrol engines featuring evolutionary developments on the current range are expected, though there is also talk of a possible twin-turbo 3.5L V6 generating over 470hp (350kW) for an AMG version. More details and specifics will emerge as the car moves forward in its development cycle.
The next-generation SLK is expected to make its debut in late 2010. Pricing for the current model starts just under $46,000 in the U.S., and the next model is expected to stay near that mark.
Reader Comments
Tue Jul 1 2008 12:17 PM
Roy says
Well, it's not what I would call "pretty."
Tue Jul 1 2008 1:37 PM
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 1:47 PM
ally says
the old one was much better...it combined sportiness with elagance...this doesnt do tht
Tue Jul 1 2008 3:09 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 6:30 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 12:30 PM
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 12:13 PM
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
Sat Jul 5 2008 12:17 AM
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 3:45 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 9:00 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.
Sun Jul 13 2008 2:11 AM
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 5:20 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 5:36 PM
S.H. says
Looks sharper than older model. Its just need to grow on you guys, come on.....
Tue Jul 22 2008 5:25 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 10:24 PM
ver says
the quattroportte is sports and luxury mixed duh
Thu Nov 6 2008 11:07 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 11:02 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 4:34 PM
NoNameDenton says
I would so buy one with a diesel engine, all that low end torque
Mon Jan 19 2009 12:48 PM
Countach says
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!
Tue May 5 2009 8:47 AM
Countach says
Did they update the photo or rendering? I sure don't remember seeing that red one. But I still prefer the present model, thanks!
Tue May 5 2009 10:05 AM
TrelinDTR says
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.
Tue May 5 2009 12:09 PM
phil12321 says
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!!!!!
Tue May 5 2009 3:35 PM
NoNameDenton says
People commenting on the design, you realize this is a rendering, not what it will actually look like, right?
Tue May 5 2009 11:44 PM
forresth says
I don't know I really like this rendering. Whether it has lost its elegance or not is seriously up for debate.
Wed May 6 2009 9:20 AM
phil12321 says
though its a rendering its still close to what the car will actually look like
Wed Jul 1 2009 3:59 PM
NoNameDenton says
Quote:
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.
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