CAR magazine spots the new SLK with less camouflage

The next generation of the small roadster from Mercedes-Benz is taking its time to launch, scheduled for 2011. And since it is in no hurry, the camouflage covers hiding its bodywork are also coming off very slowly. Nevertheless, in these latest images published by the British magazine CAR, quite a few features that will characterise the upcoming SLK can be made out.

The sharp nose disappears to make way for a much bulkier and more robust one, with a grille inspired by that of the SLS AMG. Both the front headlights and the rear lights will include LED lights, and in the case of the former they will have daytime running lights, as is now customary across all new models launched on the market. In addition, the use of other materials and further improvements will reduce the total weight of the car by around 100 kilograms, lowering consumption and polluting gas emissions.

One of the most important novelties of the new SLK will be that it receives a diesel engine for the first time. It will be the four-cylinder two-litre with twin turbocharging fitted to the C220 CDI, E220 CDI, etc. It is not yet known what power it will deliver in the roadster. As for the range of petrol engines, they will likewise consist of options already known from other Mercedes-Benz models, such as the 1.8 from the 200 Kompressor or the 3.5 V6 from the 350.

The third generation of the SLK will benefit from all the new technologies Mercedes-Benz has recently been introducing, such as the BlueEFFICIENCY programme to economise fuel consumption, or the Airscarf system, which emits a gentle stream of warm air at neck height from the seats, and Aircap, whose function is to create an invisible bubble that shields the cabin from outside air even with the roof down, a system already debuted on the new E-Class Cabriolet.

Source | CAR Magazine