2008 Mercedes SLK

Mercedes made it official and unveiled the facelifted 2008 Mercedes SLK. The new 2008 Mercedes SLK incorporates 650 newly developed parts including a new-look front and rear sections as well as a modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel.

Powered by a V6 sports tuned engine, the 2008 Mercedes SLK 350 develops 224 kW/305 hp and has the option of a direct-steer system.

Press Release
The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Incorporating around 650 newly developed parts, the 2008 Mercedes SLK models are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. A fast-running V6 sports engine developing 224 kW/305 hp and an optionally available direct-steer system truly bring the bold, dynamic character of the two-seater 2008 Mercedes SLK 350 to the fore. Furthermore, all of the engines in the line-up are now far more economical on fuel and, therefore, emit even less CO2, despite a substantial increase in output in many cases. The new-generation 2008 Mercedes SLK models will be available from April 2008, costing between € 36,503.25 and € 69,049.75 incl. VAT.

Since their first appearance in 1996, the compact SLK Roadsters have come to symbolize Mercedes-Benz’ dynamic brand image. Already a familiar sight on our roads, the second-generation two-seater is to be further enhanced with the implementation of a raft of measures in 2008, the aim being to further emphasize the car’s sporty character and continue the SLK-Class success story by introducing new, dynamic, powerful elements. Some 310,000 first-generation roadster models were sold between 1996 and 2004. And around 185,000 customers – some 60,000 of them in Germanyalone – have already purchased the second-generation model since its launch in March 2004 (figures at year-end 2007). This means that total unit sales of the SLK Roadster are now approaching the half-million mark.

The 2008 Mercedes SLK displays new sporty highlights, further enhancing the appeal of the successful two-seater with the trendsetting vario-roof that transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coupe in a matter of seconds.

Distinctive character: even more pronounced arrow shape at the front end and a diffuser-style rear end.

The designers have given the already dynamic-looking two-seater cult model an even sportier appearance. Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced arrow shape. Plus the area around the Mercedes star has been restyled to render it even more succinct. In addition, the designers have modified the rear
end by introducing a diffuser-style lower section that makes the Roadster appear more powerful when viewed from behind – an effect that is enhanced considerably by the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and the AMG-inspired darkened tail lights. The now larger exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely new.

High-quality cockpit and new three-spoke sports steering wheel

Many of the interior details have also been redesigned and upgraded following a careful process of material selection. Particular importance was attached to optimizing the interior so as to make it even more driver-oriented. Centrepieces include a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new instrument cluster with captivating dial surrounds.

New “gullwing red” leather appointments will be available – reminiscent of the interior appointments in the legendary 300 SL gullwing model. Further new additions include nappa leather appointments in “natural beige”, which complement the new “pale burr walnut” and “black ash grain” wood trims perfectly.

Enhanced audio and telematics systems

Mercedes-Benz is installing the new NTG 2.5 audio and telematics generation in the 2008 Mercedes SLK for the first time. It is easier to operate and offers an even wider range of useful functions. Standard features integrated in every radio include a hands-free system with Bluetooth technology and a new media interface in the glove compartment, allowing the full integration of mobile audio devices such as an iPod, which can then be operated via the audio system’s user interface.

Together with the new telematics generation, Mercedes-Benz is also offering the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an optional extra in the 2008 Mercedes SLK for the first time.

Voluminous surround sound even when the roof is open

Passengers can enjoy a unique listening experience, regardless of whether the vario-roof is open or closed, thanks to the optionally available harman kardon® Logic7® sound system. Rich and voluminous surround sound makes for crystal-clear listening pleasure, the like of which has never before been associated with a roadster.

Fast-running sports engine: higher output and much lower fuel consumption

The sporty credentials of the 2008 Mercedes SLK generation are further enhanced by three modified powerplants that consume less fuel and, therefore, emit less CO2. The four-cylinder powerplant in the 2008 Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor and the six-cylinder sports engine in the 2008 Mercedes SLK 350 both offer substantially more power and torque. Only the 2008 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG retains its familiar engine – an eight-cylinder unit that has lost none of its mesmerising performance capability and remains a unique selling point in the SLK segment.

The Mercedes-Benz engineers paid special attention to the fast-running V6 sports engine that makes its debut in the 2008 Mercedes SLK, totally altering the six-cylinder unit’s character by making sweeping changes to the mechanical setup. Although the displacement remains the same at 3498 cc, the engine now develops 224 kW/305 hp at 6500 rpm – some 24 kW (33 hp) more than its predecessor. The peak torque has also been boosted, by 10 Nm, and now stands at 360 Nm when the engine is running at 4900 rpm.

This result was achieved by raising the engine speed limit to 6800 rpm; it can even be increased to 7200 rpm for a brief period – oil temperature and other engine parameters permitting. Other changes introduced include a higher compression ratio, a new intake manifold and an extensively modified valve train. Further aspects which add to the emotionally charged appeal of the new engine include deliberately powerful sports-engine acoustics with a strikingly emotive sound design when decelerating. In combination with the 7G?TRONIC automatic transmission, the engine management system also blips the throttle automatically during downshifts. As well as producing an extremely sporty sound, this throttle-blipping function reduces load alteration effects.

Despite the higher output and high-calibre performance, the 2008 Mercedes SLK 350 consumes considerably less fuel. With the six-speed manual transmission on board, combined fuel consumption is just 9.5 litres per 100 km, a remarkable reduction of 1.1 litres per 100 km; if the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission is fitted, the sports powerplant returns a combined fuel consumption of just 9.2 litres per 100 km – an improvement of 0.9 litres compared to its predecessor. Lower fuel consumption means that CO2 emissions are also reduced – by 23 g/km to 219 g/km in the automatic version and by 28 g/km to 227 g/km in the manual version.

Three further engines to choose from

The engine line-up for the second generation of the successful 2008 Mercedes SLK is being augmented by three further variants:

The output of the four-cylinder supercharged engine has been boosted by 15 kW/21 hp (to 135 kW/184 hp), while its torque has been increased from 240 to 250 Nm. Combined fuel consumption has been cut by 1.0 litres to 7.7 litres per 100 km whilst CO2 emissions have been reduced by 27 g/km to 182 g/km.

The 2008 Mercedes SLK 280 has also been further improved with respect to fuel economy and, therefore, CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption has been cut by 0.4 litres to 9.3 litres per 100 km (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 0.2 litres lower at 9.1 litres per 100 km), while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 11 g to 220 g/km (if an automatic transmission is fitted, the figure is 6 g lower at 216 g/km).

The 2008 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG is still equipped with the familiar 5.5-litre V8 powerplant developing 265 kW/360 hp and a peak torque of 510 Nm.

Standard equipment for the three 2008 Mercedes SLK models includes a precise six-speed manual gearshift, while the 2008 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG still comes with the 7G?TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic transmission fitted as standard. Optional extras available include a five-speed automatic transmission for the 2008 Mercedes SLK 200 and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission or, alternatively, the 7G-TRONIC Sport with shift paddles on the steering wheel for the six-cylinder 2008 Mercedes SLK 280 and 2008 Mercedes SLK 350 models.

New direct-steer system for outstanding agility and tangible driving pleasure

A newly developed direct steering system with variable steering assistance, available as an optional extra (standard for the 2008 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG), further highlights the qualities of the sporty chassis, combining agility and manouver-ability when driving on twisting rural roads with steering comfort when parking and assured steering characteristics when traveling at high speed.

The direct- steer system is based on the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system and operates by purely mechanical means, meaning that there is no need for elaborate actuators and complex sensors. At its heart is a new rack with slick gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. The ratio is indirect when the steering is in or around the central position so as to ensure excellent straight-line stability and, therefore, a high degree of assuredness when traveling at high speed. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase extremely rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel revolutions from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 percent if the new direct steering is fitted. This means that, even in city traffic, relatively little steering wheel movement is required to correct the car’s path. Fast sequences of bends on rural roads can be negotiated almost intuitively with relatively small steering movements – with assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving enjoyment.

Visually enhanced SLK 55 AMG

On a technical level, the 2008 Mercedes SLK 55 AMG remains almost unchanged. The only differences are a few visual enhancements. The front end of the AMG model now features a new apron with a black-painted cross strut and side air outlets as well as darkened headlamps.

The trendsetting SLK

As trendsetters and technology leaders, the 2008 Mercedes SLK-Class Roadsters have long enjoyed the image of a modern cult car. Even after the extensive modifications, the familiar outstanding qualities remain, for example, the vario-roof that transforms the roadster into a coupe in 22 seconds, not to mention the extensive standard-equipment package, including head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt-force limiters. Plus the roadster also comes with the option of the unique AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which allows open-top driving pleasure all year round, even in winter.

Prices for the 2008 Mercedes SLK:

€ 36,503.25 for SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR
€ 41,858.25 for SLK 280
€ 46,975.25 for SLK 350 with sports engine
€ 69,049.75 for SLK 55 AMG
(incl. VAT in each case)

Abt Audi R8

At this year’s Essen Motor Show, the facelifted Abt Audi R8 will be showcased at the Dunlop stand in hall 3.0/131. The optical features of the Abt Audi R8 include a side skirts, front skirt, a rear skirt, a rear wing and the side blades. The Abt Audi R8 is a fantastic super sports car, playing in the same league as Lamborghini Gallardo or Ferrari F430.

No doubt, even the basis model of the Abt Audi R8 is something special - and therefore a real challenge, emphasizes Hans-Jürgen Abt. “The fluently dynamic form of the car is unique, it looks like having a lot of power, even when standing still,” admits the managing director and therewith he raises the bar for his engineers and designers. As it is usual for Abt, the result is quite respectable and can be driven with fascination. The light and sporty high-tech material Carbon well visibly shapes the rear skirt, the side blades and the side skirts.

The exciting body kit of the two-seater was developed by the motor sports professionals from Kempten who also optimized the car in reducing weight and in distributing mass evenly. That optical features do not obviate technical sophistications but, on the contrary, lead to perfection clearly show the contours of the Abt Audi R8. Front skirt, side skirts, and rear skirt form a unit in which the rear wing, the side blades and also the exhaust system are harmonically integrated. A special highlight is the front skirt partially made of sight carbon. It is a component of the equipment version “Extravagant”. The customer is able to provide his Abt Audi R8 with attachment parts, at his own option with elements of sight carbon. A two tone structure is also possible by request. This equipment version also offers the customer the possibility to beautify his R8 with an Abt body kit made of high-quality GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastic).

Also the new BR wheel from Abt with its bi-colour paint perfectly fits the car. The front axis presents it in the size 9×20 inch, the rear axis in 11×20 inch. Thus the R8 appears much more dynamical. With Abt suspension springs and car lowering the team from Kempten improves the road holding even more as Christian Abt and his specialists exactly adjusted the suspension. With the Abt sports brake system (380 millimeters diameter), the fast super sports car from the Allgäu sets standards also in matters of delay.

The new Abt Audi R8 is a car which makes hearts beat faster. It perfectly brings the magic of speed onto the road even when standing still.

ABT Audi AS5

Based on the Audi A5, The ABT Audi AS5 gets a facelift and a power upgrade for the 2007 Essen Motor Show. The ABT Audi AS5 equipped with the 3.0 TDI engine now outputs 600 Nm of torque and 300 hp (221 KW) at 2400 rpm. The ABT Audi AS5 has a top speed of 264 km/h, and needs 5.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Unobtrusive design and powerful appearance - this is what the Abt Audi AS5 stands for. With a discerning eye on the detail Abt enhances the elegant Audi Coupe with its breathtaking, pleasing contours and the stretched flanks. The team from Kempten has managed to upgrade the unique vehicle without changing its character. With the two colored paint and the Abt body kit, the AS5 appears like a mannequin in an extravagant designer tailor-made suit. The front skirt, in which a grid element accents the front fog lights and the single-frame grill, the strikingly curved lateral parts, the fender insets and the gill-shaped air inlets form a shapely unit. The Coupe is a unique and beautiful car, no matter from which perspective. The rear skirt inset with the diffuser excellently harmonizes with the 4-pipe rear muffler, together with the perfectly designed rear spoiler it accentuates the rear of the vehicle. As ideal complement,
Abt recommends the new BR wheel in 20 inch. With its superposed spokes, the wheel seems to rapidly move forward although it is standing still.

The Abt Audi AS5 is not only optically a real sports car. In Essen it is presented with the powerful 3.0 TDI engine which, thanks to Abt Power S, now brings 300 HP (221 KW) onto the road instead of the serial 240 HP (176 KW). The torque of 600 Nm is getting free at already 2400 rpm and provide for shear force in all situations. Also impressive is the acceleration of the self-igniting engine. Exactly 5.3 seconds needs the car from standing still to 100 km/h, the top speed is 264 km/h - values which suit to a sporty Coupe like the Abt Audi AS5. In order that the impressive power remains controllable, Christian Abt, motor sport professional, excellently adjusted the Abt thread sports suspension in detail. And the Abt brake system with discs 380 millimeters diameter powerfully grips.

Abt multifunctional sports steering wheel, soft nappa leather grip and carbon look leather adorn the driver’s workplace. Abt aluminum pedals and gear shift knob complete the sporty accent in the interior. A successful masterpiece can be seen at the ESSEN MOTOR SHOW, the Abt Audi AS5. The only downside is: It wants to be driven and this, unfortunately, is impossible in the exhibition hall. You will find the Abt Audi AS5 at the stand of Dunlop in hall 3.0/131.