2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Adds Power, Efficiency

Perhaps Mercedes’ greatest sleeper, the retractable-hardtop SLK roadster, gets some significant upgrades for 2008. The current model is the company’s third-to-last seller, with 6,742 cars sold so far this year, down some 30% for the year through November. Only the much more expensive CL- and G-Class sell less. So change is very good for this model.

The new 2008 will get a revised front bumper that is still one of the company’s sleekest, but otherwise looks remarkably the same as the outgoing model. Inside gets more tweaks with a redesigned cabin, steering wheel and new selection of trim materials, including an optional “Gullwing Red” leather.

Most importantly, the 2009 SLK gets new, more-fuel-efficient engines. Because when you’re running around in a $50,000 roadster, you’re really worried about the pump. The SLK350 gets a new six-cylinder that puts out an additional 32 hp, up to 300 hp overall, and supposedly better mileage than the outgoing six. It can only be equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The SLK280 becomes the SLK300 with a 228 hp six-cylinder and choice of standard six-speed manual or seven speed automatic. EPA numbers have not yet been released.

The powerful SLK55 AMG keeps its 5.5-liter V-8 engine, good for 355 hp. Since so many other AMGs have moved up to 6.3-liter power plants, though, we wonder if keeping this power plant is a wise move, especially with the SLK350 sounding like a solid performer.

We don’t have prices or on-sale dates yet, but expect the MSRP to stay close to the current $43,900, $49,200 and $62,950 for the 280, 350 and 55 AMG, respectively. More photos below.

Comments

[ZB]

I like this car. First of all, it's a small car and I like smaller cars. I tend to keep cars longer, and smaller cars age much more gracefully than larger cars.

The front end resembles the McLaren SLR, which sells for around $450,000. This car just sells for a fraction of that price.

It's a beautiful car with classic lines. A person could keep this car 10 or 15-years and it will still look good.

[J]

"Most importantly, the 2009 SLK gets new, more-fuel-efficient engines. Because when you’re running around in a $50,000 roadster, you’re really worried about the pump."

Sarcasm?

Surprisingly, some are, J. I have a very close friend who owns an SL55, a couple times more expensive than an slk, and he apparently hates driving it a little because of the gas prices, but more because it always needs gas, according to him. His X-5 was in the shop and he and i swapped cars so that he could show some houses and Those where the most magical days of my life, lol. If I could afford an slk or an sl, I probably wouldn't be too concerned with gas. :)