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.