Mercedes R172 SLK-Class 2011 –

Stuttgart – They are celebrating a joint premiere in dealer showrooms on 26 March and offer lightfooted sportiness, stylish comfort and exemplary efficiency.

They also have many technical features in common, for example the powerful yet economical direct-injection petrol engines with the ECO start/stop function as standard: these are up to 25 percent (SLK) and 31 percent (C-Class) more fuel-efficient than their predecessors.

Both have extensive safety features and a number of innovative assistance systems, as well as the new-generation telematic systems. The multimedia system COMAND Online provides internet access for the first time.

Customers are able to surf the internet freely while stationary, or access Mercedes-Benz online services while on the move. It is also possible to specify individual destinations and routes using Google Maps, and send these to the vehicle.

Inspired by the Ducati Streetfighter 848, the “streetfighter yellow” colour of the SLK 55 AMG ensures an exciting appearance from all angles: the exceptional paint finish is guaranteed to provide a high level of appeal. If there is sufficient demand, the special colour variant could also be made available as an individual optional extra from the AMG Performance Studio.

The overall look is also perfectly complemented by the interior of the SLK 55 AMG: the contrasting yellow stitching creates a striking effect against the black nappa leather appointments, and is to be found on the door centre panels, beltlines, armrests, leather-covered roll-over bars, dashboard, the shift lever gaiter and also the AMG Performance steering wheel. Yellow illuminated AMG door sill panels featuring LED technology round off the striking effect of the interior.

The portfolio of the AMG Performance Studio ranges from special paintwork and leather appointments, through to technical solutions and extensive body modifications. The stylish vehicle upgrades are undertaken to a high level of hand-crafted perfection in accordance with individual customer requirements, while at the same time also meeting the highest safety and quality standards typical of Mercedes-Benz.

SLK 55 AMG: the most powerful SLK of all time

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG and the Ducati Streetfighter 848 complement each other not only visually but also technically. Both models are the perfect embodiment of distinctive driving dynamics, expressive design and intense driving pleasure.

The SLK 55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine with cylinder shut-off system combines ultimate performance with the lowest possible consumption levels. With a maximum output of 310 kW (422 hp) and maximum toque of 540 Nm, the SLK 55 AMG outperforms all of its direct competitors.

Its fuel consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and CO2 emissions of 195 grams per kilometre are some 30 percent lower than those of its predecessor. The SLK 55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). High levels of driving dynamics are ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system.

Forming part of the third-generation of the SLK, the new top-of-the range AMG model already demonstrates its individuality even at first glance: distinctive AMG light-alloy wheels, specific AMG bodystyling with AMG spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear complement the classic roadster proportions, while adding a markedly athletic touch. The expressive design of the SLK 55 AMG is both eye-catching and unmistakable.

Ducati Streetfighter 848: superior competitor – ultimate fighter

The new Ducati Streetfighter 848 provides unbridled biking pleasure in its purest form, while combining innovative technology with an outstanding appearance: a revised 848 Testastretta 11° engine with 97 kW (132 hp) and an exciting 93.5 Nm of torque as well as a modified frame geometry help to guarantee safe, agile handling.

This is supported by the smooth, easy-to-manage power delivery of the engine, revised ergonomics and a specially tuned traction control (DTC) system. The features of the new Streetfighter are rounded off in visual terms by the unique Ducati styling. The Streetfighter 848 is guaranteed to cause a sensation, whether on the road or on the race track.

It was no surprise therefore when, true to its name, the Ducati Streetfighter scored an immediate knock-out on entering the ring for the first time at the EICMA show in 2008 in Milan. The impression which it left among the international press and public on its first appearance meant it was not only able to win the show’s “Most Beautiful Bike” award, but it also raised the bar for powerful naked bikes even higher by becoming the new benchmark on the market.

In addition to the colour variant in traditional red with red frame, the new Streetfighter 848 is also available in yellow with frame in Racing Black. The Dark Stealth colour variant, meanwhile, with frame in Racing Black underscores the fierce attitude of the Streetfighter. With the exciting new Streetfighter 848, Ducati has succeeded in combining state-of-the-art technology and skeletal styling in a contemporary design.

The cooperation agreement between AMG and Ducati was signed in November 2010

Visible signs of the cooperation agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Ducati, which was signed at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November 2010, include various marketing activities as well as joint appearances at shows and customer events.

In the AMG core markets of the US, China, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Great Britain and Switzerland, the announcement of the cooperation was very soon followed by the establishment of close links at market level.

The first result of the intensive exchange of ideas between the designers and engineers from Affalterbach and Bologna was the joint presentation of the CLS 63 AMG and the Ducati Diavel AMG Special Edition at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main.

AMG has been the “Official Car Partner” of the Ducati MotoGP team since the start of the 2011 MotoGP season. The AMG logo appears not only on the motorcycles and racing overalls of Ducati works drivers Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi, but also on the official teamwear and in the Ducati Lounge.

Furthermore, as an additional outcome of the cooperation agreement, the Ducati fleet of vehicles is being gradually switched over to Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The base price (incl. 19% VAT):

SLK 55 AMG: 72,590 euros

SLK 250 CDI: Roadster with Powerdiesel

The introduction of the new SLK 250 CDI by Mercedes-Benz not only marks the continuation of the company’s unique diesel engine heritage, but also serves to counter in impressive style the common misconception that diesel engines and sports cars are incompatible. 

The four-cylinder diesel engine in the Roadster delivers 150 kW (204 hp) from a displacement of just 2.2 litres to give the two-seater its characteristic sporty temperament. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds – true sports car performance. 

Apart from all this, the SLK 250 CDI is the most economical and therefore the most environmentally compatible roadster in its segment. It is happy with 4.9 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption).With the diesel engine in the SLK Mercedes-Benz has taken the next step in a successful strategy that began in 1936 with the 260 D model – the world’s very first diesel car. 

The world’s oldest motor manufacturer has continued to develop these robust and economical engines ever since and, as far back as the mid-1970s, was able to demonstrate their hitherto undiscovered qualities as high-performance units in record-breaking drives with the legendary C111-II D and the C111-III. The new Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI is the logical successor to these illustrious forbears.

A certain sluggishness has been accepted as an intrinsic characteristic of the diesel engine ever since Mercedes-Benz installed one in the world’s first diesel passenger car in 1936. So wrong. Some 40 years later, engineers working for the Swabian manufacturer began to look more closely at the performance potential of the thrifty compression-ignition engine – and soon discovered what they were looking for.

They fitted a turbocharger to the standard 80 hp five-cylinder engine found in the 240 D 3.0 and 300 D models to elicit an impressive 190 hp from the 3-litre diesel.

With this powerful diesel engine under the bonnet of a spectacularly styled gull-wing model, painted in bright orange, Mercedes-Benz was soon geared up for some record-breaking drives. The C 111-II D powered its way to some sensational records at the Nardo circuit in southern Italy in 1976. For a whole hour, for example, it circled the high-speed track at anaverage speed of 253.770 km/h. It went on to collect further records in all categories – over distances of 10 to 10,000 kilometres and over periods of 6 to 24 hours.

No one had previously thought a diesel vehicle capable of such performance.

In April 1978, the even more aerodynamically designed C 111-III consigned these records to the scrapheap of history, with what was by that stage a 230 hp diesel engine with exhaust gas turbocharging and charge air cooling.

It set a new record over one hour with an average speed of around 320 km/h, while the average over the other record distances also never fell below 314 km/h. No other diesel vehicle had ever even come close to such speeds. With these impressive records under its belt the C 111-III was able, once and for all, to prove the reliability and efficiency of the turbodiesel engine.

While these record-breaking drives were going on, development of the production version of the turbodiesel continued apace. These efforts led in 1978 to the market launch of the 300 SD, the world’s first diesel car with exhaust gas turbocharger.

In 1997 Mercedes-Benz ushered in a new era in diesel technology with the C 220 CDI. This was the first production passenger car to feature a diesel engine with common-rail direct injection. This new technology gave the car a significantly higher output and extra torque, while also setting new standards in the disciplines of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

That Mercedes-Benz should now for the first time be offering the sporty SLK Roadster with a diesel engine is the logical next stage in these developments. Its four-cylinder diesel engine, with a displacement of 2143 cc, delivers 150 kW (204 hp) with available torque of 500 Newton metres – as much as a petrol-engined model with more than twice this displacement would normally offer.

The new SLK 250 CDIfeatures the most powerful diesel powerplant in this class, with a thrust that propels the Roadster to a very sporty level of performance.

Equipped with the standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission will follow in the second quarter of next year), the diesel SLK can cover the sprint from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 243 km/h.

Moreover, the flexibility of the SLK 250 CDI is nothing short of phenomenal. Thanks to its enormous diesel torque it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in just 4.3 seconds – easily the best figure in this class, making for safe and effortless overtaking.

Apart from all this, the SLK 250 CDI is the most economical and therefore the most environmentally compatible roadster in its segment. It is happy with 4.9 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 128 g/km. In other words, the diesel SLK combines thoroughbred sports car performance with the fuel economy of a sub-compact.

This guarantees effortlessly superior driving pleasure with great fuel efficiency.

The diesel engine achieves its exemplary output, torque, fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its highly impressive smoothness for a diesel unit, thanks to a series of innovative technologies. These include fourth-generation common-rail injection with precise injection timing, as well as two-stage turbocharging. Like all SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI is fitted as standard with an ECO start/stop system.

The frugal fuel consumption makes the SLK 250 CDI a car with superior long-distance qualities. Using the European motorways, it is quite possible to drive non-stop from the North Sea all the way to a beach on the Mediterranean. Very comfortable sports seats, a comfortable suspension setup and the largest luggage capacity in this segment also do their bit to create the right conditions.

As it shares the same genes with the other members of the successful SLK family, the SLK 250 CDI combines lightfooted sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design and absolute suitability for day-to-day use, while also delivering top performance with exemplary ecology.

 This means that the diesel version, too, provides open-top driving enjoyment at an extraordinarily high level. Likewise, the SLK 250 CDI too is available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof – one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.

This glass roof can be changed from light to dark at the touch of a button. There are also three suspension variants: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup and a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system.

Externally the new SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the petrol models. It even retains the twin exhaust system, and therefore has the same stunning looks for which all the SLK models are known.

The SLK 250 CDI demonstrates just how much Mercedes-Benz has achieved with the diesel engine. A comparison of the world’s very first diesel saloon, the Mercedes-Benz 260 D of 1936, with the new diesel Roadster, reveals some astounding developments.

The 260 D needed 0.3 litres of fuel per kilowatt per 100 kilometres, whereas the SLK 250 CDI requires a mere 0.03 litres – a bare tenth of the amount. We see the same picture in terms of the power-to-swept-volume ratio: the forefather of all diesel cars, the 260 D, generated 17.7 hp from one litre of displacement, while its family’s latest offspring, the SLK 250 CDI, produces 95.1 hp – more than five times the figure.

The SLK 250 CDI thus shows that the diesel engine still holds remarkable potential for the future.

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