Facelifted SLK Arrives Next Year

The latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster has been met with

near unanimous praise. To keep its name in good standing, it has just received its first major facelift, which will arrive early next year.

Easily recognized for its F1-inspired nose, the SLK takes this particular link one step further with a new lower valance. Split between two side intakes is a black painted segment that gives the nose the look of an F1-style front spoiler. Whether you like it or not, there's no arguing that it is distinctive. Around back, the SLK receives a new rear bumper with a mock diffuser, and tailpipes of a different shape. The new model is rounded out by larger side view mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators and a new range of alloy wheels.

The interior of the SLK has also been updated with a new steering wheel and higher quality materials. Mercedes-Benz wants to highlight the SLK's heritage by offering some traditional interior hues and colors such as

“Gullwing Red”, which naturally harks back to its great grand-daddy, the 300 SL. A natural-look beige is also offered, as well as two new wood trims. Some of the finer details include a reworked instrument cluster, and the new Mercedes-Benz NTG2.5 stereo system which includes handsfree Bluetooth link, and Linguatronic voice activation and control.

Perhaps the most important changes regarding the SLK are the mechanical ones. As an option to all SLKs (except the SLK55, where it is standard) is the new variable ratio steering system called “Direct Steer”. Unlike various other ratio-altering systems, this one is purely mechanical, though it is still capable of reducing the number of turns to lock by 25-percent.

Other critical changes include a number of modifications to the

SLK's engine lineup. Though the lineup more or less stays the same, ranging from the entry level 2.0-liter supercharged I-4 “SLK 200 Kompressor” (unavailable in North America), to the V8-powered SLK 55 AMG, changes have been made to make these units more powerful and more fuel efficient.

Though the SLK 280 consumes less fuel (25 mpg vs 24 previously; 26 mpg with automatic vs. 25 mpg previously), the most important change is to the SLK 350. Revisions, including a higher compression ratio and a new intake manifold plus ECU changes have been made to the 3.5-liter V6, which boost power up to an impressive 305 hp, a gain of 33 horsepower. Despite more power and higher levels of performance, the 3.5-liter V6 is actually easier on gas and produces less carbon dioxide. If the car is mated to the six-speed manual, fuel economy increases by 3 mpg to 25 mpg, while the 7G-Tronic automatic rises up 3 mpg to 26 mpg.

Pricing for the North American market has yet to be announced.