2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

THE NEW SLK features a roof that can turn transparent at the touch of a switch.

What is it: The all-new incarnation of Mercedes-Benz’s baby roadster. After the success of the Mazda MX-5, luxury carmakers tripped over their own wheel rims to enter the market. Mercedes had something special under its sleeve: a folding hardtop that converted the tiny SLK two-seater from weathertight coupé into an open roadster.

Design: The first-generation SLK looked like a full-scale toy car; the second carried F1 styling cues in its hood and front fascia. The new third-generation car follows the current Mercedes styling theme for its sporty models—the look of its 1950s sports cars, particularly the original 190 SL. From that inspiration sprout the upright grille with the embedded three-pointed star, the twin power bulges in the hood, and the vents in the front fenders. The long-hood, short-tail profile with pushed-back passenger space is the classic roadster shape.

The new SLK features, in addition to its folding hardtop Vario-roof, available Magic Sky control: a roof that can be made transparent at the touch of a switch. Particles embedded within the glass roof can be made to align electrically, making the panel transparent. Now passengers can enjoy a clear view of the sky or stars without being exposed to the environment—perfectly understandable given the toxic air in most of Metro Manila. Even while clear, the roof still filters out UV and infrared rays to help reduce interior temperature. For a cooler interior and privacy, the roof can be easily darkened, too. The Magic Sky will be available at a later time. For now, the SLK 350 features a tinted panoramic glass roof.

SLS gullwing styling cues for the interior

The interior features SLS gullwing styling cues, from the round air vents to the brushed aluminum trim. Harman-Kardon audio systems are standard. The higher-variant SLK 350 adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather, with red stitching to boot, and a high-resolution 7-inch color display with hard-disc storage system.

Engine and transmission: The new roadster comes in either of two variants: the SLK 200 CGI and SLK 350 CGI AMG Sport. The 200 uses a 1.8-liter inline-four to generate 184 hp and 270 Nm, while the 350 dishes out 306 hp and 370 Nm of normally aspirated torque. Seven-speed automatic transmissions direct power to the rear wheels. Automatic engine idle start/stop is included to help boost fuel mileage.

SLK 55 AMG has just been announced internationally, and should be available later on through CATS Motors. For the first time, a diesel model has also been announced, although local availability has not been confirmed.

Suspension: The SLK rides on conventional steel suspension, with the Dynamic Handling package standard on the SLK 350. With Dynamic Handling, the damping system is automatically adjusted electronically to provide better ride comfort as well as taut handling. Torque-vectoring brakes help the car achieve neutral steering characteristics during hard cornering. The 350’s suspension is lowered by 10mm as well.

Positioning: The SLK is a very personal car, built for snug comfort for two people and a weekend’s worth of luggage. It can’t quite escape a certain feminine personality, thanks to its petite dimensions and roadster configuration. The SLK 350 AMG Sport seems macho enough to entice men yearning for something sporty.

Built in: Sindelfingen, Germany. Herrs Schumacher and Rosberg personally signaled their approval.

THE SLK is a very personal car, built for snug comfort for two people and a weekend’s worth of luggage.