New Model: 2006 Slk280

[redline]

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has announced that it will carry the entry level SLK280 into US Markets for the model year 2006. The new SLK280 is designed to appeal to those buyers who would be looking to replace an aging Z3 Roadster by BMW, and to fill the female nitch who made up the majority of the last generation SLK’s buyers.

http://www.mbusa.com/media/images/main/models/SLK280_main.jpg

The car will be available in both automatic (6-spd standard and 7 spd optional) and manual (6-spd) gearboxes. The new SLK variant will be powered by a 3.0L Aluminum V6, which produces 228 hp and 221 lb ft of torque. The horsepower rating is good enough to get both manual and automatic SLK280’s to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, bettering the previous entry level SLK230 by nearly a full second, and the previous V6 powered SLK320 by one half a second.

http://www.mbusa.com/media/images/main/models/gallery/photo_gallery/slk/roadster_ext_5_main.jpg

Special wheels and badging will denote the new SLK, however the new SLK can be had will the same options as the other models with the exception of the Designo Editions.

Look for the SLK280 in showrooms later this year with a base price just over $43,000 USD.

For more information on MSRP, options, and specs, please visit
MBUSA.com for more information (http://www.mbusa.com/brand/models/SLK280.jsp)

[krk230]

nice...4k cheaper than the 350...but if i was in the market i'd just fork over the extra 4k and get a car that's a lot faster...

[oosix]

It's interesting how market profiles in different continents are so vastly different. In Europe, my guess is that the 280 isn't considered the entry point. Gas is so expensive there that most opt for smaller engines. I've rented an E180 in europe. Can you believe that? A little 4 banger put in what is by europe standards a freaken boat!! It actually moved pretty well too.

[redline]

edit.

[scottschoe]

Originally posted by redline@Jun 13 2005, 04:56 PM
and to fill the female nitch who made up the majority of the last generation SLK’s buyers.


just had to.

[Vodka G]

that's probably a gud move for mbusa since a lotta people (male or female) will buy a car because of it looks than the power/speed.....and thus they dun really care if it got an engine that will go from 0-60 in less than 6 sec

and besides even the slk280 is not a 'slow' car per say

[redline]

Originally posted by scottschoe@Jun 14 2005, 02:42 AM
just had to.
Its on paper...I swear!

[neema12]

I think it looks better than the clk and slk. I still dont know why they havent really updated the clk look to make it up to par with its class.

[Brabus]

280 is going to be a good model for the SLK. I mean, right now a lot of people wouldn't go with the 350 because that's too much power for them. 280 is definitely an option for the ladies who want the look, but not the "go".

Personally, I think they should have went with the Kompressor engine, but it is disappointing that all they have is the 1.8 Twin.

[holson]

I drove one as I was thinking about getting an SLK350, then found out they had 280 (meaning I could get more goodies)

My impressions:

* must get the Sports Package or put some nice wheels on it, the 16s really don't cut it

* Power was fine, wasn't impressive like the 350 or the 55 (i drove a 350 and given a ride in a 55)

Nice SLK! It still sounds like a 350 too, which means it sounds good!