Press Release
Sporty, innovative and more powerful than ever: The new SLK-Class
The new SLK-Class is another passenger car celebrating its world premiere at the Mercedes stand at the Geneva Motor Show. As refreshing, enlivening and potent as an Italian espresso, the new Roadster displays impressive sporting prowess. Underpinning these outstanding performance credentials are the powerful new engines, a sporty suspension set-up, more direct steering and a precise six-speed manual transmission.
The roadster also builds on the proven strengths of its predecessor in the shape of a further developed, space-saving vario-roof, even more innovative safety features ??????????????????????????????????????? including adaptive airbags and new head/thorax side airbags ??????????????????????????????????????? and unique new developments such as the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, bi-xenon headlamps with the cornering light function and the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC (all optional).
Customers can choose from three new engines, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/ 360 hp. These include, for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder unit from Mercedes-AMG. This V8 powerplant delivers 265 kW/360 hp from under the bonnet of the
SLK 55 AMG and propels the sports roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
The newly developed Mercedes six-cylinder in the
SLK 350 develops 200 kW/272 hp and ensures dynamic driving pleasure. The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class and gives notice of its sporting character with imposingly fully-throated sound development. The SLK 350 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).
The 120-kW/163-hp four-cylinder engine powering the
SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR uses eight-percent less fuel than the outgoing model of similar output. NEDC combined consumption stands at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The new SLK-Class replaces a highly successful first-generation model which sold over 308,000 units globally and secured a leading position worldwide in its market segment.
More dynamic, higher-quality and more attractive: The new generation of the C-Class
Sharing the Geneva limelight alongside the CLS-Class and SLK-Class at the Mercedes-Benz stand will be the new generation of the C-Class. The Saloon, Estate and Sports Coup?????????????????? models have all been carefully revised and set new standards in terms of driving dynamics, comfort levels and high-class looks and feel, in particular. The chassis, steering and six-speed manual transmission now have sportier inclinations, allowing the C-Class to offer an even more agile driving experience. A four-cylinder supercharged power unit developing 141 kW/192 hp will be added to the engine range for the Saloon and the Estate in spring 2004. The direct injection diesel engine under the bonnet of the
C 220 CDI now delivers 110 kW/150 hp, whilst an eight-cylinder unit makes its debut in this model series, the new 270-kW/367-hp engine powering the top-of-the-range
C 55 AMG.
The C-Class interior has been further upgraded, with the meticulously designed controls, line-specific seats and standard-fitted THERMATIC automatic climate control the outstanding features of the facelifted cockpit. Innovative scratch-resistant paintwork developed using nano technology also comes as standard and helps to further extend the durability of the C-Class range. Bi-xenon headlamps with the cornering light function, steering wheel gearshift buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems round off the high-tech optional extras available for this successful model family.
Cutting-edge technology, impressive comfort over long distances and sporty agility have helped the C-Class attract over 1.26 million customers worldwide since May 2000. Never before has Mercedes-Benz sold so many vehicles from one model series within such a short space of time.
The C-Class Saloon and Estate are among the lowest-depreciating vehicles on the used-car market, holding onto considerably more of their value than average after two years, according to a study carried out by EurotaxSchwacke. German motoring magazine Auto-Bild, meanwhile, crowned the
C 200 CDI Estate "Value Champion 2004".
More powerful and even more majestic: The new G 55 AMG with V8 supercharged engine
First unveiled 25 years ago, since when 182,000 units have been sold, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has developed a worldwide reputation. At the Geneva Motor Show the Stuttgart-based auto maker will present the most powerful version of the durable cross-country vehicle yet: the
G 55 AMG. The new arrival's supercharged V8 engine brews up 350 kW/476 hp of power and puts maximum torque of 700 Newton metres on tap as low down as 2650 rpm. The G 55 AMG thus outstrips the output of the predecessor model, with its naturally aspirated V8 power unit, by 34 percent and boasts an increase in torque of 32 percent. In other words, the G 55 AMG is blessed with remarkable reserves of power for both on and off-road motoring, treating its passengers to unrivalled authority, exclusiveness and driving dynamics.
There is certainly no doubting the performance credentials of the G 55 AMG, with acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h leaving some sports cars in its tyre tracks.
The new G 55 AMG is available as a five-door station wagon with a long wheelbase and will be arriving at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships in June 2004.
Fast, accurate and international: The new Mercedes emergency call system TELEAID
The emergency call and information system
TELEAID will soon function across the length and width of nine European countries. Mercedes-Benz will unveil the further developed technology for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. In the event of an accident, the system sends out an emergency call signal which identifies the precise location of the vehicle and guides the rescue services to the scene of the accident. In addition, the SOS signal also contains data on the severity of the accident. There is also a button which passengers inside the vehicle can press to call for assistance or contact service experts from Mercedes-Benz in the event of mechanical breakdown. The emergency call centre establishes a mobile phone connection with the vehicle occupants in order to determine the exact assistance measures required. If the call is not answered, TELEAID headquarters immediately alerts the police and rescue services.
The further developed emergency call system will be available around the clock from spring 2004 in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Mercedes-Benz will offer the system initially in the E-Class and the S-Class and the flagship CL-Class Coup??????????????????.
