Mercedes-Benz just announced the addition of a diesel engine to its sporty SLK Roadster range, with the new SLK 250 CDI being available for order from September 13th, 2011.
This is the first time when Mercedes-Benz is offering the sporty SLK Roadster with a diesel engine. Coming fitted with a four-cylinder power unit, the two-seater reach the top of its class in numerous respects. For example, the four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 2143 cc generates an output of 204 horsepower and 500 newton metres of torque – as much as a petrol engine with twice the displacement would normally generate.
Beside this, it is the most economical roadster in its segment, with a fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres. In addition comes the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission (a six-speed manual transmission will follow in the second quarter of next year) that helps the car sprint from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, achieving a top speed of 243 km/h, while emitting 128 g/km of CO2.
As for the desing, the new Mercedes SLK 250 CDI is no different in appearance from the petrol models, keeping the twin exhaust system.
Beside all these, the SLK 250 CDI is likewise available with a choice of three versions of the famous vario-roof – one of them the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. According to the manufacturer, this glass roof can be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.
Finally, there are also three suspension versions available: a conventional steel suspension, a sports suspension with a stiffer spring and damper setup or a suspension with an electronically controlled, fully automatic damping system. The latter is part of the Dynamic Handling package, which also includes the Direct-Steer system and the Torque Vectoring Brake developed by Mercedes-Benz for particularly agile and predictable handling characteristics.
The automaker has also announced pricing on the model, which will retail for EUR41,828.50 (including VAT).
Source: Mercedes-Benz
