Legendary Sports Cars with a Tradition of Excellence
Published Thursday April 9th, 2009
Roadsters were once frivolous cars that sacrificed creature comforts for the thrill of top-down driving. . "In luxury land, the trend recently has been toward retractable hardtops, heated seats, dual-zone climate control and acrylic plastic windscreens--all but eliminating the discomforts of going topless.
Mercedes-Benz has had a long tradition of producing legendary sports cars, The SL needs very little introduction having been a marquee product since 1954 when Mercedes-Benz launched the "Gullwing". The Mercedes- Benz SL series has remained a favorite amongst car enthusiasts and the roadster is one of the most recognizable and coveted vehicles in the world, thanks to its combination of sporty good looks, aggressive performance, and agile handling as well as that fact that it offers an open-top driving experience that is practically unmatchable.
In 1998 Mercedes introduces a compact version of the SL roadster called the SLK. The latest SLK has taken the roadster and put it into a sexy new design category that matches with the aesthetic values that have put the Mercedes-Benz roadster on the map today. The Mercedes-Benz SL Mercedes-Benz and SLK series of luxury roadsters are aimed squarely at today's buyers who demand a "no compromise" philosophy.
The SL lineup includes the SL550, SL600, SL63, and SL65. The 2009 SL550 features a fresh, aerodynamic and muscular appearance. It sports such exterior design features include a grey titanium grille, Xenon high-intensity headlights, halogen front fog lights, side vents, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Naturally, all SL roadsters are equipped with an electrohydraulic retractable aluminum folding hardtop that stows in the trunk. The roof, which has an electrically heated rear window, can be operated with either the console controller or the SmartKey remote controller.
Under the hood of the rear-wheel-drive SL550 is a new 5.5-liter, double-overhead-cam V8 engine that produces 382 horsepower. The transmission is a seven speed automatic with driver adaptative programming.
Interior features include 12-way power adjustable heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, velour carpeting, dual zone automatic climate control, power windows, electronic cruise control, and hand polished Chestnut, Burl Walnut, or Black Ash wood trim. For communications and entertainment, the SL550 is equipped with the COMAND DVD Cockpit Management and Data System, which combines a 6.5 inch color LCD screen, an AM/FM audio system, single disc in dash CD player, Sirius satellite radio, DVD based navigation system, and rear cabin mounted 6 disc CD changer.
Other discerning buyers will appreciate the Mercedes-Benz SLK series. Although slightly smaller than its big brother it exudes the aerodynamic and muscular appearance of its larger sibling. The new, bold design takes its influence from the arrow-shaped cars of Formula One, as well as from Mercedes'flagship, the 200-plus-mph SLR McLaren.
The lineup includes the SLK280, SLK350 and SLK55 AMG.
The SLK350 now comes with a 300 horsepower engine (up 32 hp over the 2008 model), a seven speed automatic transmission and a new, more responsive steering wheel. The 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine's 286 horsepower makes the SLK350 a ball to drive. Mercedes'first dual overhead cam engine pulls giddily thanks to variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side. The SLK350 is at its best on the freeway. Step up to the 355-horse, 5.5 liter V8-equipped SLK55 AMG and you shall learn the definition of "stupid fast" while you chase down Corvettes and the odd Learjet.
The most appreciated option on Mercedes new roadsters is "Airscarf," The AIRSCARF system, is just the thing for top down motoring in fifty degree weather. AIRSCARF uses special ducting on the SLK's heater to blow warm air from the headrests. Its able to adjust the temperature and blower speed to account for changes in ambient temperature too, allowing for comfortable top down drives at any speed, in almost any weather.
Mercedes-Benz and Smart has recorded a record-breaking 19.6% gain or 5,221 units in the first quarter of 2009 making it the strongest first quarter ever. Very strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, SLK-Class, SL-Class, GLK-Class and M-Class model sales played a significant role in our overall success. The SLK-Class and SL-Class March results were a clear indication that many customers are more than ready for open top driving.
"The remarkable record-breaking first quarter results are directly and proportionately related to everyone's hard work in our dealerships and corporate offices over the course of the last three months," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "I am extremely proud that we have been able to maintain last year's exceptional momentum. The first quarter is usually the toughest of the year and to start 2009 on such a positive note is very rewarding on all fronts. We are grateful that Canadians continue to embrace Mercedes-Benz products with such enthusiasm and passion. As we enter the second quarter of 2009, we will continue to fervently promote our highly desirable products, our compelling value proposition and our very competitive offers."
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