1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Fye-popping yellow, brilliant blue, hot red: What's Mercedes-Benz coming to? It can be summed up in three letters: SLK. That's Mercedes' entry in the new wave of German roadsters, arriving fast on the heels of the BMW Z3 and in pace with the Porsche Boxster. Beyond the actual car, though, the SLK reflects the new, fresher-thinking, more daring attitude that's beginning to rise to the surface of the traditionally conservative automaker. And in the case of the SLK, that thinking goes much deeper than just the colorful paint.

Officially introduced at the recent international auto show in Turin, Italy, the SLK is expected to reach our shores early in 1997 (as a '98 model) with a pricetag of about $40,000. While that's considerably higher than the Z3's $28,750 sticker, Mercedes is quick to point out that the SLK comes fully equipped with leather, traction control, ABS, dual integrated roll-over bars, dual front and door-mounted side airbags, and, significantly, an electric folding hardtop. In fact, if the two rival German cars were similarly equipped, the company claims the price difference would be only about $2000-$3000.

All U.S.-spec SLKs will be outfitted with a supercharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine, which is reflected in both the "SLK 230" and the Teutonically influenced "Kompressor" badging. This potent four churns out a hearty 191 horsepower and a broad power curve that maintains its peak torque of 206 pound-feet from 2500 to 4800 rpm. Transferring power to the rear wheels will be a five-speed automatic transmission that uses fuzzy logic to learn a driver's individual driving style and adapt a shift pattern to suit it.

Coupled with a svelte curb weight of under 3000 pounds (helped by the use of magnesium and aluminum in the body and chassis), the 2.3-liter provides a power-to-weight ratio of only about 15 pounds per horsepower, which should contribute to an exceptionally responsive power delivery and a nimble, sporty feel. The SLK230's time from 0-100 kmh (0-62 mph) has been pegged by Mercedes at 7.6 seconds, and its top speed is claimed to be 144 mph. Underneath, the SLK rides on double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear, with staggered tire sizes of 205/55VR16 in front and 225/50VR16 at the rear.

Our recent brief exposure to the car in Turin, Italy, heightened our feelings that the SLK will be a mouth-watering addition to the Euro-roadster club.