Grand Prix drivers to launch Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster on eve of Bahrain Grand Prix

More alluring, more powerful and sportier than ever, the beguiling new two-seater will celebrate its Middle East debut in Bahrain at a glittering Gala Dinner to be attended by DaimlerChrysler AG board member and head of Mercedes-Benz motorsport, Prof Jurgen Hubbert, McLaren Mercedes Team Manager Norbert Haug, and Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler Middle East.

"The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from Formula 1," said Streffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Car Group, Dubai. "The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader in this category of sports cars."

The range starts with a 163 bhp 200 KOMPRESSOR, includes a V6 engine 272 hp SLK 350 and, for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-AMG which is being used as the official Safety Car at all Grand Prix in 2004.

The SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and SLK 350 are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The proven five-speed automatic transmission is available as an option for the four-cylinder engine, whilst customers can order the new V6 model with the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.

The further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds, is joined on the list of standard equipment by head/thorax side bags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. An optional extra is the world's first neck-level heating system AIRSCARF. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF generates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints.