Albisher & Alkazemi Co. launches the new SLK in Kuwait

Even more alluring, more powerful and sportier than ever, the beguiling two-seater celebrated its Kuwait Launch on May 15th, 2004 at Abdul Rahman Al-bisher & Zaid Alkazemi's Showroom In Shuwaikh. The vehicle was presented in the presence of local media representatives, selected guests and officials from Albisher & Alkazemi Co. and DaimlerChrysler Middle East.

"The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from For-mula 1", said Paul W. Schmidt, General Manager, Albisher & Alkazemi Co. Kuwait. "The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and technological leader in this category of sports cars."

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 sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. The car's chassis, steering and transmission have been given an even sportier edge.

Plus, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a world first, in the shape of the innova-tive AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button AIR-SCARF generates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints. Auto-matic climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, CO-MAND APS and the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC are among the other technical innovations offered as options for the first time in the SLK-Class.

The new Mercedes Roadster replaces a successful first-generation model enjoyed by over 308,000 delighted owners since autumn 1996. The global number one in its market segment, it serves as a symbol for the new, dy-namic brand image of Mercedes-Benz.

The second generation of the SLK-Class has an even sportier edge in terms of both its design and engineering and, with its powerful engines, newly de-veloped chassis, direct steering and precise six-speed manual transmission, delivers an even more agile driving experience. The body is 72 millimetres longer and 65 millimetres wider than the outgoing model, providing the SLK's passengers with more space and even greater comfort.

Design: sporty dynamism, with styling elements inspired by motorsport
The design of the car reflects the sporty and powerful character of the new SLK-Class. A long bonnet, flat windscreen, wide doors and a short rear rep-resent typical roadster characteristics given extra emphasis by the new SLK. This extra forcefulness is underpinned by a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase, clear tapering of the front and rear ends and a wedge-shape silhouette.

A range of captivating details inspired by racing cars - such as the arrow-shaped nose, wing profiles in the radiator grille and the twin-tailpipe system - underline the origins of the SLK in a company which can point to an illustri-ous sports-car tradition.

The interior has also been completely redesigned and upgraded through the use of carefully selected materials. The design concept is distinguished by switches, buttons and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, which form a striking contrast to the dark tones of the dashboard. Plus, customers can choose from a range of six shades for the leather trim, or any one of twelve designo appointment colours.

Engines: up to 25 percent more power coupled with reduced fuel con-sumption
The range of engines available for the SLK-Class is also quite unique in this market segment. Here, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to respond to the desires of drivers with more sporting ambitions by adding an eight-cylinder powerplant to the mix. The V8 unit gives the SLK 55 AMG class-leading output (265 kW/360 hp), torque (510 Newton metres) and accelera-tion (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds) figures. The top-of-the-line engine is linked up as standard with the newly developed seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, which the driver can choose to operate using steering-wheel gearshift buttons.

For the SLK 350, meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new six-cylinder engine with around 25 percent more power (200 kW/272 hp) and 13 percent extra torque (350 Newton metres). The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class and reinforces its sport-ing credentials with a pleasing, full-throated sound.

Peak torque is available as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm. This provides the key to powerful acceleration and impressive mid-range sprints. The SLK 350 reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.6 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and accelerates from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).

The 120-kW/163-hp engine under the bonnet of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is also celebrating its premiere in this Mercedes model family. The new arri-val is a member of the unique TWINPULSE generation of four-cylinder en-gines from Mercedes-Benz. which offer further advances in terms of output, torque, smoothness and fuel consumption.

Comfort: new AIRSCARF system ensures even greater open-air driving pleasure
The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is an open-top motoring enthusiast's ticket to enjoying themselves more frequently, more of the time. Making its global debut, the AIRSCARF system allows you to open the vario-roof in cooler weather and thus enjoy the roadster experience more often. AIR-SCARF is an innovative heating system located in the seat backrests. At the touch of a button, heated air is directed out of special vents in the head re-straints and acts like an invisible scarf to warm up the head and neck of the SLK passengers when out on the road. Available as an option, this new de-velopment is unique to the new SLK.

Entertainment and information are delivered to SLK passengers through the Audio 20 CD stereo system, Audio 50 APS with integrated colour display and navigation system or COMAND APS, which includes a DVD/CD player, col-our screen and separate DVD drive for the navigation function. A surround-sound system with eleven speakers and 380-watt output is also available as an option in order to further optimise the in-car audio experience.