 2000 Mercedes-Benz Designo roadster |
Mercedes'
returned to sports car building with the 1998-2000
Mercedes-Benz SLK230. European
buyers could take their choice of a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder
engine or supercharged 2.3-liter four, as well as 5-speed manual or automatic
transmissions. All U.S. market cars had the supercharged engine. The
manual transmission wasn't available in the states until the '99 model year.
The
supercharged engine was leisurely off the line, but had plenty of punch at high
speeds. Unfortunately the motor sounded coarse and unrefined at all speeds.
Handling was secure and stable through the turns.
The
most unique feature of the car was its folding steel top. Pushing a button
transformed the SLK from closed coupe to open convertible in seconds.
Pluses
of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:
- Unique retractable top
- Solid structure
- Curve-hugging handling
Minuses
of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:
- Coarse engine
- Power not always on tap
- Lacks steering feel
Production
of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:
- 1998: 9,549
- 1999:
8,763
Specifications
of the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:
Wheelbase,
inches: 94.5
Length,
inches: 157.3
Weight,
pounds: 3,025
Price,
new: $39,700-$41,000 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1998-2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK230:Type Size Horsepower Years dohc
I-41 140 185 1998-2000
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