The Classic Car of the Mercedes SLK R170
The SLK gets its most prominent name from Sporty, Light, and Short (or Kurz in German). The SLK R170 was Mercedes first take at shrinking the popular SL sports car. The SLK R170 was first produced in 1996, and its fans were immediate. Sales out of the gate started at 50,000 units. However, time and competition aged this car. The Audi TT, its closest competitor, was starting the gain the edge. Furthermore, its technology was becoming dated.
The SLK gets the most praise for the hard top design, while the engine garners the most giggles and snickers. The steering was taken from the C-class, the recirculating ball, which yielded a sluggish response.
Going head-to-head against other cars in its segment, the TT Roadster, the BMW Z3, and the Alfa Romero Spider, the SLK R170 still visually is the winner. While the engine was uninspiring, they say North American drivers wanted the better gas millage over the power.
Riders got their piece of the sun in this Mercedes SLK 170 with its retractable hardtop. For those who don’t like backwash, you’ll want to pick up a Mercedes SLK R170 windscreen / windblocker / wind deflector. This innovative hard top follows in the footstep of the Mitsubishi 3000 GT Spyder, Peugeot 206cc, Lexus SC, Mercedes SL Class, and the Chrysler Sebring.
To address the shortcomings, the 2/3 liter Kompressor came out in 2000. This car has more power, a body make over, greater refinement, and is more agile in handling. The engine fixed some of its initial roughness. Mercedes also improved the transmission, making it smooth shifting. There was a new close-ratio six-speed manual, borrowed from the E-class of Mercedes. The five speed transmission came out in the automatic. Going with the top down still invites all of the backlash, needing a Mercedes SLK R170 windscreen, windblocker, wind deflector. Furthermore, the chassis got a long needed upgrade with a smoother ride and safety enhancement.
These changes are subtle, adding up to nothing revolutionary. The Mercedes SLK R170 still draws the raves.
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