Mercedes SLK
When's it coming and what is it?
March 2004 will mark the debut of Merc's junior sportscar. But despite the junior title, the SLK is a grown-up, open-top two-seater that pioneered the metal-folding hard-top.
Why should I care?
The highly desirable SLK will be a more convincing driver's sportscar in its second generation version. Modified underpinnings of the new C-Class will help, as will new engines. Merc will also try to make the SLK even more desirable with sheet metal derived from the sensational Merc SLR McLaren, including the race-car nose treatment and spoiler that tries to mimic McLaren's Merc-powered Formula One cars.
What makes it really special?
The metal-folding roof is still unique among the SLK's direct competitors - it's still a fascinating piece of street theatre when being raised and lowered. Even better, the V6 supercharged, 350bhp-plus AMG version ought to satisfy the hairiest-chested of performance freaks. Also, if you squint a bit, the new SLK really does look like a scaled-down version of the SLR McLaren. That's the one that does over 200mph and costs £250,000, in case you were wondering…
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