The new Mercedes-Benz SLK: Passion meets efficiency - Daimler

Boot fully suitable for everyday usePage 20The luggage capacity with the vario-roof closed is 335 litres (in conjunctionwith TIREFIT). This is enough to accommodate two crates of soft drinks andtwo crates of beer, or four of either, without difficulty. A golf bag or a largesuitcase are also no problem.When the roof is opened, the capacity is reduced by 110 to 225 litres. Thisincludes 51 litres of luggage box capacity under a reversible floor (the box isomitted if a collapsible spare wheel is chosen instead of TIREFIT). In any casethere is sufficient space for two large sports bags, for example with tennisequipment.The luggage box or collapsible spare wheel is accessible if the variably usablereversible floor is removed. Depending on the application, it provides a levelsurface or a recess for carrying e.g. high drinks crates. The draught-stop or anumbrella can be secured with elastic straps on either side of the reversiblefloor.To prevent luggage items from colliding with the roof components while theseare being deposited in the boot, there is a luggage cover in the boot which canbe pivoted longitudinally. The vario-roof can only be opened if this cover ispivoted to the rear, and when the roof is closed the cover can be easily pivotedforward by hand. This facilitates loading and unloading, and makes the fullboot capacity available.Bodyshell structure with aluminium componentsThe bodyshell structure already proved highly successful in the precedingmodel, and was weight-optimised still further for the new SLK. Accordingly thebonnet and front wings are of aluminium for the first time, as are thedashboard cross-members and the rear end. The rear bulkhead module of fibrereinforcedplastic is a new feature. The torsional rigidity of this optimisedlightweight steel construction was improved even further compared to thealready very rigid preceding series. Thanks to the intelligent use of lightweightconstruction methods, the bodyshell weight was reduced by around 13kilograms.The doors are a completely new development, with reinforcement at thebeltline and at the lower edge. A section of high-strength steel ensures goodDaimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/GermanyMercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand