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

sporty, lightweight and short – and, given the great sporting successes ofMercedes-Benz back in the 1920's and 1930's, they have an almost mysticalresonance.Page 52In Turin in April 1994, roadster enthusiasts were able to gain a first glimpse ofhow Mercedes-Benz believed a compact roadster should look. A brilliant silvershowstopper with a distinct aura of spartan sportiness sent the tradeprofessionals into raptures. Bruno Sacco, Head of Design for the brand at thetime, made it clear what the company's aim was: "We are exhibiting a forwardlookingroadster study which delivers a unique synthesis of purist motoringpleasure with all the safety features for which Mercedes cars are renowned".To meet these requirements, some formal individuality was called for. TheSLK study reflected this thanks to its compact dimensions and some evidenthighlights. Short overhangs at the front and rear, as well as a distinctive wedgeshape, embodied the enjoyment to be had from a hands-on driving experience.And the two "power domes" on the bonnet, running parallel to the direction oftravel, were acknowledgement of the originator of all SL's dating from the1950s. The SLK study revealed a lot of gleaming metal. Only 20 percent of theinterior was covered, and the high-tech cockpit was dominated by bold shapesand high-quality materials.To find out just how seriously the people in charge at Mercedes-Benz weretaking this SLK project in its earliest days, one needs to look no further thanthe Paris Motor Show held in September of the same year. Here the companyunveiled its second study, this time with a vario-roof and in the form of acustomised version in blue, with blue-tone leather and a range of additionalluxury accessories such as automatic transmission, air-conditioning system,power windows, a hi-fi sound system and much more besides. This enabledMercedes-Benz to demonstrate convincingly the breadth of appeal and thepotential inherent in a compact roadster.The SLK sets the trend before going into series productionThen the automotive enthusiasts started to wait. Many viewed the SLK as avery auspicious prospect indeed. Mercedes-Benz had done the unexpected anddemonstrated that a small and relatively inexpensive roadster was capable ofoffering a great deal of motoring pleasure while still being an absolutelyDaimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart/GermanyMercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand