More details of the Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
A new remarkably attractive hybrid sports car is about ready to be introduced by Mercedes-Benz is the SLK Gullwing as the smaller sibling of the upcoming company flagship SLC supercar. The latest model is patterned after the iconic Mercedes 300SL 'Gullwing' and the forthcoming SLC. Coming with a couple of doors hinged at the center of the roof, the SLK Gullwing will take the top position in the next-generation SLK range. It will compete with the Porsche Cayman S and Audi TT RS. The SLK will have more muscle compared to the current model, with a sharper appearance/ The hood is long and highlights faired-in lights and a big three-pointed star, and below is a splitter drawn from F1. Besides it extremely good looks, the new version will also be eco-friendly.
The fact is, its eco-friendliness is what made its specially hinged door configuration in the first instance. The reason for this is that this SLK model will be having its batteries in the side sills. Since the sills needed more height to accommodate the batteries, the idea for a roof-mounted door came to the rescue of what was otherwise a design flaw.
It is possible that the top of the range SLK will be using the same highly developed lithium-ion battery technology as with the Blue Zero E-Cell concept which was already introduced earlier this month at the Detroit Motor Show. The batteries will drive the electric motor and has a range of 120 miles on a single charge. This will be paired with a gasoline engine in the SLK, most likely an enhancement of the 3.5-liter V6 employed in the current version. Efficiency will be enhanced by the utilization of a brake-energy regeneration system much like the KERS on F1 cars and fuel economy is estimated in the neighborhood of 40mpg and a 150g/km CO2 emission rate.
Latest Auto Shows
