Bangkok--27 Mar--Lowe The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Following an extensive facelift incorporating around 650 newly developed components, the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience. Key visual enhancements include new-look front and rear sections, as well as a meticulously modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. The engine is now far more economical on fuel and therefore emit even less CO2, despite a substantial increase in output in some cases. Since their first appearance in 1996, the compact SLK Roadsters have come to symbolise Mercedes-Benz' dynamic brand image. Already a familiar sight on our roads, the second-generation two-seater is to be further enhanced with the implementation of a raft of measures in 2008, the aim being to further emphasise the car's sporty character and continue the SLK-Class success story by introducing new dynamic and powerful elements. Some 310,000 first-generation roadster models were sold between 1996 and 2004. And around 185,000 customers — some 60,000 of them in Germany alone — have already purchased the second-generation model since its launch in 2004 (figures at year-end 2007). This means that total unit sales of the SLK Roadster are now approaching the half-million mark. The second-generation SLK has therefore retained the car's quite unique status in this market segment. The new-generation SLK blazes a trail of new sporty highlights, bestowing yet greater appeal on this thriving two-seater with the trendsetting vario-roof that transforms the car from a roadster into a weatherproof coup? in a matter of seconds.Distinctive character: even more pronounced V-shape at the front and a diffuser-style rear The designers have honed the looks of the cult two-seater for added sportiness. Eye-catching features include the new-look front bumper with a modified air-dam arrangement and a more pronounced V-shape, while the area around the Mercedes star now stands out more boldly. The designers have also remodelled the vehicle's tail, with the diffuser-look styling at the bottom giving the Roadster an even more powerful appearance from the rear too. This is further emphasised by the trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes. The now larger exterior mirrors feature LED indicators with a pronounced arrow shape, while the range of light-alloy wheels is also almost entirely new.High-quality cockpit and new three-spoke sports steering wheel Many of the interior's details have undergone remodelling too, and the interior has been refined as a whole by meticulous material selection. Particular care was taken to optimise the interior in such a way as to make it that much more driver-focused again. Centrepieces include a new three-spoke sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons as well as a new instrument cluster with intriguing-looking dial bezels. New "gullwing red" leather appointments will now be available, which are reminiscent of the interior appointments in the legendary 300 SL gullwing model. Further new optional additions include nappa leather appointments in "natural beige", which complement the new "pale burr walnut" and "black ash grain" wood trims perfectly.Enhanced audio and telematics systems For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is installing the new NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics componentry in the SLK for the first time. This boasts improved user friendliness together with even more handy functions. Standard features integrated in every radio include a hands-free facility using Bluetooth technology, plus — as an option — a new media interface in the glove compartment, which enables mobile audio devices such as the iPod to be fully integrated into the audio system and operated from its control panel.High sports engine: added power and considerably lower consumption The four-cyclinder supercharged engine produces an extra 15 kW/21 hp of output (135 kW/184 hp) thanks to the use of a modified engine management system, a more dynamic turbocharger and enhanced pistons. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased from the previous 240 to 250 Nm between 2,800 and 5,000 rpm. This propels the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR from 0 100 km/h in 7.9 s and on to a top speed of 232 km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle has dropped by 1.0 litre to 8.0 l/100 km). At the same time, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 25 g/km to 190 g/km).New direct-steer system for outstanding agility and tangible fun at the wheel A newly developed direct-steer system with variable power assistance that elicits the very best from the suspension's sporty capabilities is standard. It combines agility and manoeuvrability on twisting country roads with light steering forces when parking and sure steering characteristics at high speeds. The direct-steer system is derived from the previous speed-sensitive power steering and operates purely mechanically. This dispenses with the need for elaborate actuator units and complex sensors, which would otherwise impair the flow of forces between the wheels and hands, thereby compromising steering precision. At the heart of the system is a new rack with ingeniously devised gearing, which ensures that the steering gear ratio changes in tune with the steering angle. In and around the central position, the steering has an indirect ratio for good straight-line stability, resulting in tremendous assuredness when travelling at high speeds. At a steering angle of just 5 degrees, the ratio starts to increase very rapidly and the steering feels much more direct. As a result, the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock is reduced by around 25 per cent with the new direct-steer system. Consequently, relatively small turns of the steering wheel are sufficient for changing course when driving in city traffic. Fast sequences of bends on rural roads, on the other hand, can be negotiated almost intuitively with relatively small steering movements — with assurance, precision and a healthy dose of driving pleasure.The trendsetting SLK As trendsetters and technology leaders, the SLK-Class Roadsters have long enjoyed the image of a modern cult car. Even after the extensive modifications, the familiar outstanding qualities remain; for example, the vario-roof that transforms the Roadster into a coup? in 22 seconds, not to mention the comprehensive standard specification, including head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt-force limiters.