All-New Mercedes SLK in 2004!
by Alex Michalas  Following the recent news of the all-new 2002 BMW Z3, we have done some research on the
latest rumors around the next generation Mercedes' SLK, a car seen by many as the most direct competitor to BMW's Z3.
DaimlerChrysler officials were able to confirm that the next SLK is scheduled for a 2004 appearance,
with the intention of bringing it to the market in early 2005.  As you can see in the accompanying pictures, the designers have followed on the silver-arrow styling theme that is also featured on the Mercedes/McLaren SLR and the small, A-Class based, SLA concept car. This design theme is supposed to be a reference to the McLaren Mercedes F1 racing cars.
 Mechanically, the car will be based on the platform of
the current C-Class model. As a result, the SLK will share most of its engines with the current C-Class, starting from the 2.0 lt, 163 hp and following up to a 3.2 lt AMG-tuned V6 that could produce up to 400 hp.
The company's officials are also keen to give a more sporting image to the SLK and have given directions for a complete overhaul of the car's interior. The
trademark convertible hard-top roof that has contributed a lot to making the current car such a big sales success will, of course, be staying for the new model.
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