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2001 Mercedes SLK320 Sport
2001 Mercedes SLK320 Sport
This 2001 SLK320 has the smoothness and power to compete in the Boxster/Z3 class and offer features that make it a standout, starting with a delicious design that is unmistakenly MBZ. With only a quick glance and you can easily confuse it with its, double the price bigger brother, the SL500. The design is smooth and soft with no hard edges or ridges, except across the back of the trunk deck. A simple high tech looking mesh grille is emblemized by a large three pointed star is flanked by form-flowing head lamp assemblies. The hood has twin power bulges ala classic Mercedes 300SL. The flanks are perfectly smooth except for some deeply flared wheel wells. There are new front and rear aprons and a sculptured rocker panel and the tail lights are huge and all Mercedes. There is a slight trunk lip.
With an overall length of only 157.9 inches, this MBZ in only about 3 inches longer than a Miata. But the SLK is two inches wider at 67.5 inches and rides on a 94.5 inch wheelbase that's over 5 inches longer inches than the Miata. In comparison to its bigger brother, the SL500, the SLK is nearly 20 inches shorter with a wheelbase that is only 5 inches shorter. The bottom line is the designers have created a car that looks big without being big. The resulting rewards are a light weight of only 3,051 pounds (that's 1,100 pounds lighter than an SL500), very nimble handling and near super car performance while not giving up anything in comfort.
With V-6 power, the SLK performs at new levels. The new-to-the-SLK engine develops the exact same power output as in the Mercedes C and CLK class, 215 hp at 5,700 rpm and 229 pounds of torque at 3,000-4,600 rpm. The power delivery is strong at all rpm's with no real sweet spot. But the sound emanating from the exhaust was more than sweet. Mercedes said they actually conducted clinics to get it just right. This may be the best sounding V-6 on the planet. The only problem is that the car is so fast, that the sound doesn't last long enough.
Underneath the SLK is a stiff chassis with state of the art fully independent suspension. Double wishbones are used up front and a multilink system is used in the rear. Coil springs are at all four corners and antiroll bars are at each end. The rear antiroll bar was a new addition for 2001. Needless to say handling is crisp and flat with steering that has excellent on and off center feel.
At first the steering might feel a little quick, but this car is effortless in the twisties. The curves of Green Valley , Cold Springs, and Latrobe Roads could be sliced and diced anyway you like while feeling comfortable and confident all the while. Turning circle is a very tight 32.9 feet.
Enhancing the SLK's ability is ESP, a Mercedes stability program that retards throttle and brakes the appropriate tire if the various sensors detect the car isn't going where it's pointed. It's a significant safety feature, but you should never rely on it in place of good judgement and your ability, speed and road conditions.
Brakes are four wheel disc with ABS. They are powerful. They could haul the SLK down to a stop from 40 mph in less than forty feet.
On the highway, the SLK is very smooth and quiet with the top up like any quality sedan, but top down doesn't effect the noise level all that much. 70 mph with the radio or a conversation with a passenger is easy without significant wind buffeting or noise. The engine turns 2,600 rpm at 70 mph and although sweet sounding when asked, it is inaudible and electric motor smooth. This is a top down if it's not raining type of car. If it's cold, you will love the high energy heating system.
The ride is firm but very well controlled. The wheels are the optional AMG monoblocks. The SLK has excellent roll control and transitions.
On the inside is a large cockpit. In spite of its small exterior dimensions, the SLK is roomy with spacious, wide seats that cradle the driver and passenger in sublime comfort with lots of shoulder room. Support is much improved and 8 way power for both seats makes it easy to find the correct driving or shotgun position. Of course the materials are leather and wood.
Side air bags are standard and behind each head restraint is a built in roll protector.
Driving is enhanced with one of the best steering wheels
in the business. It's very thick, half wood and padded leather and it feels great in your hands. The dash has a driver's binnacle with a large center speedo flanked by a smaller 7,000 rpm tach to the right and a combined temp and fuel gauge to the left. They are black on white and very legible. The chrome surrounds that also ring the AC controls, add a nice touch. The door paneling was not only luxurious, but had large door pockets.
Done in real nicely polished wood, the vertical stack has two large, easy to use rotary AC controls with the MBZ radio system below. The system is great, once you know how to use it which takes a bit of study. There is no standard CD, but the standard tape cassette is hidden within behind the radio faceplate. There are two cupholders which are large enough for most large drinks, pulls out from the top of the dash above the vertical stack. It sits high, but it doesn't impede the dash operations and the AC vents will help keep you diet coke cool. If you want to keep your coffee hot, just turn on the heat. But that won't work well on a warm summer morning.
Behind the shifter (it too has a wood/leather, pleasure so use handle) and emergency brake is a large storage console. On the rear wall of the cabin is a small elastic storage pouch.
But the best thing about the SLK comfort, convenience and utility is the trunk. It is nearly 10 cubic feet with the top up and about 4 cubic feet with the top down. It is big. But it hinged in front and back. When the top goes down, it hinges from the rear bumper and opens from behind the seats and then relocks for normal opening above the rear bumper. Trick stuff.
The another option on this vehicle is the sport package which comes with AMG aerodynamic enhancements for the bumpers and sidesills along with projector bean fogs plus 17 inch AMG monoblock 17 inch alloy wheels shod with performance tires. The 7.5 inch wide wheels in the front get 225/45XZR17s and the rear gets 8.5 inch 245/40ZRX17s.
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