Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster gets a diesel engine (and returns 56.5 mpg)
By Gizmag Team
August 22, 2011
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI
Image Gallery (10 images)It's a sign of the times - after 15 years of production of its retractable hardtop (vario-roof) convertible SLK series, Mercedes has given the compact roadster a diesel engine. The 204 bhp four-cylinder delivers fuel consumption of 56.5 mpg/4.16 L/100km (combined cycle), but thanks to the 2143 cc diesel engine's 500 Nm midrange and 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, the car offers a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).
The SLK 250 CDI's relative frugality at the pump is mirrored in its emissions performance, dumping just 132 grams (4.66 oz) of CO2 into the atmosphere per kilometer (0.62 miles) thanks to its fourth-generation common-rail injection and start/stop system.
The SLK 250 CDI will be available with all three versions of the vario roof and all three SLK suspension packages. It will look no different to the petrol models apart from the badging and will go on sale early in 2012. No pricing details are yet available.
I can wait for the natural gas fueled model.
YukonJack23rd August, 2011 @ 08:14 am PDT
Great - I love diesel cars because they have terrific torque characteristics giving them terrific performance - and give great economy at the same time.
yawood24th August, 2011 @ 05:41 am PDT
I agree with yawood although my first diesel was a 1972 MB 220D. It didn't have a lot of torque but back then 30 mpg was more important than torque. My next one was a '78 300D and the last one was a '90 350SDL. They all delivered 30mpg and a great ride. I still have the 350SDL but it's waiting for some engine work.
If I had the money I'd love to drop a Blu-Tec in the '90.
Mr E24th July, 2012 @ 02:12 pm PDT
Or Login with Facebook:
-
Audi's diesel sportscar: new TT Coupe and Roadster debut at Geneva
2nd March, 2008
-
Mercedes-Benz unveils 7-speed automatic transmission
-
smart roadster hits Australia
27th November, 2003
-
Volvo to introduce 7700 Hybrid bus in 2009
3rd October, 2008
-
Mercedes C-Class models - better fuel efficiency with greater performance
4th May, 2010
-
Citroen to reveal diesel hybrid C4
7th January, 2006
Just enter your friends and your email address into the form below
For multiple addresses, separate each with a comma
Privacy is safe with us because we have a strict privacy policy.
Double the mpg and I'll forget the EV and go diesel. I'll pay up to $60K if I get a rebate.
voluntaryist23rd August, 2011 @ 07:39 am PDT