Test drive Mercedes Benz SLK R171 since 2008 Cabriolet
Hand beast
The favorite of wealthy Russian women this class became immediately after its appearance in 1996. Even the masculinity, which was clearly manifested in the appearance of the second generation SLK (2004), did not turn away from him the loving looks of the ladies, at least in Russia. As one friend of mine, who was given this car, said, in it she always feels like a queen, she is constantly in the spotlight. However, Mercedes-Benz Slk was created, one might say, as a subject of desire. The Rooster, who also goes well, he has already become along the way ... But seriously, the appearance of the car is really capable of fascinating, rapid, elegant. It looks like a super prestigious (and super road) SLR, but something in it suggests that this beast is manual. Although after a recent update he became angrier, especially in the SLK 350 version. Hard and fast
Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 with a gasoline V6 with a volume of 3.5 liters has never been a slow car. Now, with full reason, it can be put on a par with the best sports relatives. Thanks to the deep modernization of the engine, the engineers managed to noticeably revive its character. With the same working volume, he now gives out 305 hp, by 33 hp. More than before. The torque also increased by 10 nm to 360 nm. It was possible to achieve this by raising the bar of maximum revolutions to 7200 rpm. In addition, the degree of compression was increased, a new inlet collector was installed, and the valve mechanism underwent serious modernization.
It is especially worth noting the sound of a motor and a new exhaust system from a quiet bass rock on idle, it passes into exciting blood of the roar at high speeds. That is why, after the first acceleration on the skin, goosebumps begin to crawl, and blood boils from adrenaline.
In this case, the characteristics of the power unit give out its aggressiveness. Yes, it pulls well with idle, and with a steppe movement around the city, the tachometer shooter rarely reaches even 3000 rpm. However, it is worth drowning the accelerator pedal, as after 4000 rpm from under the hood, as if a beast breaks out, carrying you in a wave of acceleration until the electronic limiter is triggered at the same 7200 rpm. Moreover, it is not difficult to maintain such a pace. The 7-speed automatic transmission has a sports mode, and in addition allows you to manually switch transmissions with a lever or steering wheel petals large and convenient to use. I will say more: the new engine control system now carries out automatic encouraging when switching from higher gears to the lower. Hence the characteristic cotton, as in a real sports car. Moreover, despite the increased power and first -class dynamics, the fuel consumption of SLK 350 has significantly decreased. With an automatic box, the average consumption is only 9.2 liters per 100 km in a mixed cycle, which is 0.9 liters less than before. True, in the city, from the lack of appetite, this class does not suffer from the average consumption during the test, with very aggressive driving, amounted to about 15 liters per 100 km. Which, however, is not so much for such a motor. Naturally, engineers pulled up all other nodes and mechanisms. So, you do not doubt the brakes for a second, and the pendants have become noticeably tougher. Perhaps such settings of some ladies will be disappointed, but the rolls of the body in vihi are practically not noticeable, and due to the low landing and the low center of gravity, you feel what is happening with the car with your whole body, and each time you feel the limit of the adhesive properties of the tires on 17-inch wheels. By the way, the size of the tires varies 225/45 in front and 245/40 on the rear axle.
More driver’s pleasure in SLK 350 is ensured not only due to the motor and suspensions, but also thanks to a reconfigured steering. Now it works on a purely mechanical principle. That is, it does without expensive servomechanisms and a complex system of sensors, which mix the relationship with the driver and interfere with control accuracy. It is based on a new gear-rash mechanism. It guarantees that the gear ratio in the steering mechanism will change depending on the turn of the front wheels. For example, in the middle position of the steering wheel for sustainable movement in a straight line, and thereby, a small gear ratio is used for higher safety at high speeds. When the angle of rotation of the wheels reaches 5 degrees, this attitude increases quickly and significantly. Thus, the number of rpm of the steering wheel from the stop to the stop is reduced by almost 25%. It is felt right away that the steering wheel became noticeably more acute. In addition, the reactive force of the steering wheel increased much more willingly and faster returns to its original position after turning. All this is coupled and guarantees the real pleasure of driving.
However, do not think that the car has become too demanding of the driver. Of course, he is now more important, more exciting, but for calm movement it is still perfectly suitable. In addition, the Standardly installed ESP stabilization system is guarded. You cannot completely turn it off. You can only, by pressing the button on the central console, effectively move with the slipping of the rear drive wheels, or achieve a small skid at speeds up to 50 km/h. But it is worth reaching the limit or go faster than 50 km/h, as the system will turn on independently. In fairness, I note that even with active driving and passing turns, as they say, on the verge with a characteristic squeal of tires, it does not interfere. But if the driver does not take the necessary actions, ESP will instantly reduce the fuel supply and selectively slow down one or more wheels to stabilize the body. Fit
The most important changes in the exterior were a newly designed front and feed, which made the appearance in sporting fit. A new front bumper with large air intakes, as well as even greater arrowing of the front of the body due to a slightly detached hood and front lattice, give special expressiveness to the Rodster. The back of the body is no less dynamic mainly due to the special diffuser in the lower part of the bumper, the trapezoidal pipes of the exhaust system and the rear lights tinted in the manner of cars. In addition, the external mirrors received LED rotation indicators and increased markedly, which improved visibility.
Naturally, a rigid folding roof that is equipped with an electric drive has not passed away. It takes only 22 seconds for its installation/removal. Moreover, the volume of the trunk is not so small in the SLK compartment version offers as many as 300 liters for the luggage, and in the version of the convertible 208. Plus, there are small niches in the doors and two containers in the massive central tunnel, separating the driver and passenger inside the passenger compartment. Separately, it is worth saying about the air heating system of the head and neck of AIRSCARF (Air scarf), which is offered as an option. The system will allow you to enjoy the riding with an open season even in the cold season, significantly lengthening the open season. The principle of operation is understandable already from the name: the upper body seems to envelop warm air, so blowing the neck, which often happens in convertibles, does not threaten the driving.
Inside, you immediately pay attention to the quality of finishing materials, as well as to a new three -spoke steering wheel with the buttons to control the on -board computer and the audio system. Of course, the column is adjusted both in height and in departure, and the seat itself is perfectly profiled. In addition, even if the roof is installed, there is enough space over your head, and you do not need to bend into three deaths for entering/leaving the car. And finally, the instrument shield is still two wells, but with new rims and dials of a tachometer and speedometer. The clock, the fuel level indicator, the small screen of the on -board computer is everything in place, the information is well read. In other words, inside it is cozy and at the same time sporty, which is why the SLK Roadster can be operated at least every day at any time of the year.
Pay for pleasure
Prices for SLK begin from a mark of 1,694,600 rubles. The tested version of the SLK 350 in the basic, albeit very extensive configuration, will cost 2,212,600 rubles already. Not cheap, because these are Mercedes, which, as my friend said, attracts and already promises pleasure with one look.
Andrey Osipov
Photo Mercedes-Benz
