Nissan 370Z Forum - Next-gen Mercedes SLK to feature diesel engine

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The current Mercedes Benz SLK
has been on the market since 2004 and recently underwent a mid-cycle facelift to keep it fresh until the arrival of the next-generation model sometime early next decade. The first two generations have been extremely successful for Mercedes, selling more than half a million examples since the launch of the compact roadster back in 1997.

An inside source at Mercedes has now revealed that the new SLK will be available with the same 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine found in the current C250 CDI when it arrives in late 2010. The efficient mill is rated at 204hp (152kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm) of torque, and in the C-Class sedan returns fuel-economy of 54.3mpg (4.33L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 138g/km.

The new diesel is "perfect" for the SLK, the source told Automotive News. Output is high, it runs smoothly, and it's appropriately fuel-efficient for the times, he said. At the other end of the spectrum, the AMG model is expected to pick up the hand-built 6.2L V8 engine found in the C63.

There are few other solid details about the third-generation model but this rendering gives us an early look as to what the new version could look like. As expected, the next SLK will pick up the angular styling Mercedes has adopted for most of its vehicles of late but one key change is the elimination of the F1-inspired nose of the current car.

Other features will include an optional glass panoramic sunroof integrated into the folding hard-top, as well as ribbed bonnet similar to the design used on the new SL range.

The SLK’s closest rival, BMW’s Z4, is due for an update early next year and is expected to grow in both size and price, and is also confirmed to adopt a new folding hard-top roof as well. The new SLK, therefore, will have its work cut out for it when it arrives but its proportions and price are expected to remain similar to the current model.

Next-gen Mercedes SLK to feature diesel engine - [2011 Mercedes Benz SLK] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots