The past week DaimlerChrysler has released all the pictures and info of the next generation Mercedes Benz SLK roadster. What does this have to do with the Chrysler Crossfire? The Crossfire is the same car as the current SLK320. They share the same powertrain, many interior pieces, as well as chassis. However with the current Mercedes Benz SLK coming to an end, the Chrysler Crossfire will not jump to the new car platform. The car will stay on the same platform for at least two more years, and then jump to the new platform. But I thought I would share a little information on the new SLK, so you guys/girls could get a good look at what the next Crossfire will be like! The new SLK recieves new powerful engines, as well as a V-8 option! So we might see a V-8 model in the Chrysler Crossfire lineup yet. Remember the new Crossfire SRT-6 that is coming out this summer will be what Mercedes Benz has been calling the SLK320 AMG. Which features a 3.2L SUPERCHARGED V-6 with 349 horsepower. But lets just see how much better the new SLK is, than the Crossfire... and what the Crossfire has in store in years to come...

Taken from DaimlerChrysler Sources...

The presentation follows the publication of the first photos of the new SLK at the start of the year, which themselves sparked an extremely enthusiastic response. A total of over 7,000 orders have been taken since sales release already. Prices for the SLK-Class range from 33,524 euros for the entry-level model to 63,974 euros (ex factory). Three different engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW/163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. The range includes – for the first time in this vehicle class – an eight-cylinder power unit. The V6 engine in the SLK 350, meanwhile, develops 200 kW/272 hp and delivers impressively dynamic driving pleasure.









Powerful and unique: The SLK 55 AMG with eight-cylinder dynamics...

With the SLK 55 AMG, the second generation of Mercedes’ compact roadster has produced a car which gives the sports car elite a run for their money. No other model in this vehicle class can compete with the 265-kW/360-hp output and 510 Newton metres of torque generated by the top-of-the-range SLK. The V8 engine at the source of this prodigious power also has the distinction of being the only eight-cylinder unit available in this market segment. The standard equipment package for the AMG model is equally as exclusive, and includes the following items not offered in the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR:

-AMG sports suspension
-AMG sports seats
-AMG bodystyling with special front apron and spoiler lip on the boot lid
-Mercedes-AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel
-High-performance braking system with perforated composite brake discs at the front
-Interior lighting package
-THERMATIC air conditioning
-Mercedes-AMG 18 -inch light-alloy wheels in multi-spoke design
-Mixed tyres (front: 225/40 R 18, rear: 245/35 R 18)
-Nappa leather upholstery
-7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG-SPEEDSHIFT and steering wheel gearshift buttons
-The new eight-cylinder SLK-Class is priced at 63,974 euros.

Impressively equipped and with a powerful engine: The SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR

Customers can choose from three variants of the SLK-Class. With its TWINPULSE four-cylinder engine, the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR combines impressive power with exemplary economy. Both faster and developing more torque than the outgoing model with the same output, it uses only 8.7 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres – around eight percent less fuel – in the European driving cycle. However, the new sports roadster offers a lot more in terms of its agility, high-class looks and feel, comfort and range of standard equipment, which includes the following features:

-Adaptive front airbags
-ESP® with Anti-lock Braking System, Acceleration Skid Control and Brake Assist
-Headlamp Assist (automatically activated headlamps)
-Two-stage belt force limiters
-Belt tensioners for driver and passenger
-Head/thorax side airbags
-Light-alloy wheels: 7 J x 16
-Multifunction steering wheel (leather)
-Six-speed manual transmission
-Sports seats with magnesium frame
-Vario-roof with heated rear window
-Central locking

The four-cylinder SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is priced at 33,524 euros ex factory.

Sports car dynamics from the top drawer: The SLK 350 with new V6 engine

The SLK 350 offers everything that you would expect from a full-blooded sports roadster: spirit, authority and undiluted driving pleasure. Under the bonnet, the newly developed six-cylinder engine gives the SLK a particularly powerful heartbeat, one which sets the driver’s pulse racing the second the key is turned. One press of the accelerator and you’re hooked, the V6 powerpack accelerating the two-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in only 5.6 seconds. At 6000 rpm a maximum output of 200 kW/ 272 hp is achieved – a pace-setting figure in this displacement class.

Impressive torque of 350 Newton metres is available as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm, which also allows a quite different, yet also typically roadster, style of driving: relaxed, enjoyable cruising in high gears – forever in the reassuring knowledge that all you have to do is touch the accelerator lightly to unlock the engine’s imposing pulling power. The technical make-up and equipment features of the SLK 350 are a reflection of the performance-based character of this model variant. The V6 models comes with the following items of standard equipment not included in the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR:

-Enlarged brakes with perforated front brake discs
-Interior lighting package
-THERMATIC air conditioning
-17-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design
-Mixed tires (front: 225/45 R 17, rear: 245/40 R 17)

The SLK 350 is priced at 43,384 euros ex factory.

redriderbob

 

Here are a few pictures to compare the current Mercedes Benz SLK and the Chrysler Crossfire... just to show you what similarities you might see on these models, might be similarities on the next generation Crossfire to the new SLK...



























redriderbob

 

I think the Crossfire looks much better inside and out.[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

So the Crossfire has black gauges with white print?! YAY!! LOL! I like the Crossfire better as well, although the Mercedes is a frickin awesome ride! The Crossfire just has more of what I love.

~Amanda

 

The generation Chrysler Crossfire will be so awesome... the interior will be far superior than the current one... and I can wait to see a 5.5L V-8 in a Crossfire!

redriderbob

 

A V8 in a Crossfire will be nice, I still won't be able to get one, but it oughta be mighty nice.[sm=smiley36.gif]

 

After how smooth I hear the 3.2L Mercedes Benz V-6 is in these Crossfires run, I can wait to see that 5.5L... especially in a small car like that! Let alone see the AMG based SRT-6 Crossfire w/ the Supercharged 3.2L this summer!

redriderbob

 

Yes, forced induction is very fun.[sm=smiley4.gif]Thats why I like the SRT-4's.[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

True, but the SRT-4 lacks one fun thing that the Crossfire can give the performance fan... REAR WHEEL DRIVE... Nothing is more fun then power-sliding w/ a rear-wheel drive!

redriderbob

 

Yes, but DC seems way too reluctant to make one thats affordable.[sm=smiley19.gif]