From the Archive: It's time to hug a few curves in a trio of two-seat convertibles—BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Porsche Boxster.
We don't love the handling, either, an assertion that surely requires some explanation since the Test Results panel gives the SLK top marks for cornering and braking grip—0.90 g on the skidpad and 170 feet to stop from 70 mph. The problem here is attitude. The SLK is secretive. Virtually no information comes back through the steering. Imagine a rheostat for dialing up cornering forces. Turn the wheel more; cornering force goes up.
Of course, this abyss shows itself only at extremely high lateral forces, and one can usually keep up with the other cars in this test with little risk. But sports-car fun comes more from control than from speed, and the joy of controlling this machine is largely absent. Truth to tell, when we think of sports cars, we never think of the vastly more expensive Mercedes SL two-seaters, either. The SLK shares with the SL line a family resemblance long on solid construction, comfortable appointments, serious engine power, and enduring styling. But none of these cars spreads grins across the faces of sports-car guys.
The SLK's acceleration times are slightly behind the others' here, largely because of the automatic. Zero to 60 takes 7.2 seconds, and the quarter-mile slips past in 15.5 second at 91 mph. On our comparison trip, the SLK outscored the others in fuel economy at 21 mpg, compared with 20 for the Porsche and 19 for the BMW. And on cold mornings, the heater of this SLK blew out plenty of BTUs, unlike the last one we tested.
Whereas we're firm in our conviction that the SLK comes up short as a sports car, we're also aware that the majority of wanna-owns prefer it that way.Base/as-tested price: $41,123/$42,095
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Two arrested in connection with Palmdale freeway shooting that left two women injuredEric Bourland, 41, and Christy Bocanegra, 45, both of Hesperia were arrested Wednesday for allegedly shooting at the car with the women inside while on a motorcycle.
Weiterlesen »
Delta and American Are Finally Upgrading Their Seats—But It'll Cost YouMajor airlines like Delta and American are finally upgrading seats on planes in their fleet, offering more premium and business class seats.
Weiterlesen »
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT gets four seats, 4WD and 577bhp V8Stiffened, overhauled V8 coupé launches at Pebble Beach – and we've already ridden in it
Weiterlesen »
2024 Mercedes-AMG GT gets 4WD, 577bhp V8 and four seatsStiffened, overhauled V8 coupé launches at Pebble Beach – and we've already ridden in it
Weiterlesen »
Mercedes-AMG GT enters its second generation with more power, more seatsThe powerful AMG GT comes in two configurations for 2024, both of which are powered by a handcrafted twin-turbocharged V8.
Weiterlesen »
All-new Mercedes-AMG GT keeps V8, adds seatsAMG asked customers what they wanted from a new GT - a bigger, comfier 911 rival it is...
Weiterlesen »