Brabus has tuned the new Mercedes-Benz SLK. The third-generation roadster has been given styling, suspension and engine tweaks to crank up its sportiness and help it take the fight to the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and Nissan 370Z Roadster. Engine tuning is focused on the entry level SLK 200 BlueEfficiency and 250 BlueEfficiency 1.8-litre petrol models. A Brabus powerkit ups the 200’s power and torque from 181bhp and 184lb ft to 206bhp and 206lb ft. Bolder revisions are reserved for the 250, whose 201bhp becomes 226bhp thanks to a power pack, but is boosted to 236bhp (with peak torque of 273lb ft) via a larger intercooler and exhaust tweaks. The 0-62mph sprint takes 6.2sec, 0.4sec quicker than standard though 0.3sec off the pace of a 251bhp Porsche Boxster. The SLK’s top speed rises 3mph to 154mph. Performance kits come with Brabus’s three-year/62,000 mile warranty. There are new sport springs for the suspension, designed to work with the production shocks, which lower the ride height by 30mm over standard. Brake upgrades are available, while there’s a range of alloy wheel designs to choose, with sizes from 17in to 20in . The SLK’s subtle styling is suitably beefed up, though many of the additions serve a real purpose, says Brabus – the front spoiler reduces lift, while a rear spoiler and diffuser to the same job at the back of the car, all in the name of enhancing stability.
Video review of the new Mercedes SLK roadster
