The former SLK350 was very pleasant to drive with a manual gearbox but with the new force that Mercedes has to inject its 3.5-liter V6 for 2009,could have done much better use of the six reports during previous day test on the D2204 road, which winds around the mountains of the Principality.Still,there is nothing like a smooth hand to eradicate all the fun that can be an engine that runs with enthusiasm and produces 300 horsepower piaffants through the chorus of its exhausts.

Ravigote this engine is the piece de resistance among some 650 modifications and improvements in the 2009 SLK.Despite their numbers, this is not a new generation of SLK as likes to say Mercedes.However, the facelift is the benefit to this model which was launched in its current form in 2004. 

The basic shape and structure remain the same but most observers note a new bumper and a new grille which refines the form V - enough to potentially even frighten young children and old ladies.At the rear, new trapezoidal exhaust tips flanking a low body which tries to portray itself as a broadcaster aerodynamics.

The carrier has decorative improvements, a redesigned dashboard with red needles and dials with crowns of 3-D effect, and a new sport steering wheel with three branches. New technologies "infotainment" include Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility, a navigation system with hard drive and an audio system Harman / Kardon Logic7, to name a few.

There are essentially only one improvement to the chassis but it drastically affects the feeling of driving.Called Direct Steer by Mercedes is a variable steering ratio (not to be confused with the existing power assist that changes the resistance of the direction in terms of speed).In the center position, management is relatively slow, which ensures stability and reactions raised small course corrections.But as soon as you exceed five degrees of rotation, the direction becomes much more "lively" e.

Overall the number of turns of the wheel from lock to lock rose from 2.9 previously to 2.2 with management Direct Steer. In town and on winding roads, the car seems to be more agile and more serious because the turns and parking maneuvers require less agitation driving.

The top model range, the SLK55 AMG remains unchanged under the hood and continued its journey with the majestic 5.4-liter V8 developing 355 horsepower. At the other end of the range, 3-liter V6 in the former SLK280 (newly renamed SLK300 for North America) still provides 228 horsepower while reducing its consumption of two to four percent.

The magic was reserved for the 3.5-liter V6 that Mercedes-Benz now calls his "motor sport" (presumably to distinguish it from the previous version which was identical to the engine used in the ML350 VTU).Not content to increase the ultimate power of the engine of its SLK350 of 268 to 300 horsepower - the same time increasing the maximum 7200 rpm - the manufacturer has also reduced its consumption of nine to 10 percent, offering both the cake and eat it too.

The valve timing was also reviewed to retrieve the couple lost at low speed with the old collector in two phases.The torque rises from 258 lb-pientre 2400 and 5000 rpm to 266 lb-ft at 4900 rpm. Most of the torque range is now available earlier, between 2200 and 4200 rpm.

A final drive ratio longer contributes to the reduction of consumption.Normally, it should also reduce the speed but in this case it contributes to a better acceleration from zero to 100 km / h because that speed can now be reached on the second report, which avoids the loss time during the passage of the third report.

There is no better measure of success in this regard that through one of the many tunnels that dot the Alpes-Maritimes around Monte Carlo. Above the sound of the exhaust, which competes in tune with saxophone solos by Clarence Clemons, composers Mercedes added support classical blast when you release the accelerator.