Tuesday, February 19, 2008

2008 Mercedes SLK Accessory Lineup Announced


Mercedes recently released its accessory line for the 2008 SLK. With the freshly updated SLK just out of the box, Mercedes is already making sure that owners can personalize the little roadster to meet every need. As in the past, a range of dealer-installed accessories is available, from ski racks to upgraded infotainment systems. Some of the SLK's factory-installed parts are well-timed, addressing options-list oversights and keeping the SLK competitive.

Styling comes first, of course, with Incenio wheels and chrome kits for the grille trim, bumper and mirrors. The wheels include Korsunia, a five triple-spoke 18-inch design, and the 17-inch Kikuchi with five dual spokes. Both wheels are staggered front to rear.

Active lifestyles aren't the sole province of sport-utility vehicle owners, of course, so Mercedes has developed a line of roof-top carriers for the new SLK. Similar to past cargo racks, the Alustyle carriers attach to the SLK's A-pillar and rear deck, and can be outfitted to haul skis, bicycles, snowboards or aerodynamic cargo boxes up top. Thus outfitted, the SLK can carry up to six pairs of skis, four snowboards or three bicycles.

For the interior, Mercedes offers a limited edition three-piece windblocker set with a polycarbonate center section. The set reduces drafts and wind noise at high speeds, comes with its own nylon storage bag, and is curiously limited to a production run of 1,171. Illuminated stainless steel door sill panels are also available.

There's not much hope for a luxury car that doesn't offer Bluetooth or MP3 player connectivity. To upgrade the SLK's infotainment systems, Mercedes now offers a Bluetooth unit for the phone module that will wirelessly connect with compatible phones. It's integrated through the SLK's steering wheel controls and instrument panel display. A Media Interface kit allows portable MP3 players to be connected via USB or the auxiliary output, and there's an iPod-specific jack available that connects your 'Pod to the car's audio controls as well.











Press Release

Mercedes-Benz SLK accessories 2008

Unlimited individuality

Stuttgart – In the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, the striking design and powerful engines place the focus very much on the dynamism and sportiness of the Roadster. The extensive range of genuine accessories from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is designed to add a highly individual touch to this trend-setting car.

Driving pleasure and enjoyment are at the heart of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK accessories range. The latest selection of products, featuring exclusive wheels, glamorous chrome exterior elements, practical telematics modules and ingenious items that make optimum use of the space on board not only ensure a powerful and sporty look but unlimited individuality too.

The wide selection of incenio designer wheels1) helps give every SLK its own individual feel – adding a whole new dimension in brilliant sterling silver. The 18-inch Korsunia wheel, with its five slender triple spokes, has a particularly dynamic look. It is available in size 7.5 J x 18 ET 36 with size 225/40 R18 tyres for the front axle and 8.5 J x 18 ET 30 with size 245/35 R18 tyres for the rear. The 17-inch Kikuchi wheel, with its five twin spokes, is equally distinctive. It is available in size 7.5 J x 17 ET 36 with size 225/45 R17 tyres for the front axle and 8.5 J x 17 ET 30 with size 245/40 R17 tyres for the rear.

The elegant look is reinforced by attractive eye-catching chrome features, including trim for the radiator cross fins, bumper and exterior mirrors plus door handle recesses2) which also help protect the paintwork from scratches. Valve caps and the hub caps in sterling silver with a chrome star add a subtle finishing touch.

Carrier systems for sporty individuals

Mercedes-Benz acknowledged the needs of sports-loving SLK fans and demonstrated its pioneering role once again by developing a versatile roof-mounted carrier system for the previous model of the SLK. The New Alustyle basic carrier bars are precision-tailored to the SLK’s vario-roof and are easy to attach to the A-pillar and rear of the vehicle. Before the bars can be installed, the vehicle must be fitted with the optional extra “pre-installation for carrier systems”, which can be ordered ex factory.

The ski and snowboard rack for up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards and the bicycle rack for up to three bikes are not the only items that can be secured in place on these carrier bars. The robust, aerodynamic roof boxes, which have a capacity of between 330 and 450 litres, are designed to be secured in place by the system too.

Open-top driving with every comfort

The great attention to detail which characterises the accessories range continues in the interior. For outstanding ride comfort, draught-free open-top enjoyment and reduced wind noise – even at higher speeds – there’s a “Limited Edition” draught-stop. Only 1,171 are to be produced. The three-piece set can be precision-fitted in a few simple manoeuvres, without the aid of additional tools, and when not in use, it can be stowed away in the protective nylon bag provided. The transparent centre section, made from polycarbonate, has a special coating which enhances its scratch-resistance. Another interior highlight is the set of illuminated door sill panels made from brushed stainless steel: the blue Mercedes-Benz lettering lights up every time the door is opened.

Unlimited freedom

The Bluetooth® telephone module (SAP)2) makes life easier for those who like to use their phone a lot when they’re out and about. The mobile can simply be left in a jacket pocket or handbag; once it has been paired with the module, the wireless Bluetooth® connection to the vehicle is established automatically. Thanks to SAP (SIM Access Profile) the telephone module automatically accesses the SIM card. It can also access data on the internal phone memory, such as stored phone numbers. The user can therefore access his or her own data directly, including stored contact details. Thanks to on-board integration, the telephone functions can be operated using the multifunction steering wheel, the audio system and the central display in the instrument cluster, for convenience and enhanced safety.

The Media Interface is the ideal choice for music fans. The interface for the telematics optional extra (Code 518) is located in the glove compartment. Music devices can be hooked up to the iPod®, USB or AUX outlet using the Media Interface consumer cables and operated via the car’s audio system. A separate iPod® Interface Kit is also available, allowing the Apple iPod® to be operated using the multifunction steering wheel by integrating the player into the on-board audio system – for full sound enjoyment, even when driving with the top down.

Mercedes-Benz accessories for the new SLK are available via authorised Mercedes-Benz partners.
1) Available from 1st quarter of 2008 2) Available from 3rd quarter of 2008

Source: Mercedes



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