Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Celebrates Tenth Year In Canada with the SLK-Class “Edition 10”

TORONTO, ON - For 2008, the Mercedes-Benz SLK coupe/roadster line features the new “Edition 10” anniversary model, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 1998 SLK roadster’s dramatic debut in Canada. Sporting the first retractable hardtop in modern times, the SLK started an industry trend for hardtop convertibles that’s still going strong.

The Canada–specific, SLK350 Editon 10, starting at $78,500, is available wth a limited-production run of 30 cars. Powered by a 3.5 litre V-6 engine, producing 268-hp, the SLK350 Edition 10 model is individually numbered and comes very well equipped, featuring 17-inch “chrome-shadow” wheels, steering wheel shift paddles, tinted taillights, red stitching on black leather seats, exclusive designo paint work, AIRSCARF, harman/kardon sound system with a 6-disc CD changer, DVD navigation, 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission and Edition 10 badging.

After shaking up the small roadster market when it was introduced ten years ago, the second-generation SLK wowed the public again when it hit the Canadian streets in 2004. Inspired by the world of Formula One racing, the exterior design of the SLK incorporates an arrow-shaped nose, a sleek front hood, sloped windshield and a handsome, tapered silhouette. Aggressive styling carries through to the rear, punctuated by dual exhaust pipes.

Dominating the SLK cockpit are large chronometer-style gauges – speedometer, fuel gauge, tachometer and clock – with silver switches and trim elements that contrast against a darker sculpted dash.

The automatic retractable hardtop of the SLK sets it apart from the competition. With the top up, it’s a quiet coupe – push a button, and the car is topless. The roof of the current SLK goes up and down in 22 seconds, and the folded roof takes up surprisingly little trunk space – thanks to its pivoting rear window.

The AIRSCARF system (standard on the Edition 10) can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Built into the seatbacks of the SLK, the neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in cooler weather. AIRSCARF even compensates automatically for vehicle speed.

The SLK is considered one of the safest roadsters in the world. In addition to its integrated roll bars and two-stage front air bags for both the driver and passenger, and head-thorax air bags which are located in the seat backs are deployed in the event of a side impact that exceeds the deployment threshold. The top edge of the fully-inflated head-thorax air bag reaches above the top edge of the seat back to help provide better head and neck protection similar to the curtain-type air bags on hardtop Mercedes models.

Stopping power for the SLK350 comes from perforated and ventilated 330 mm (13-inch) front discs and solid 289 mm (11.4-inch) rear discs, with two-piston calipers at the front and rear.

Like all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, the SLK comes equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a Mercedes innovation that can help prevent slides and spins, especially in slippery weather. ESP can detect an impending spin or slide and prevent it by applying the brakes to individual wheels or reducing engine power. In addition, full-range traction control provides safer travel on slippery road surfaces.

Also standard on the SLK is Brake Assist, which can detect an emergency or “panic” stop (based on how quickly the brake pedal is applied) and deliver full braking power, helping to reduce stopping distances.

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 1000 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 18,547 vehicles in 2007, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Contact:

JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca

Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca