Geneva 2004 - Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
The SLK has shed its conservative and sensible skin in this, its second generation. Clearly taking a design page from the ultraexotic SLR McLaren coupe, the new SLK wears a Formula 1-style nose and, of course, sports a fully retractable hard top. When it goes on sale in the States this fall, we'll see an SLK350 model with the firm's new 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, followed shortly thereafter by the little roadster's first V-8. And not just any V-8, but a 350-hp, 5.5-liter unit from AMG. Coolest (or warmest) new feature: Airscarf, which blows warm air out of the headrests to prolong the top-down experience even in chilly weather. Look for our first driving impression of the SLK350 in the June issue of Automobile Magazine.