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One thousand and thirteen SLK Roadsters were delivered in the first 12 months and since launch 1,186 cars have been delivered across the country, eclipsing all other luxury roadster sales.

The new SLK stormed onto the scene in August 2004, capturing the fascination of roadster lovers across the country promising more power, more safety and more driving pleasure.

“The second-generation of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars on the market has been welcomed by roadster aficionados with open arms,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“Australians have fallen in love with the beguiling two-seater which is even more alluring, more powerful and sportier than ever.

“The aspirational new roadster has set new benchmarks in the luxury roadster segment,” said von Sanden.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster was introduced in August last year in the form of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR priced from $86,900 and the SLK 350 priced from $112,900. The SLK 55 AMG arrived in February of this year followed by the new SLK 280 in August.

The SLK-Class Roadster range included, for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-AMG, whilst the newly developed four-valve V6 engine in the SLK 350 developed 200 kW and delivered impressive dynamic driving pleasure.

A further developed vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupe in just 22 seconds, was joined on the list of standard equipment by the likes of head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front airbags and two-stage belt force limiters. At the same time, the car’s chassis, steering and manual transmission were given an even sportier edge.

Plus, Mercedes-Benz presented a world first with the second-generation SLK in the shape of the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF generates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints allowing passengers to keep the roof down even when the outside temperatures drops and to enjoy the open-top roadster experience the whole year round.

Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and COMAND APS (standard on SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG) were among the other technical innovations offered as options for the first time in the SLK-Class.

Another technical innovation, the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, was introduced as a standard item in the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG and for the first time a six-speed manual transmission became available as an option on the V6-powered SLK 350 in addition to the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR.

For the SLK 350, Mercedes-Benz developed a new six-cylinder engine with around 25 percent more power (200 kW) and 13 percent extra torque (350 Newton metres ). The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class and reinforces its sporting credentials with a pleasing, full-throated sound.

The 120-kW engine under the bonnet of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR celebrated its premiere in this Mercedes model family. The new arrival is a member of the unique TWINPULSE generation of four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz, which offer further advances in terms of output, torque, smoothness and fuel consumption.

The arrival in August this year of the new SLK 280 heralded the start of a V6 engine offensive by Mercedes-Benz which saw 11 new six-cylinder models released in Australia.

The new engine offensive was based on all-new V6 petrol and diesel engines that are the best in their displacement class in terms of power output, torque, fuel consumption and environmental friendliness.

Priced under $100,000, the new 170 kW V6-powered SLK 280 raised the stakes in the luxury roadster segment already dominated by Mercedes.

The new Mercedes Roadster replaced a successful first-generation model enjoyed by over 308,000 delighted owners worldwide since autumn 1996. The global number one in its market segment, it served as a symbol for the new, dynamic brand image of Mercedes-Benz.