MERCEDES CLK AND SLK

Prompted by the success of the MX-5 the SLK was based on a chopped C-class platform designed to include the Vario retractable steel roof and shown as a concept car in 1994. Full production began two years later but the UK only got the flagship model with a 193bhp, 2.3-litre supercharged engine with automatic gearbox. It was not until 2000 that the six-cylinder engine was used mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. With this came body styling changes. The CLK was also based on the C-class platform but came with four seats and looking very similar to the E-class. It quickly went from the 2.3 to the 3.2 engine. Then came a cabriolet version. Mercedes kept up the pressure by introducing the CLK430 coup with a 4.3-litre V8. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison tests, technical data, travel, long-term impressions, new model introductions. Models covered include:- SLK 200, CLK 230, CLK 320, SLK 230, CLK 430, SLK 320, CLK 55 AMG. 92 pages, 200 ill. SB.