Opinion poll: It's the future. Introducing the new 2011 SLK.

I've been thinking about the future lately. We know that in 2004 or so we'll get a newly redesigned/face-lifted SLK. I think most of us hope we do not get the walrus-nosed version of the front facade. Still, try to think further out. Since the SLK debuted in 1998, and will be redesigned in 2004, it's probable that another redesign will be scheduled for 2011 or so. What do you suppose the 2011 SLK will be like? Retro-styling? Evolutionary-styling? Revolutionary-styling? What about the engine type, fuel requirements, horse power and torque. What sort of gizmos you think will be standard? What new gizmos might be introduced? Whatever your thoughts - why not voice them here. Also consider how the SLK will compete. No doubt the signature metal roof will stay. But also consider the competition, the Z3, Boxster, TT and S2000 will no doubt be there. But what about new comers? Jaguare's F-type will be there. I'm also guessing probably something from Nissan, Acura, and the Buick Bengal, and Caddy Evoq. <br>

Well, I like almost everyone else hope the 2004 does not have the ugly nose. If it does not have the ugly nose, I am buying one with the redesign in 2003 or 2004 whenever it comes out. If it does, welp, maybe a CLK or something. I do think it will ALWAYS carry some hints of retro styling. Mercedes is not shy about letting everybody know the SLK and SLs roots. The 300SLs and such from the 50s. I think you will always be able to see some retro elements. However, hidden within these retro elements will be fascinatingly sophisticated electronics. We, obviously, will have a COMMAND type console. However, this is no ordinary COMMAND. This command will likely make the one currently avaliable look like it came from Fisher Price. It will have news, email, stocks, control everything in the car including advanced climate controls and give a detailed layout of engine characteristics including potential problems predicted before they happen etc etc. It will have an incredibly advanced engine diagnostics computer that will extent engine life and give you crucial information taking the guess work out of the "engine light." This car will be a fuel cell vehicle emitting H20 as its wasteproduct. Remember, that this is not a gasoline engine so I think it will likely not be much faster than the current SLKs, perhaps alittle faster but not alot. The new roof will be amazing. You press a button and it vaporizes (Star Trek style) and then reappears. No, not really but it will an ingenious design no doubt much more efficient than current. It will stow away vertically or something leaving a huge trunk for this size car. No doubt, Active Body Control and other driving enhancements will make cornering and handling a snap. Also, the automatics will have a computer that blows the 32 away. It will obviously downshift when aggressively taking turns and shift smoother and faster than anything we've seen before, including the SLK32. Again, I think the COMMAND (or whatever it happens to be called then, you know what I am talking about) will be most impressive. I think it will combine all the technology mediums that we have now, but in one package and completely seemlessly. As I said, internet, email, PDA functions, satallite radio + sat phones as well as current functions of radio, GPS, teleaid, telephone, all voice controlled. The security system: voice activated. The car will not start unless it hears your voice say a specified code word or something. Or perhaps fingerprint coding. I also think the biggest enhancement wont be speed. Speed isnt where cars are going, we've already made fast cars - wow you want a fast car go out and buy one. I think Mercedes is going to be looking at control like active body suspensions and other such advanced systems as well as incredibly smart automatic transmissions as well as amazing MPG fuel efficiency. I think things like fuel cells will power the cars and make for amazingly efficient engines that will go for a LONG time without refueling. The lighting system will be something even more revolutionary than Xenon HIDs (including brake lighting and side markers) with a much more advanced self-leveling. Ahh, my brain hurts, I dont feel like thinking anymore. It will amazing, MB has always been at the cutting edge of automotive technology and whatever the SLK will be you can expect it to be cutting edge.

even more critical is how I will be able to continue maximum intake flow to me and the power/handling of the 2011 aluminum and carbon fiber wheel chair I'll be sportin'

there is no way I would be caught driving the walrus nose. That thing looks way too Fisher Price for my tastes.. I'd keep my 320 first or get back into a Porsche, actually I will for sure if they have a retractable hardtop by then.

just like the current slk looks like a smaller version of the last generation large coupe (was the s something, relabeled the cl)<br>
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...j<br>

but seriously, I don't know what it'll be like. By then I'm willing to bet that almost all convertible will have the variotop and our choices will be even greater. The majority of SLK owners are first time buyers of MBs specifically because to the SLK. I myself would have bought something else other than an MB if it weren't for the SLK. But now I'm a true fan fo the mark and may get another MB model in the future.

high gas prices and fuel shortages, congested roads packed with SUVÆs and trucks driven by criminally incompetent drivers, confiscatory tax rates... Actually the future sounds eerily like the present. But IÆm sure most of us will still be finding ways to have fun with our ôsportsö cars. ;-)))