MONTVALE, N.J. — The 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster is a resounding smash hit that has people falling in love with sports cars all over again. From its supercharged engine to its retractable hardtop and its lengthy list of standard features, the SLK has truly proven to be the sports car for all seasons and reasons. Introduced in early 1997, the 1998 SLK230 Kompressor continues with its manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $39,700.

The innovative Mercedes SLK sets new standards in the two-passenger sports car market segment, and it will take its place among legendary sports cars that bore the three-pointed star. A high-performance engine, responsive transmission and sophisticated independent suspension assure sporty driving in the SLK. The supercharged roadster sprints from 0-60 mph in a blink over seven seconds.

Already named North American Car of The Year and as one of Car & Driver Magazine’s "Ten Best," the SLK complements the well-known Mercedes-Benz SL models and returns the German automaker to the enviable position of offering sporty entries in two distinct sports car segments — last seen in the early 1960s with the 300SL and 190SL.

The SLK has been designed as a sports car for all seasons and reasons, and this is made clear by the car’s most unique feature — a fully automatic retracting hardtop. The current Mercedes SL models introduced the industry’s first fully automatic operation for the convertible top, and the SLK takes this technology a step further. Pushing one button triggers a sequence of events that transforms the SLK from a closed coupe to a fully open roadster in 25 seconds.

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The retractable hardtop creates two cars in one, and also offers the refinement and structural integrity of a coupe. The hardtop provides increased security against theft, and the glass rear window with integrated defroster ensures clear visibility to the rear.

ASR traction control, standard for the U.S.-market SLK, is another all-season asset. The system can control rear wheelspin with both the brakes and throttle. As on every U.S.-market Mercedes-Benz, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes are standard on the SLK.

The SLK introduced the BabySmart system — a new technology which turns off the passenger airbag whenever a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes dealers) is belted in. The BabySmart system uses a small "resonator" built into the child seat, similar to the security tags sometimes attached to merchandise in retail clothing stores. A low-power radio signal from the passenger seat prompts a return signal from the resonator in the BabySmart-compatible seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers), allowing the system to sense its presence and automatically turn off the passenger’s front airbag.

Since the car’s signal is essentially "reflected" back by the resonator in the child seat, the seat itself needs no battery or power hookup. The BabySmart system, which is standard on most 1998 Mercedes-Benz models, is a special benefit in a two-seater like the SLK, since rear-facing child seats are too close to the airbag and can’t be placed in a rear seat.

Selective use of light-weight materials such as magnesium and aluminum contribute to a lean weight-to-power ratio of about 16 pounds-per-horsepower. With a curb weight of 3,036 pounds and 157 inch-length, the SLK is relatively light and short, emphasizing its sporty nature and contributing to its nimbleness.

All U.S. versions of the Mercedes-Benz SLK are equipped exclusively with a 185-horsepower supercharged, intercooled engine. Badged SLK230, the U.S. model shares the European "Kompressor" badge on the front fenders to indicate the presence of a supercharger, or compressor.

The SLK’s crankshaft-driven supercharger is an adaptation of the Roots "blower," which was invented by Americans Francis and Philander Roots 130 years ago. Twin three-lobed rotors turn at up to 12,000 rpm within the oval compressor housing, compressing incoming air. An intercooler then cools the pressurized air, which creates a denser intake charge to boost power further.

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To conserve fuel and enhance component durability, the belt-driven supercharger disengages at idle via magnetic clutch. However, there is a smooth transition, with none of the "lag" or sudden power surges that affect performance in some turbocharged cars (which use exhaust gas to drive the compressor). On the contrary, with its 200 lbs.-ft. of torque available from 2,500-4,800 rpm, the SLK230 rewards the driver with the smooth, flexible response one would expect of a larger displacement engine.

Teamed to the SLK’s supercharged engine is a five-speed automatic transmission that uses electronic controls and a microprocessor to adapt to road conditions and even an individual’s driving style. For example, on inclines, the transmission will sense the road grade and delay an upshift to preserve climbing power. Then, on a descent, the transmission will downshift to take advantage of engine braking, just as a driver would do if shifting manually. In normal driving, the transmission shifts quickly and smoothly for optimal fuel efficiency. However, when the transmission computer senses spirited driving, it responds with crisper shifts at higher engine speeds.

Double wishbone front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension endow the SLK with the handling reflexes expected of a modern sports car, without the jarring ride of some of the "classics." The SLK’s staggered tire sizes (different sizes front and rear), meanwhile, contribute to the roadster’s neutral handling, a trait preferred by most driving enthusiasts. The front alloy wheels, which measure 16 inches in diameter and 7 inches wide, are shod with 205/55R-16 V-rated performance tires; the rear wheels measure 16" x 8" and feature wider, lower-profile 225/50-R16 tires.

Mercedes-Benz advanced the safety of open cars with the current SL coupe/roadster — particularly in regard to rare but dangerous rollover accidents — and these lessons have been applied to the new SLK.

Occupant safety in the SLK starts with the "crumple zone" construction pioneered by Mercedes-Benz and includes a new ellipsoid bulkhead, the latest refinement to the proven forked front member which helps dissipate crash energy. The integrity of the Mercedes body structure also contributes to an exceptionally high level of ride comfort and refinement for an open car.

The sturdy SLK passenger compartment is further protected by reinforced A-pillars, dual integrated rollover bars, front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. Its three-point seatbelts incorporate Emergency Tensioning Retractors (ETR), with belt-force limiters to guard against upper body injuries caused by seatbelts in a severe front or rear impact.

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The contemporary styling of the SLK includes cues from a rich heritage of Mercedes-Benz racing and sports cars, such as the supercharged SSK of the 1920s and the 300SL of the 1950s and 1960s. Notable design elements linking the SLK with its proud past include the long hood/short deck proportions and the "power domes" on the hood, a tribute to the original 300SL. The Mercedes SLK design is one that looks toward the future, while paying respect to its past. The taut wedge profile, short overhangs and wheels that fill the fender wells convey action and performance, even standing still. It’s intended to be a timeless design, and it is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz.

The SLK interior blends modern design, classic touches and functional luxury. The two-tone leather interior is unlike anything Mercedes-Benz has ever put into a production car. Three color combinations are available — navy/charcoal, oyster/charcoal and salsa/charcoal — and one solid tone, charcoal. It’s as comfortable as a Mercedes is expected to be. The seats use a special built-in spring system to help absorb bumps, and there’s nearly 43 inches of legroom. The standard telescoping steering wheel helps the driver fine-tune the driving position. A standard draft blocker easily slips over the rollover bars to reduce wind buffeting in the cockpit, enhancing comfort for both driver and passenger.

The instrument panel gauges have a classic sports car look, with polished aluminum bezels, ivory faces and red dial pointers. The stainless steel and chrome trim on the door sills and door handles adds a retro touch, too. On the console, Mercedes uses carbon fiber-optic trim, which recalls the carbon fiber used in race cars. The top center of the instrument panel houses a pair of hidden cupholders.

Since the Mercedes-Benz SLK is so comprehensively equipped as standard, there are only three factory options: heated seats for $595, metallic paint for $600 and a choice of telephone/CD changer combinations — an integrated mobile phone/CD changer for $1,495 or an integrated portable phone/CD changer for $1,895. (See accompanying long-lead press kit for complete list of standard features.)