Mercedes-Benz SLK

Many innovative features add up to a unique rear-wheel-drive roadster. An electrically retractable hardtop folds and stows itself in the trunk when its lowered. When up, it makes this convertible feel almost as solid as a fixed-roof coupe. A supercharged (hence Kompressor) 2.3-liter, 190-hp Four provides adequate, a bit coarse and not exciting power for the SLK230. A punchy, smooth 3.2-liter, 215-hp V6 joined the range for 2001 under the designation SLK320, with a standard six-speed manual transmission, which adds a sportier edge to the car. A five-speed automatic is optional.