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The new SLK32 AMG gets a special, recalibrated, reinforced suspension with unique spring rates and shock-absorber valving. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are available as part of an option group that also includes headlight washers and heated seats. Door mirrors feature integrated turn-signal flashers. The top-down process takes about 25 seconds. The trunk opens in two different modes: at the front to accept the roof, or at the rear to fit a small amount of luggage. Push a button on the console and the articulating metal roof raises or retracts automatically into the dual-hinged trunk space. Measuring 50.4 inches tall and 157.9 inches long overall, the SLK-Class sits on a 94.5-inch wheelbase that is 5 inches longer than the Miata’s. Serving as Mercedes-Benz’s smallest model in the United States, the SLK-Class is just a little bigger than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Last year’s face-lift included new front and rear aprons, body-colored door handles, sculpted rocker panels and revised two-color taillights, along with the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar. Mercedes-Benz sold 11,268 SLK-Class roadsters during 2001, which represents a drop from the 12,930 units that reached customers in 2000, according to Automotive News. The SLK-Class models compete against the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster and cost about half as much as the V-8-powered Mercedes-Benz SL500. Introduced in 1998, the SLK230 was the first modern car to have a retractable metal roof — an idea that harks back to Fords of the late 1950s but has occasionally been employed over the years.

A six-speed-manual transmission became available in 2001, and an automatic unit is also offered. Both have Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program. The original SLK230 Kompressor uses a supercharged four-cylinder engine that makes 192 hp. Face-lifted for 2001, the SLK320 contains a 215-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine. Other than these new additions, the SLK-Class roadsters carry on as before with their retractable steel hardtops that fold into a dual-hinged trunk. A new Sport Package, inspired by the SLK32 AMG, is also available for the regular SLK-Class models and includes a fresh front air dam, rocker panels and a rear valance. Only 1,000 of them are destined for the U.S. It now comes equipped with a supercharged, 349-horsepower V-6 engine, racing-derived brakes and a new AMG Speedshift transmission. A new high-performance SLK32 AMG version of the two-seat roadster has emerged for 2002.