The redesigned Mercedes SLK is far more macho than the almost cute appearance of the original SLK in an effort to attract more male buyers. The current SLK sells to 52 percent women and 48 percent men and U.S. marketers want to flip the percentage, and appeal to 60 percent men versus 40 percent women. The thinking, shared by other automakers, is that women will buy a car that appeals to a man but men won't buy cars associated with women.Mercedes designers were inspired by Formula 1 styling themes and the McLaren SLR, an ultra-powerful, ultra-expensive Mercedes sports car. Racing-inspired cues include the arrow-shaped nose, steeply raked windshield and twin tailpipes. The wedge-shaped SLK sports a long, sloping hood and a short rear with wide doors in between. The SLK's design is a tad schizophrenic, as if two different designers did the front and back. Its face is busy, so there's lots to look at, almost too much, while the back end is clean and sleek.
In addition to gaining more machismo, the SLK also has grown in key dimensions. Compared with the current SLK, the new one is: 2.8 inches longer with 1.2 inch more wheelbase; 3 inches wider; and 1.3 inches higher. The added dimensions allowed for a seemingly roomier cabin, albeit still cozy, and a larger, more useful trunk, measuring 6.6 cubic feet, up 1.8 cubic feet.