"Thank heavens for Doctor Kegel..."
This new diesel version of M-B's SLK roadster combines almost 370lb ft of torque (and 204hp) with a claimed 59mpg average on the 'Euro-cycle'.
The company says the four-cylinder 2143cc engine puts the two-seater at the top of its class in numerous respects, although they may not be including 'pure driving joy' for afficionados of rev-happy petrol sports cars.
Still, thanks to its relatively mighty torque they claim the car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 6.7secs, and from 49.7 to 74.6mph (aka 80-120km/h) in 4.3secs, which is pretty useful flexibility from a car (they claim) can also take you from the North Sea to a Mediterranean beach non-stop. Hopefully there'll be some sort of 'porta-potty' on the options list for drivers with compromised pelvic floor muscles.
Er, is that it? Best keep it shut then.
The engine gets common-rail injection with a rail pressure of 2000 bar, as well as two-stage turbocharging and like all SLKs features a start/stop system. 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission will be standard when the car goes on sale here later this year. We're still waiting for UK prices, but the Germans are quoting €41,828.50 inc. VAT.
Externally the new version looks identical to its petrol siblings, right down to the twin exhaust system.