Prototypes with diesel potential
A Mercedes SLK 320 CDI V6 Triturbo and an SL 400 CDI V8 Biturbo … no, they never officially existed. But twenty years ago, it really seemed like Mercedes-Benz was considering a sporty open diesel offensive. We were even able to drive the two prototypes presented in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.
Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 CDI, the prototype did it with 3 turbos. Something that was later available at BMW. In fact, the brand even brought a diesel with four turbos. But not in roadsters.
The chances of the arrival of a Mercedes-Benz SL 400 CDI were estimated at fifty-fifty in 2005. It never happened.
A diesel with three turbos never came for the SLK, but later Das Haus considered the time ripe for an SLK with a four-cylinder CDI. And the SL with diesel, that was still a step too far.