The R170 Mercedes SLK was the first generation compact roadster manufactured and marketed by Mercedes, from 1995 to 2004. It was designed from late 1991 under
Bruno Sacco, with a final design being completed in early 1993 and approved by the board, with a German design patent filed on September 30, 1993. The production SLK-Class was introduced at the
Turin Motor Show on 22 April 1996, appearing as a modern incarnation of the 1950s
Mercedes-Benz 190SL, by returning to four cylinders and with an identical wheelbase. A facelift was introduced to all models in 2000, featuring an updated design and updated engines. == Second generation (R171; 2004–2010) ==