2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster debuts

The all-new SLK-Class, one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built, is entering its third generation. The 2012 roadster takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to the next level by blending nimble handling with stylish comfort, striking sports-car design, everyday drivability, top performance and exemplary efficiency. In addition, the 2012 SLK-Class is proud to present the world premiere of the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which switches between light and dark transparency at the touch of a button.

With superb levels of performance, they are more fuel efficient than their predecessors and with unique new safety equipment the 2012 SLK-Class sets the new standard in this segment. With its wealth of technical innovations, the SLK is once again the benchmark in its class. The 2012 SLK-Class goes on-sale in the U.S. this summer.

The first eye-catching feature is an upright radiator grille that stands proud and confident in the wind and bears the new Mercedes-Benz brand look. The grille emphasizes the long and well-proportioned hood, and with its light-catching contours it already hints at the roadster’s dramatic qualities. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position and displays a powerfully contoured chromed fin at the front. The clearly defined headlamps complete the look of the new SLK’s face and resemble that of the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s, which is regarded by many as being the original “SLK”. However the designers did not just focus on the past; with the new SLK’s front end they also intentionally created a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “gullwing model” and the new CLS.

The impressive result of this meticulously detailed work is that in spite of the more striking, steeper front and larger frontal area, the Cd value has been cut to just 0.30 – a brilliant achievement.

Meanwhile the upper edge of the wide headlamps – which for the first time boast all-LED technology – also appears to flow into the feature line.

A comfortable alternative to the conventional wind-stop is a new pivoting wind- stop for the 2012 SLK, invented by Mercedes-Benz aerodynamics engineers. It consists of pivoting transparent plastic layers attached to the back of the roll bars. The driver or passenger can swing them to the center of the vehicle in an instant, thus taming turbulent air flow.

There will be two models of the 2012 SLK available in its first year, both powered by direct-injection engines. The completely redesigned V6 engine in the SLK350 develops 302 hp from its 3.5L displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.4 seconds from 0-60 mph, with top speed 155 mph. Its fuel consumption is estimated at 23 mpg. Its most important highlight is its 3rd-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition.

Later on in the model year, the SLK250 goes on-sale with a four-cylinder engine developing 201 hp from a 1.8L displacement.

The SLK250 is equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and consumes an estimated 27 mpg. From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK also sets new benchmarks in terms of safety. The third generation of this icon will make use of a whole host of the latest assistance systems to support the driver, including the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, developed by Mercedes-Benz and fitted as standard equipment. Available through special order is DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE Brake, which can autonomously apply the brakes in the event of an impending rear-end collision. As such, with the SLK Mercedes-Benz again exceeds modern safety requirements.

Optionally available is the Lighting Package that not only provides headlamp cleaning but cornering and active light functions.

The 2012 SLK-Class makes its U.S. showroom debut in summer 2011.