CHECK OUT THE 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK.

Mercedes-Benz SLK

 The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK marks the third generation for the pint-sized roadster. The SLK has long been considered as the baby SL, for its diminutive size and lower pricing. Like the SL, the SLK features a folding retractable hardtop that operates at the push of a button.

For 2012, Mercedes made numerous improvements to the SLK's sheet metal, engine, and available options. For example, the SLK debuts the automaker's Magic Sky roof glass panel, which changes from clear to opaque at the push of a button. As for the styling, designers drew heavy inspiration from the SLS AMG gull wing coupe and roadster, especially for the aggressive front fascia. The SLS theme continues inside with round air vents and the one-piece center stack that flows along the driveshaft tunnel.

The SLK is powered by two new engines including a fuel efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 hp. Next up is a new 3.5-liter direct-injected V-6 engine rated at 302 hp; the upcoming SLK55 AMG will feature a new high-performance V-8 with an output of 415 hp. All three engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.... Expand full summary

The Range

Body style: Convertible
Engines: 1.8L I-4, 3.5L V-6, 5.5L V-8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
Models: SLK250, SLK350, SLK55 AMG

What's New

The third-generation SLK is completely new for the 2012 model year. The changes are immediately apparent from the 2012 SLK's exterior appearance that draws a heavy resemblance to the flagship SLS AMG gullwing coupe and roadster. The front fascia is more masculine and aggressive and the round HVAC vents mimic those found in the SLS. Also new are three new engines including a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder, a direct-injected V-6, and a range-topping V-8. Also new is the Magic Sky glass roof, which changes from clear to opaque at the push of a button.

Exterior

For the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK, designers borrowed heavily from the exotic SLS AMG. Up front the SLK features a bold front fascia with a square grille, a large three-pointed star that sits in between a single-bar, daytime running LED bars, and side port vents that sit below the character line on the front fenders. Like its bigger brother, the SL, a folding hard top turns the SLK into a convertible or a coupe at the push of a button.

Interior

Like the exterior, the interior of the SLK is influenced heavily by the SLS AMG. The round HVAC vents and the one-piece metallic center stack are similar to the SLS, as are the silver-backed gauges. Seats are wrapped in real leather, which is offered in a number of shades. Also available are heated seats and the AIRSCARF system, which blows warm air through vents that sit behind the passenger's neck area. The COMAND system is available with navigation, satellite radio and traffic, and SD card reader, and a 10GB music register.

Performance & Handling

The third-generation SLK marks the return of a four-cylinder engine. This particular unit - which is scheduled to debut in early 2012 - is a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine that produces 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque; it can be had with a seven-speed automatic, though driving enthusiasts should opt for the standard six-speed manual. The SLK350 features a new direct-injected 3.5-liter, V-6 (302 hp and 273 lb-ft) that powers the roadster from 0-60 mph at a manufacturer estimated 5.6 seconds. The SLK55 AMG, which is set to debut in early 2012, will be powered by a 415-hp V-8.

Safety

Mercedes-Benz ensures open top safety with standard roll bars that sit behind each seat. Also standard are eight airbags (front, knee, head, and side-thorax), four-wheel ABS with electronic brake assist, electronic stability control (ESP), adaptive braking, seat belt tensioning, and rain sensing wipers. The SLK is now available with Mercedes-Benz's Attention Assist, which uses a number of sensors to detect and alert drowsy drivers. The SLK also features Neck-PRO, which moves the head restraints forward during a rear-end collision to help prevent passenger whiplash.

EPA Fuel Economy

SLK250: N/A
SLK350: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway
SLK55 AMG: N/A

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2012/mercedes_benz/slk_class/#ixzz1rlKB6FhA

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