2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK REVEALED!

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new SLK roadster. After almost seven years in production, the old car – which took its styling cues from the McLaren SLR – is being replaced. The SLK is probably best known for popularising the electronically folding hard top format that is now available in many CCs (coupe convertibles) and roadsters. This car predictably takes after the SLS AMG in terms of looks.

"The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high-quality interior and its modesty at the fuel station it will continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, too, consolidating its status as a cult roadster."

The SLK’s innovative approach to the roadster concept was epitomised not just by its folding vario hard top, but also the Airscarf feature that came with the second-generation car. Airscarf was a system that blew air from the two passengers’ headrests to allow for open-top driving, even in colder weather.

The new car features something called Magic Sky Control which, according to Merc, can be switched to variable lightness or darkness of shade. This means it can be set to block the sun out a greater extent than what a normal tinted sunroof can do.

The engine list is quite short, which is expected of such a semi-niche car. The entry level is an SLK 200 with 135kW and 270Nm. Next is an SLK 250 which comes fitted with a 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder unit producing 150kW. Top of the menu is the SLK 350 with its V6 engine making 225kW. It is claimed to go from 0 – 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. AMG will of course contribute to a super SLK AMG. What we don’t know is if it will feature a 4.7-litre twin turbo, or a twin turbo 5.5-litre V8, or the naturally aspirated version of that. Power though, will certainly go over 300kW to make it the most powerful roadster in its class (eclipsing both the Audi TT RS and the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS).