Mercedes-Benz Unveils the 2012 SLK
Mercedes-Benz Unveils the 2012 SLK
This year marks the debut of the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, which is slated to go... Read More
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This year marks the debut of the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, which is slated to go on sale as a 2012 model later this year.
For those who don’t know, SLK stands for sportlich (sporty), leicht (light) and kurz (short). The original SLK was released in 1996, and was most recently changed in 2005.
This time around, the basic design is similar to the previous car, but most of the effort went into redesigning the front of the car. The SLK now features a front grille that shares its cues with the SL model. In a press release, Mercedes-Benz states that the new SLK “resembles that of the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s” and that the SLK now “bears the new Mercedes-Benz brand look.” The SLK certainly has the Mercedes-Benz brand look, but the tie to the 1954 190 SL, is a bit of a stretch.
Besides the front grille, there is some additional side sculpturing on the rocker panels and also a prominent air extractor outlet on each front fender, again similar to the SL but located at a higher spot on the fender. The rear of the SLK resembles the previous car.
The interior has a significant addition in its "Magic Sky Control," which enables the glass on the optional panoramic Vario Roof to switch from dark to light at the touch of a button. A folding metal roof is standard.
Other interior items include the neck-level heating system, AIRSCARF (introduced in the previous-generation cars) and the AIRGUIDE, which directs air flow from the back during open top motoring.
There are also three suspensions to choose from. The conventional suspension system gives way to an optional sports suspension with firmer springs and shock absorbers. A Dynamic Handling package includes a suspension with an electronic continuous adjustable damping system. Also available with the Dynamic Handling package is the Direct-Steer system which offers better steering and "Torque Vectoring Brakes," which can apply braking force to an inside rear wheel to tighten cornering.
As of this writing, the American bound cars are slated to be available with two versions of the 1.8-liter direct-injection four-cylinder, with 184 and 204 hp respectively. A manual transmission is standard; a seven-speed automatic is optional. A 3.5-liter V-6 is rated at 306 hp. Mercedes-Benz states that the SLK with the V-6 can attain 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
The SLK will be available in late 2011.
(Daimler AG)
(Daimler AG)
(Daimler AG)
(Daimler AG)
[Daimler AG]
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