If you haven't already read our preview of the new 2012 SLK, or even more importantly, our first drive report, you should catch up, because the first of the new roadsters are hitting U.S. streets this month.

Mercedes-Benz announced the car's availability and confirmed its $54,800 starting price, though you'll have to add destination fees to get the final tally.

Key features on the new SLK include the optional Magic Sky Control roof, which features driver-selectable opacity, plus Mercedes' only available manual transmission in the U.S., though you'll have to wait a few months for those cars to arrive.

Check out the links above for the full run-down on the 2012 SLK's features and how they stack up in the real world.