Mercedes launches its third-generation SLK roadster, with the 2012 model reaching U.S. showrooms over the summer.
Mercedes promises a little magic when it launches the all-new, third-generation SLK roadster, later this year. Magic Sky Control, to be more precise.
The original Mercedes-Benz SLK, launched 14 years ago, helped usher in an era of folding hardtop convertibles, a concept that is as much the norm as the exception today. You’ll be able to go with that origami metal on the 2012 roadster, or a roof with large, panorama-sized glass. But the big news is the all-new Magic Sky Control, which uses a special type of glass that can be switched from almost totally transparent to opaque with the touch of a button.
In clear mode it provides a sense of being out in the open without those annoying drawbacks like having snow fly in your face in the middle of a Michigan winter. On a hot summer day, however, the roof, set to dark, provides some much-needed shade.
“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car”, says Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The 2012 Mercedes SLK will be offered with the new Magic Sky Control system.
The always distinctive SLK gets some significant revisions to its sheet metal for 2012, including a notably upright grille, with a single wing-like chrome bar, framing the big Mercdes tri-star. The vent grilles on the front fenders add a bit of a heritage feel, recalling the maker’s classic ‘50s roadsters. The wraparound headlamps, meanwhile, were directly influenced by the original 190 SL roadster of nearly 60 years back.
The attention to detail has a functional element, helping deliver a much more aerodynamic roadster than before. Meanwhile, a new, transparent wind deflector has been incorporated between the roll hoops that surround the driver and passenger headrests. Dubbed Airguide, it pivots to channel air inside the cabin when the top is down.
A look inside the 2012 Mercedes SLK.
And even the retro touches have a futuristic touch, those headlamps, for the first time, using all LED lighting.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has helped curb weight with the use of new aluminum fenders and hood.
Mercedes plans to offer two versions of the SLK, at least in the first year, both powered by direct-injection engines. The first to market will be the SLK350, its completely-redesigned 3.5-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower. That’ll get you from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 155 mph.
The Magic Sky Control roof can be switched from clear to opaque with the touch of a button.
Later in the year, the maker plans to launch the SLK250, with a 1.8-liter inline-four making 201 hp. That will still deliver 0 to 60 times of 6.5 seconds, estimates Mercedes, though mileage jumps from 23 mpg combined, for the SLK350 to 27 mpg for the SLK250.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will get the expected assortment of technological features, including COMAND infotainment system, as well as Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe braking, Attention Assist and more.
Look for the roadster to roll into U.S. showrooms over the summer.