From the initial vision to the final production SLK model – watch the development and testing of the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class below.  Under the body of the new roadster a gigantic effort has been taken, intense engineering work, including several years of test runs.  Freezing cold, scorching heat and long-term stress tests – these are only three of the many hurdles Mercedes-Benz engineers had to overcome to bring the SLK Roadster into series production

The all new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster made its official U.S. Debut at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  The scene at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week heated up  as fans got their first glimpse of the red 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster.  Lincoln Center, the heart of the most anticipated runway shows with more than 80 designers presenting their Fall 2011 collections including Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, Tommy Hillfiger, Prabal Gurung, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Tory Burch, and Betsey Johnson was the location for the roadster’s debut.

“With temperatures hovering in the mid 20s on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, it’s not a stretch to believe everyone is fantasizing about warmer weather,” said Lisa Holladay, manager of brand experience marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “The new SLK design takes the convertible experience to new heights and it will resonate with everyone watching the hottest styles on the runway while dreaming of their next adventure under balmy, sunny skies.”

The new SLK is one of two car displays in the tent lobby of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and draws attention to its new design through a photo op experience called “On the Scene.” Fashion fans can get up-close and personal with the SLK and have their picture taken right in the heart of the action of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Each day fashion fans with the right look can strike a pose for the chance to end-up in the print edition of The Daily, which is handed out each day at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Beyond the SLK, the display is featuring design elements which bring to life the glitterati of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week to create the ultimate scene. Life size illustrations of windblown beauties by Scandinavian fashion Illustrator Laura Laine and the sought after invisible shoes launching this February by Andreia Chaves, a Brazilian footwear designer.

The 2012 SLK is going on sale this summer. It combines sporty handling with stylish comfort that culminates into a striking car design that is suitable for everyday driving. A unique series of safety equipment makes the SLK a leader in its segment. Standard equipment on the vehicle includes, among other features, the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. Mercedes-Benz is also the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an optional extra on the SLK. With this innovation, the transparent glass roof of the SLK can be darkened in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button.

Orders for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK commenced on 17 January 2011. It will feature a new, exciting design, exceptionally high levels of comfort for a roadster, as well as exquisite technology and no shortage of open-air driving pleasure. As such, the agile sports car already looks set to continue a success story which started back in 1994 with a show car. Strictly speaking, however, the pedigree of the SLK stretches back even further – to the 190 SL, a vehicle which automotive enthusiasts were already dreaming about in 1955 as the economic upturn was starting in the Federal Republic of Germany.

When the SLK appeared as a series-produced car in 1996, it not only caused a stir on the road but also established a new market segment which has since grown by leaps and bounds. With the steel vario-roof, which transforms the roadster into an all-weather coupé within a matter of seconds, the roadster has been and still is the role model for many open-top cars. The success of the SLK has exceeded all expectations: to date, well over half a million owners have been delighted with their purchase of an SLK roadster.

The 190 SL – a new star in the automotive firmament in 1955

With the SLK, Mercedes-Benz continued its roadster tradition which stretches back a long way. Its direct ancestor is considered to be the 190 SL, which owes its existence primarily to the perseverance of Maximilian Edwin Hoffman. The enterprising American with Austrian roots was importing European cars into the USA as early as 1946, and in doing so demonstrated infallible instinct and tremendous flair. In 1953 he urged the executive boards of Daimler-Benz to build another affordable sports car, in addition to the 300 SL, for the American market. As an elegant sports car from a well-known company featuring an exciting design at a low price, the 190 SL was designed to charm the Americans.

After a development period of just five months, on 6 February 1954 the 190 SL celebrated its world premiere in New York, alongside the legendary 300 SL “gullwing”. Unlike the 300 SL, the 190 SL was not designed as a purebred sports car but rather as a sporty, elegant two-seater touring and utility vehicle. Its chassis was the shortened frame floor assembly from the Mercedes-Benz 180 (W 120), combined with the single-joint swing axle with lowered centre of rotation, as used in the 220 (W 180). The front-wheel suspension, including subframe design, came from the 180 model. The 190 SL was driven by a newly developed four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.9 litres, overhead camshaft and producing 105 hp. Depending on conditions, it could therefore reach a speed significantly over 170 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 14 seconds.Series production started in May 1955.

The 190 SL was available as a roadster with soft top as well as a coupé with removable hard top, with or without a soft top as an option. A broad range of prominent social figures chose this elegant sports car to complement their image, including Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, who drove a 190 SL in the film “Ten Thousand Bedrooms”.

The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was built up until 1963. The clearest indication of just how much loved and successful the 190 SL was is demonstrated by the production figures: between May 1955 and February 1963, no less than 25,881 cars left the assembly lines in Sindelfingen – far in excess of the initial aspirations.

Two studies for the new type of roadster

Against this historical backdrop, it seemed only logical some decades later to revisit these considerations: would it not perhaps be appropriate for the SL-Class Mercedes-Benz models, now firmly established in their own right, to be joined by a younger brother? After all, Mercedes-Benz had launched an entirely new product initiative, to which a compact roadster could lend fresh emphasis by drawing attention to the sporting heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

An appropriate acronym for this newcomer was swiftly coined: SLK. In German, these three letters stand for the car’s characteristic properties – sporty, lightweight and short – and, given the great sporting successes of Mercedes-Benz back in the 1920s and 1930s, they have an almost mystical resonance.

In Turin in April 1994, roadster enthusiasts were able to gain a first glimpse of how Mercedes-Benz believed a compact roadster should look. A brilliant silver showstopper with a distinct aura of spartan sportiness sent the trade professionals into raptures. Bruno Sacco, Head of Design for the brand at the time, made it clear what the company’s aim was: “We are exhibiting a forward-looking roadster study which delivers a unique synthesis of purist motoring pleasure with all the safety features for which Mercedes cars are renowned”.

To meet these requirements, some formal individuality was called for. The SLK study reflected this thanks to its compact dimensions and some evident highlights. Short overhangs at the front and rear, as well as a distinctive wedge shape, embodied the enjoyment to be had from a hands-on driving experience. And the two “power domes” on the bonnet, running parallel to the direction of travel, were acknowledgement of the originator of all SLs dating from the 1950s. The SLK study revealed a lot of gleaming metal. Only 20 percent of the interior was covered, and the high-tech cockpit was dominated by bold shapes and high-quality materials.

To find out just how seriously the people in charge at Mercedes-Benz were taking this SLK project in its earliest days, you need look no further than the Paris Motor Show held in September of the same year. Here the company unveiled its second study, this time with vario-roof and in the form of a customised version in blue, with blue-tone leather and a range of additional luxury accessories such as automatic transmission, air-conditioning system, power windows, a hi-fi sound system and much more besides. This enabled Mercedes-Benz to demonstrate convincingly the breadth of appeal and the potential inherent in a compact roadster.

The SLK sets the trend before going into series production

Then the automotive enthusiasts started to wait. Many viewed the SLK as a very auspicious prospect indeed. Mercedes-Benz had done the unexpected and had demonstrated that a small and relatively inexpensive roadster was capable of offering a great deal of motoring pleasure while still being an absolutely serious and down-to-earth car in terms of safety and quality. This meant that the roadster studies had already opened up a new market niche, making the SLK a trendsetter even before series production had begun.

By 1996 everything was in place: the series production version of the new SLK, designated internally as the R 170, was launched at the Turin Motor Show. Especially high levels of interest were shown in the fully-lowering steel vario-roof which substantively backed up the SLK’s claim to being a car for all weathers. Using an intelligent electro-hydraulic system, the entire roof folded down into the boot in just 25 seconds, leaving the owner free to roam under an open sky.

The SLK also fielded a convincing range of other qualities. Take safety for example: two fixed roll-over bars behind the seats protected occupants from injury if the car should overturn and, in conjunction with the exceptionally robust A-pillars, delivered a very high level of safety even when these Mercedes-Benz cars are driven with the top down.

Engines from 136 to 354 hp

The sporting talent of the SLK was unleashed by two engine variants: a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with a power rating of 100 kW (136 hp) and a supercharged 2.3 litre engine, also a four-cylinder unit, delivering 142 kW (193 hp). In early 2000, the two-litre engine was also fitted with a belt-driven supercharger, boosting power to the rear axle to a new level of 120 kW (163 hp). The choice of engines was broadened by the arrival of two six-cylinder models, the 160 kW (218 hp) unit for the SLK 320 and the 260 kW (354 hp) powerplant in the SLK 32 AMG.

The evolution of the SLK continues

In February 2000, Mercedes-Benz substantially upgraded the level of equipment for its roadster and incorporated innovations such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), a six-speed manual transmission and SPEEDTRONIC in its standard equipment package. In visual terms, a new bumper and side skirts gave the car an even more dynamic appearance. All the attachments and door handles were painted to match the vehicle body to enable the whole car to present an image of a unified whole in terms of both colour and form. New taillights, stainless steel trim on the exhaust tailpipe and a painted radiator grille gave the SLK design an even more commanding identity.

Even more driving pleasure with the second generation SLK

In the spring of 2004, the second generation of the SLK (internal model series designation: R 171) was launched – offering more sportiness and dynamism, and even more driving pleasure. Thanks to powerful engines, a newly developed chassis, direct steering and a precise six-speed shift mechanism, the second generation of the SLK provided an even more responsive driving experience. As a world first, Mercedes-Benz introduced the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button, it generates warm air which is blown out of the head restraints. This now meant that drivers of the SLK were able to enjoy open-top driving and the open-air roadster experience all year round, even when outside temperatures dropped.

True to the principle of ongoing development, in 2008 the SLK underwent a comprehensive facelift. The most significant visual changes included redesigned front and rear sections and also a carefully modified interior with new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. The distinctive dynamic character of the two-seater was brought to the fore to particularly good effect in the SLK 350 courtesy of a high-revving V6 sports engine producing 224 kW (305 hp) along with an optional Direct-Steer system. In addition, despite their significantly increased performance, all of the engines were more economical in terms of fuel consumption and in turn therefore produced less CO2 emissions.

The new SLK sets standards once more

The new SLK, which was presented in January 2011 and designated internally as the R 172, will now also follow in these same footsteps. Thanks to new engines, among other things, the roadster will consume significantly less fuel, thus demonstrating that achieving pure driving pleasure while maintaining a clear conscience when it comes to the environment do not necessarily have to be conflicting principles. The new SLK combines nimble-footed sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports car design with absolute suitability for everyday use, and top-of-the-range performance with exemplary ecology. In addition, a unique series of safety equipment enables the SLK to assume the role of benchmark in this segment. Standard equipment on the vehicle will include, among other features, the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system. Mercedes-Benz will also be the world’s first automotive manufacturer to offer the panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL as an optional extra. With this innovation, the transparent glass roof can be darkened in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button. Thanks to such a rich array of technical innovations, the SLK will once more set the standard in its class.

Model chronicle: the Mercedes-Benz SLK

1994

• In April, Mercedes-Benz displays the compact roadster as a study vehicle at the Turin Motor Show
• In September a second study vehicle is unveiled, this time with vario-roof and in the form of a customised version

1996

• World premiere of the SLK at the Turin Motor Show

2000

• The SLK undergoes a comprehensive facelift

2004

• World premiere of the second generation of the SLK at the Geneva Motor Show

2008

• Facelift for the second generation of the SLK

2011

• Third generation of the SLK

There will be two models of the 2012 SLK available in its first year, both powered by direct-injection engines. The completely redesigned V6 engine in the SLK350 develops 302 hp from its 3498 cubic-centimeter displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.4 (est.) seconds from 0 to 60 mph (top speed 155 mph). Its fuel Later on in the model year, the SLK250 goes on-sale with a four-cylinder engine developing 201 hp from a displacement of 1796 cubic centimeters.

The SLK250 is equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and consumes an estimated 27 mpg (combined). From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Technical Data

The all-new SLK-Class, one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built, is entering its third generation. The 2012MY roadster takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to the next level by blending nimble handling with stylish comfort, striking sports-car design, everyday drivability, top performance and exemplary efficiency. In addition, the 2012 SLK-Class is proud to present the world premiere of the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which switches between light and dark transparency at the touch of a button. Exemplary efficiency and athletic flair come courtesy of powerful new 4 and 6-cylinder engines With superb levels of performance, they are more fuel efficient than their predecessors and with unique new safety equipment the 2012 SLK-Class sets the new standard in this segment. With its wealth of technical innovations, the SLK is once again the benchmark in its class. The 2012 SLK-Class goes on-sale in the U.S. this summer.

“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.”

Innovations are part of the successful history of the Mercedes-Benz SLK:

In 1996, the first generation caused a sensation with the vario-roof, which transformed the wide-open roadster into a fixed-roof coupe at the touch of a button in just a few seconds.

The second generation placed the warm AIRSCARF around the neck and shoulders of the occupants as needed, ensuring open-top enjoyment even in cooler temperatures.

Now the third generation presents a unique highlight – the world premiere of the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which can be quickly switched to light or dark transparency at the touch of a button.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK unites premium comfort and high-quality equipment and appointments with an especially athletic flair. At the same time the new roadster is the most fuel efficient in its class matched with segment-leading safety. All-weather driving enjoyment – open or closed, during weekends or the daily commute – is firmly anchored in the SLK’s genes.

Timeless aesthetics embody hallmark sports-car sensuality

The designers have tailor-made a body for the new SLK that emphasizes its classic roadster proportions and puts them in the spotlight with a thrilling result. Behind the long hood is a compact passenger compartment and a short rear overhang. The SLK will tempt potential customers with these key attributes that characterize all the classic roadsters from Mercedes-Benz.

The first eye-catching feature is an upright radiator grille that stands proud and confident in the wind and bears the new Mercedes-Benz brand look. The grille emphasizes the long and well-proportioned hood, and with its light-catching contours it already hints at the roadster’s dramatic qualities. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position and displays a powerfully contoured chromed fin at the front. The clearly defined headlamps complete the look of the new SLK’s face and resemble that of the legendary 190 SL from the 1950s, which is regarded by many as being the original “SLK”. However the designers did not just focus on the past; with the new SLK’s front end they also intentionally created a close visual link with the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG “gullwing model” and the new CLS.

The impressive result of this meticulously detailed work is that in spite of the more striking, steeper front and larger frontal area, the Cd value has been cut to just 0.30 – a brilliant achievement (the predecessor model’s Cd value was 0.32).

The timeless, classic shape of the side profile with the classic roadster proportions embodies aesthetics of the highest caliber and is a visual cue to the sportiness and driving pleasure in store. Fine details show the care that has been taken by the Mercedes-Benz designers. For example, a molding conceals the trunk joint, so that the side line cannot get in the way, as it usually does with similar roof designs. The ventilation grilles in the front fenders with a chromed fin are reminiscent of the famous Mercedes-Benz roadsters of the 1950s. In the new SLK they form the perfect starting point for a feature line, which flows to the muscular rear fender, using light and shadow to add style and timeless aesthetics to the sides. Meanwhile the upper edge of the wide headlamps – which for the first time boast all-LED technology – also appears to flow into the feature line.

Interior with style and pure good looks

Despite the most compact dimensions in its class, the 2012 SLK has generous interior dimensions. To achieve this, the designers have developed interior appointments that offer the driver and passenger the highest degree of quality and pure precision. The interior is characterized by stylish sportiness and genuine high-quality materials which have been processed with perfect precision and skilled craftsmanship. Standard brushed aluminum trim covers the center console; wood trim can be ordered as an option in high-gloss dark brown walnut. Four round, metallic air outlets integrated in the dashboard emphasize that this model truly belongs to the Mercedes-Benz sports car family, their shape being a nod to those in the SLS.

The SLK’s generous round dials are astride a display for the onboard computer. The color display for the communications and entertainment functions is housed in the center of the dashboard, and is easily read by both the driver and passenger.

Other high-quality pieces of equipment include a multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom section and a thick leather crown, plus available sun-reflecting leather that noticeably reduces seat temperature, ambient lighting

Unique equipment: MAGIC SKY CONTROL

For the first time Mercedes-Benz is offering a choice of three variants of the lightweight-construction vario-roof for the new SLK: in just a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupe with a “fixed” roof at the touch of a button – and vice versa:

• The standard version is a roof painted in the vehicle color.
• Optionally available is a panorama vario-roof with dark-tinted glass.
• The third option is a world premiere – the panorama vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. This glass roof switches to light or dark at the press of a button. In light mode it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up from
• the sun’s rays. In other words: a comfortable atmosphere at the touch of a button.

Innovative AIRGUIDE wind-stop system

A comfortable alternative to the conventional wind-stop is a new pivoting wind-stop for the 2012 SLK, invented by Mercedes-Benz aerodynamics engineers. It consists of pivoting transparent plastic layers attached to the back of the roll bars. The driver or passenger can swing them to the center of the vehicle in an instant, thus taming turbulent air flow.

Spirit and efficiency

There will be two models of the 2012 SLK available in its first year, both powered by direct-injection engines. The completely redesigned V6 engine in the SLK350 develops 302 hp from its 3498 cubic-centimeter displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.4 (est.) seconds from 0 to 60 mph (top speed 155 mph). Its fuel Later on in the model year, the SLK250 goes on-sale with a four-cylinder engine developing 201 hp from a displacement of 1796 cubic centimeters.

The SLK250 is equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and consumes an estimated 27 mpg (combined). From a standstill it reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 155 mph.

Suspension for the closest relationship with the road

A sports suspension with firmer springs and dampers ensures a sporty driving experience. Additionally the Direct-Steer system offers more handling and agility while also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking.

During spirited driving, the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement about the vertical axis of the vehicle in fractions of a second through selective brake actuation at the rear inside wheel. This results in the SLK stabilizing without any compromises, and it steers into a bend precisely and under full control.

Clever use of materials and high levels of safety

The new SLK’s bodyshell has been further refined, with the hood and fenders now made of aluminum.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK also sets new benchmarks in terms of safety. The third generation of this icon will make use of a whole host of the latest assistance systems to support the driver, including the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, developed by Mercedes-Benz and fitted as standard equipment. Available through special order is DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE¨ Brake, which can autonomously apply the brakes in the event of an impending safety requirements.

Optionally available is the Lighting Package that not only provides headlamp cleaning but cornering and active light functions.

The 2012 SLK-Class makes its U.S. showroom debut in summer 2011.

A couple of weeks ago we brought you the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK fully uncovered in a leaked French commercial and now we have a video filmed by the SLK’s lead development engineer, Michael Scheer. The video stars MERCEDES GP PETRONAS F1 driver Nico Rosberg taking the upcoming SLK for a test drive and modeling the interior in the south of France along the Côte d’Azur.

Rosberg comments on the luxurious interior and the comfort suspension, but the most notable feature of the 2012 SLK is the MAGIC SKY CONTROL ROOF that is briefly shown at the end.  The transparent glass roof can be lightened or darkened on demand in a matter of seconds.

AMG Boss Ola Källenius commented in a recent interview with the magazine Auto Motor & Sport, that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be making its debut at the Frankfurt motor show next year.

When asked what to expect from AMG in 2011, the head of AMG spoke of the most important AMG car of 2011, the Mercedes SLS Roadster. In Addition to the SLS, we will also see the arrival of the new CLS63 AMG, and the AMG version of the 2012 SLK-Class. The new SLK AMG will debut with a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology for its V8.

The big star at the International Motor Show IAA in 2011 but will be of the SLS AMG AMG Roadster, in parallel, it is then a preview of the AMG version of the SLK give the new generation R172 series – so Källenius said. “The new SLK has then the first time a new fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology with a V8.”

Thanks to Jacob for the tip.

Thanks to a promotional video, that was more than likely leaked onto the web, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been fully unveiled.

The YouTube video has already been pulled, (UPDATE: A new video was found by another one of our readers, thanks Ben.  Watch the video below.) but our faithful reader Borwin sent us several screen shots that allow you an in depth look at the all new Mercedes SLK. On the exterior, we can see the SLS AMG styling with integrated trunk-lid spoiler and LED taillights, front quarter vents and adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights. If adding on the AMG package, you can have a revised front fascia with LED fog lights and AMG wheels with cross-drilled brakes.

Like the SLS, the 2012 SLK has a prominent center console and round air vents. Additnional interior features include sun reflective seasts, draft guard system with is integrated into the roll bars and last but not least, a dash-mounted clock.

As we reported earlier, orders for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK are expected to start with three engine options available to choose from. To start, the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY with 184 hp and 270Nm available (€ 38,650 base price, 6.4 liters / 100), the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY with 204 hp (310Nm – € 44,200, 6.2 litres/100km) and the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY with 306 PS (370 nm – € 52,200, 7.1 liters / 100km) to choose from.

We expect the options list to include the MAGIC SKY CONTRO roof, COMAND Online with internet access, Airscarf and Harman Kardon Audio.

With all the additional leaks of the new SLK, we continue to believe the first introduction will be in January at the North American International Auto Show.