Mercedes-Benz Unveils New SLK Roadster

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed)
Jan 13th 2011 at 4:01PM

When Mercedes-Benz rolled out the original SLK some fourteen years ago, it was envisioned as a baby SL. Its successor was styled after the SLR McLaren, and now the third-generation model is here with decidedly SLS AMG-like styling. But the design isn't all that's new in the new SLK.

The compact roadster features a new type of roof which Mercedes calls Magic Sky Control. It allows the driver to adjust the tinting of the roof panels, and can be ordered as an optional alternative to either the fixed-tint glass roof or the folding metal version. For when you want to drop the top completely though, Mercedes has also developed a new system that keeps the wind buffeting in the cabin down to a minimum thanks to a wind-tunnel-tested transparent panel behind the seats that tilts automatically according to speed.

The V6-powered SLK350 is the first engine being offered in North America, which will be followed by the four-cylinder SLK250 before the new V8-powered SLK55 AMG comes along.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class