The 2012 Mercedes SLK model has turned out to be quite a well known item given the number of scoops, leaks and official releases that have been coming up on this car. The car is scheduled for release in March but it had been expected that the makers would display this item at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show event. That did not happen and we only have the last bit of official release from the German maker of this car which could be the last piece of the SLK puzzle.
The SLK, as per information currently available is going to come with the option of three engine fits with all three of them being direct injection and having start stop mechanism built into them. The engines are also claimed to provide a 25 percent better fuel economy rate as compared to the previous models.
The base model of this variant is called the SLK 200 BlueEfficiency which would be having a 1.8 liter four cylinder power plant, capable of delivering 184 hp. For transmission the car would have a seven speed 7G Tronic Plus automatic transmission. The consumption rate is expected to be 6.1 liter per 100 km or 38.6 US mpg. This in the combined cycle mode of operation. The acceleration factor of the car is 100 kmph or 62 mph in 7 seconds with top speeds of 237 kmph or 147 mph.
The next model that has been christened SLK 250 BlueEfficiency and has the engine tuned to deliver 204 hp. Acceleration factor for this version reads at 6.6 seconds for the zero to 100 kmph or 62 mph run. Top speed of this model is 243 kmph or 151 mph. Fuel consumption pattern of this car is 6.2 liter per 100 km or 38 US mpg and therefore can be seen to be much the same as the other model.
The top of the line model would be the SLK 350 BlueEfficiency. This one would have a 3.5 liter V6 engine fitted that can deliver 306 hp. With its high tech gadgetry the car gives 7.1 liter for every 100 km or 33 mpg. Sprint factor of the car reads as 5.6 seconds to reach 100 kmph or 62 mph from standstill while top speeds of the car are 250 kmph or 155 mph.
For the US market the car would be available in two versions, the SLK350 with the 302 HP engine fit. This one would have an acceleration of 5.4 seconds for the 0 to 62 mph dash. The other would be the 210 HP 1.8 liter four cylinder SLK 250 which would have a sprint factor of 6.5 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run. For transmission the cars would have the standard 6 speed manual gearbox.
Steel suspension would be the standard fit with the option of going for sports suspension having harder springs and dampers with a Dynamic Handling Package with continuous damping. The steering system is also a refined one with torque vectoring brakes.
For gadgets the car has a bevy of electronic fits which includes the Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof. This gives the people in the car the benefits of the Airguide draught-stop and Airscarf heating system, ensuring that open top motoring is possible even in cold weather conditions.
For safety features Mercedes have incorporated the PreSafe and Presafe Brake into the car and this along with the new body structure offers heightened safety factor to the car in total.
Base price of the 2012 Mercedes SLK in Europe is 38,675 Euros (SLK 200), which includes VAT and is available from Jan 17. For the more powerful variants one would have to shell out 44,256 (SLK 250) and 52,300 (SLK 350) Euros.
For its launch program Mercedes have announced the gift of a special edition package named “Edition 1” which includes a panoramic vario-roof, Dynamic Handling package, AMG bodykit, and two-tone Designo nappa leather with contrasting top stitching, Airscarf, ambient lighting and more. Charges of 8,490 to 8,990 Euros would be added to the base price depending on the model.
For the US market, sales start in the summer and pricing details would be announced at a later date.
Source: carscoop
