2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

 Good news for all, The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 goes on-sale in the U.S. in June 2011. All-weather driving enjoyment – open or closed, during weekends or the daily commute – is built-in to the SLK’s genes. Extremely compact dimensions combined with a generous interior with numerous practical features. Outstanding performance and sporty, agile handling are also major characteristics of the new SLK. The new SLK is also the safest roadster with its unrivalled range of safety features.

Standard brushed aluminum trim covers the center console; wood trim can be ordered as an option in high-gloss dark brown burl 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 AMG.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK350 offers a choice of Black, Sahara Beige or Ash sun-reflecting leather as well as Black and Bengal Red Premium sun-reflecting leather which noticeably reduces heat build-up. The leather has a special coating which reflects the sun’s rays and measurements have shown that this reduces the temperature of the seats by more than 18 degrees Fahrenheit – a significant improvement in comfort when the car has been parked in the sun.

 The six-cylinder engine is part of the new V6 family of efficient direct injection engines. Known as BlueDIRECT, this innovation establishes the V-engines from Mercedes-Benz as worldwide benchmarks and makes a further reduction in fuel consumption by 20 percent possible by engine modifications alone.

The improved seven-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (optionally available on the SLK250). The transmission has undergone extensive further development to achieve decreased torque converter slip, a significant reduction in internal losses and optimized efficiency. Mercedes-Benz developers reduced vibration in the transmission by incorporating a new torsion damper which makes low speed operation more comfortable.