The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK isn’t scheduled to make its debut until the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, but the first official details and images have already hit the Web. Set to go on sale this summer, the third-generation SLK will come onto the market with a bold new look, more fuel-efficient engines and a host of technological upgrades.

Although revealed previously by a leaked promo video, these official shots show off the car in much greater detail, confirming that the styling has been heavily influenced by the lines of the SLS AMG supercar and the recently revealed CLS.

Powertrain options will include a 148 kW turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine in a new SLK250 model and a 224 kW 3.5-litre V6 in the SLK350. Further down the track, a new SLK55 AMG should be launched, potentially with a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8.

All models will be available with the automaker’s seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, though the SLK250 will come with a six-speed manual as standard.

We can expect the SLK350 to go from 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds and easily reach its electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The SLK250 is not far behind, with a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h. Fuel economy for the SLK350 is a claimed 10.2 L/100km for the combined cycle, while the SLK250 fares slightly better at 8.7 L/100km.

Conventional steel suspension will come as standard, though a sports suspension package with stiffer springs and dampers should be offered as an option. For performance buffs, a Dynamic Handling package with continuously adjustable dampers, speed sensitive steering and torque vectoring brakes is all on the cards.

Other advanced features will include the new ‘Magic Sky Control’ photochromic folding hard-top, Attention Assist, Pre-safe and Adaptive brakes, electronic power steering, a speed sign reading camera and intelligent headlights.

More details are scheduled to be released in the lead up to the car’s Geneva debut.

Adapted from MotorAuthority

Mercedes-Benz’s SLK update has been spied undergoing road trials in Germany, wearing less camouflage than previously spied development mules and displaying more of its new front-end design.

From the beltline-up, the 2011 SLK is essentially the same as the current model. However, as these photos show, there’s a new grille that echoes the SLS AMG’s frontal design, and the headlights, bonnet and front bumper are entirely new. The side mirrors of this prototype appear to protrude further from the body and are on more slender stalks than those of the current model. LED daytime running lights are also visible behind the front bumper’s camouflage wrap.

Power for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is expected to come from the company’s 2,2-litre BlueEfficiency four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel, developing 152 kW and 500 N.m of torque. Petrol engines are also expected, with talk of a 3,5-litre twin-turbo V6 on the cards for a AMG version of the new SLK, developing anywhere from 220 – 260 kW.

Adapted from TheMotorReport