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Set as a 2012 model, the third-generation SLK retains its roots as a sporty compact roadster with its characteristic long nose that incorporates an aluminum hood and front fenders, and a retractable hardtop. The snub nose and center mounted three-pointed-star logo on the front pay homage to its much bigger and much pricier SLS AMG brother, but Mercedes swears the all-LED headlight design is a throwback to the classic convertible roadster, the 190 SL, which was first produced back in 1955. Besides the round projector elements in the headlight housings of the new SLK, we don’t really see the resemblance to the SL. But, despite the tenuous connection, the 2012 SLK with its muscular rear haunches, broad taillights and front fender vents is a progression of design. Not that the outgoing SLK looks bad, it’s just that the new one looks better…in my opinion, at least.

Three Top Variations

Looks might be completely subjective, but improvements by way of innovations are not. Take, for instance, the new Magic Sky Control, presented by Disney (kidding! At least about the Magic Kingdom’s involvement). One of three roof options, the Magic Sky Control allows what Mercedes calls the panorama vario-roof to be adjusted from transparent (allowing light into the cabin) to dark (creating shade and helping keep the cabin cool) at the touch of a button. The other two roof options are the standard version with body-matched paint and the regular panorama vario-roof option with its static dark-tinted glass.

When in top-down configuration, a new Airguide wind-stop system allows the driver to rotate clear plastic pieces attached to the back of the rollbars that reduces that hair-tousling turbulent air—bad for the hipster going for the pretentious, I-just-rolled-out-of-bed look, good for the rest of us.

Two Powerplants

For the SLK’s first year, two models will be available: the SLK250 and SLK350. The former, smaller-engine SLK250 will come equipped with a direct-injected 4-cylinder making 201 bhp. Matched with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the SLK250 will go from 0–60 mph in a claimed 6.5 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 155 mph and a combined fuel efficiency of 27 mpg. The SLK350 will carry a completely redesigned V-6 engine with direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition. Cranking out 302 bhp, the SLK350 is said to go from 0–60 mph in 5.4 sec. with the same 155-mph top speed, achieving 23 mpg combined.

At launch this summer, the 2012 SLK350 will be the first model to hit dealer showrooms. The 2012 SLK250 will be made available later in the model year.