2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster: First Look

• Competes with: BMW Z4, Audi TT 
• Looks like: Its bigger brother, the SL  
• Drivetrain: 201-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder; 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6; six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed automatic 
• Hits dealerships: Summer 

Mercedes-Benz certainly has an odd way of revealing its vehicles. Just one day separates the 2011 Detroit auto show’s media preview and this technical press release about the 2012 SLK-Class. Be that as it may, there are some significant changes coming to the refreshed SLK, including a new front design, added safety features and a more fuel-efficient powertrain.

Starting with the aesthetics, the SLK gets a whole new front end that features a larger, upright grille with a prominent three-pointed star badge. The new headlights look similar to the ones on the new 2012 C-Class, and they now have LED daytime running lamps. The front fenders and hood are made of aluminum to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. The rear looks pretty much the same, but it now features must-have LED taillamps.

Mercedes says the SLK is the most fuel-efficient roadster in its class because of a new four-cylinder option for the U.S. market that we first saw on the new C-Class. That 1.8-liter four-cylinder can make 201 horsepower and 229 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes says the SLK can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, all while achieving 27 mpg combined. The 3.5-liter V-6 carries over on this car, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission (the four-cylinder comes either with the automatic or a six-speed manual). The 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 from last year is no longer available.

The interior is all new. The center console, made of real aluminum trim, has four round metallic air vents. The dash materials are new, and there’s also a new flat-bottomed steering wheel. Available options include sun-reflecting leather and ambient lighting.

The hardtop convertible roof is available with a feature called Magic Sky Control, which can change the tint of the glass panel from opaque to transparent with the press of a button.

All SLKs now come standard with a drowsiness detection system, which monitors the attentiveness of the driver. Also available is Mercedes’ Pre-Safe technology, which can autonomously stop the car. It’s similar to Volvo’s City Safe system.

The new SLK-Class goes on sale this summer.