When the Mercedes-Benz SLK debuted in 1998, it turned heads because of its compact size, supercharged engine and hardtop convertible roof. Since then, numerous other cars from competitors have adopted similar formulas, so when this 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK arrives in a couple years, it will have to offer more than just a stylish shell and a trick top.
From the looks of it, the next-generation SLK will keep its folding hardtop. Now an almost necessary price of entry in the category, the retractable hardtop on this prototype looks almost identical to the current setup. The overall size of this SLK doesn't appear to have changed much either, which comes as no surprise given its modest growth in overall length during previous redesigns.
Expect to see significant changes in the drivetrain department, however. The chassis will remain rear-wheel drive, but the mix of engines will be completely revamped. On the top end, the so-called Phoenix V6 developed in conjunction with Chrysler will most likely serve as the power plant for the top-of-the-line model, at least for the non-AMG version.
The use of four-cylinder engines is likely to continue, only now we'll see one in the U.S. as Mercedes will have to do something to lower its fuel economy average in the U.S. There's no doubt it would like to use a diesel engine, too, but that's an even tougher sell to American buyers given the small, sporty nature of the SLK.
Given the relatively rough look of this prototype, we don't expect to see the finished product until sometime late next year at the earliest. U.S. sales probably won't start until the spring of 2011.
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