New 2012 Mercedes SLK Test Prototype Emerges

The third generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster has been spied testing in Germany. As far as we know the car is from the first batch of prototypes being driven around and as such the camouflage is quite heavy and hardly anything can be made out. Even the front end is hidden deep under the clutches of black panels. As far as size is concerned the spied vehicle looks to keep the same dimensions as the current SLK in as much as the naked eye can attest.

It appears a number of design elements have been carried over from the current SLK which is internally codenamed the R171 and was launched in 2004. The 2004 SLK took some of its styling direction from the previous Mercedes-Benz halo car the McLaren SLR especially on the nose cone and rear. Now it looks like the SLC Gullwing will be the styling hero for the 2012 SLK. This would make sense since the dissolution of McLaren and Mercedes' agreement with regard to building the SLR range of supercars.

Although it is still very early in the SLK's development life, possible engines are something to think about. A WCF source has stated that Mercedes is working on a new twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine. It is said to be capable of about 350kW (476hp). This could be the one used in the SLK AMG version.

The SLK was the pioneer in the application of a folding hard top roof for this segment and this one seems to have kept to this philosophy. Also, the side mirrors have been placed on the doors instead of the A pillar.

This SLK is three years away from production and therefore plenty of spy action involving the car will be taking place between now and then.