2012 Mercedes SLK reveals its nose on the N?rburgring

2012 Mercedes SLK Prototype caught with a little less camo 24.09.2010 / Copyright: SB-Median

Nothing screams out more than a bright red vehicle against the backdrop of the Green Hell. Performing a slow strip tease, these latest shots taken at the Nürburgring circuit show the third-generation roadster prototype with slightly less camouflage and some AMG equipment.

Compared to previous photos, slivers of black tape and padding have been removed from the sides and front end giving a much clearer look. For the first time we can see the headlamp shape while the grille with single wing emblem resembles the SLS's. Showing AMG design traits, the side sills are completely uncovered and around back the bumper fascia design is visible. Wheels up front are AMG's while cross-drilled brake discs sit behind.

As for performance, Mercedes may want to offer a saucier, more mouth-watering SLK AMG than the current one. Rumors suggest a direct-injection turbo V6 with improved power and fuel-economy numbers is under development.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is expected to debut sometime next year.

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awhk

This is a major facelift right?

September 24, 2010 8:58 am

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2 replies

MTC

yes, a whole new model

September 24, 2010 9:12 am

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BrianWCF

no facelift, it's the all-new third generation. Article has been edited.

September 24, 2010 10:47 am

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Hero Sina

from side-view it's nose doesn't look good , actually it looks hideous

September 24, 2010 9:18 am

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1 reply

Ratt

it can't be worse than the current...

September 24, 2010 10:52 am

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tsiebrand

I agree with Hero Sina and Ratt. Although it?s a completely new model, it looks just like a facelift, boring and ugly.

September 24, 2010 11:01 am

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GRAVE

Actually I don't see any ugly line here, it looks good, wait for the official photos the judge

September 24, 2010 11:21 am

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PONTIAC G8 GXP

I think that "all new" SLK is made such as "all new" Golf-6 or Discovery-4 - major facelift and pathos statements that it's all new.

September 24, 2010 11:36 am

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Solstice21

I actually don't think it looks like a major facelift at all, and truly like a brand new model (as it actually is). Even if you take into consideration that the hideous F1 nose is gone, the proportions of the car have changed and the width has changed just on a visual level. That's not mention that its actually a new platform and everything under the skin is completely new. Though personally I has hopping for a more exciting model update... this one is rather bland, like I would have liked to see more lines in either a muscular or sleek/chic manner.

September 24, 2010 11:48 am

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die.bahnfahrer

?hm... sucks against the Z4

September 24, 2010 12:23 pm

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ussoleg

AMG version will have NONE turbo 5.5L V8 with aprx. 400+hp. "Regular" SLK will have 2.0L 4cyl with 200hp and 350 with 306hp direct-ijection.

September 24, 2010 4:05 pm

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Prancing Horse

Sorry Mercedes but Boxster or Z4 would destroy this like a 8 yr old at the vatican.

September 24, 2010 7:37 pm

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500lbman

You guys are hilarious. Yes, a Boxster and Z4 might out-do this car on the track, but niether one of them will have the blend of compliant ride and sporty drive that this car has. It is designed for women and old men, not for all out performance. If you are a man between the age of 25 and 50 and buy this car, we should talk about your priorities. My wife had a 2008 SLK and it she absolutely loved it. I like the way it looked and drove, but I hated it overall, It's a girls car! The SL is for men...

September 24, 2010 9:01 pm

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benzboy

I have owned an SLK since new in 1999. Silver/black with the sports package and not a day goes by that I dont get a compliment on the car really both men and women and especially younger men. Your comment is moot about it being a girls car.I also owm a SL63 and haveplans to sell the 63 and buy an SLS Gullwing, does that make me a girl too!ZI think not.BTW The SLK will always out class a chheezy BMW any day of week.

September 26, 2010 3:36 am

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Andres2007

Not sure I'm a fan of the new Mercedes noses, but then again I don't care much for the current-gen SLK either. I think this one is going to look a little better overall.

September 27, 2010 2:13 pm

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