VIDEO: F1 Star Nico Rosberg gets a Taste of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster

There’s nothing wrong with using your assets, so we don’t blame Mercedes-Benz for trying to build some hype around the upcoming 2012 SLK by inviting Formula 1 pilot Nico Rosberg to take the hardtop roadster for a spin. However, the entire happening feels much too scripted, from the way the camera ducks just when the front fascia is almost revealed to what Rosberg says. Luckily, we already know what the German roadster looks like, so we won’t shed unnecessary tears. The highlight of the video is clearly the demonstration of how the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof works. Hit the jump to watch the clip.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 2LOOK: Special Edition Model Goes on Sale

Following its world debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March, Mercedes-Benz has announced the market launch of the special edition SLK 2LOOK that is distinguished by its contrasting paint options and enhanced standard equipment. In the UK, sales will be limited to 150 cars all powered by Merc's supercharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 184HP. The new model variant is available in Calcite White or Black paint with Mercedes offering the special Obsidian Black Metallic and 'designo' Mystic White paint finishes as an option.

Exterior features also include the new 18-inch, 5-spove spoke alloy wheels that are available in a choice of two finishes, Titanium Silver or Chrome Shadow, the black surrounds on the headlamps and the 2LOOK Edition badge on the wings.

Inside, the driver is greeted by a set of sports seats upholstered in black and white designo nappa leather with contrasting stitching. The multi-function steering wheel, centre armrest and door panels are also dressed in 'designo' nappa leather while the interior is further enhanced by the black roof lining, Mystic white dashboard trim and black velour floor mats with white edging and 2LOOK badges.

In the UK, on the road prices for the SLK 2LOOK start from £31,235.

New Direct-Injection Engines for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

A trio of newly developed direct injection engines have been made available for Merc's C-Class sedan and Estate models. Already offered on the new E-Class Sedan and Coupe, the new range consists of the two diesels and one gasoline engine. The 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline unit in the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY produces 204HP and 310Nm or 229-lb/ft of torque launching the sedan from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.2 seconds while the combined consumption amounts to 7.2lt/100km or 32.7mpg US.

The new 2.1-liter turbo diesel is available in two guises. In the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY it generates 170 hp and a torque of 400Nm (295-lb/ft). This accelerates the saloon from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, while the combined fuel consumption is 4.8lt/100km or 49mpg.

In the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY the 2.1L diesel delivers an output of 204HP and an impressive torque of 500Nm (369-lb/ft) launching the saloon to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds. This model returns an average fuel consumption of 5.1lt/100km or 46.2mpg.

Lorinser Readies Mercedes C-Class Based LV8 to Compete at Tuner Grand Prix

Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist Lorinser, has announced that it will participate in the 2009 Tuner Gran Prix that takes place in Hockenheim in Germany from June 26 to 27, with a specially modified Mercedes-Benz C-Class dubbed LV8. The tuner did not release any details on the car -though we're suspecting that the LV8 means it will be equipped with a V8 engine- but the firm's managing director stated that aside from the special tires, the LV8 will be totally street legal and that it will be offered for sale by Lorinser at a later date.

Kicherer Unveils Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supersport with 610HP

In Jeremy Clarkson's latest special, The Italian Job, the Top Gear host said that his new favorite car in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While we’re not sure if he would like a souped up version of the German supercar, fact is more and more tuners are turning their attention towards the Stuttgart's Gullwing model. Less than a week after Brabus unveiled the SLS Widestar, another German tuner, Kicherer, took the wraps off its take on the SLS.

Exterior appointments on Kicherer's SLS 63 Supersport are relatively discrete and comprise of carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser, stainless steel pipe covers and a set of Kicherer RS-1 multi-part forged wheels. There’s no information about the size of the alloys – though they do appear to be at least 19-inch in diameter. Kicherer only mentions that the rims are “hand-made”. Interior modifications have also been kept to a minimum with a few carbon fiber decorative parts.

The SLS AMG's suspension has received an upgrade as Kicherer partnered up with suspension specialist KW Automotive to create a lift up system, which raises ride height by 30 millimeters at the push of a button. This means that high curbs or poorly designed parking garages don’t represent a threat anymore. According to the Germans, the new suspension also improves handling, without making the car uncomfortable.

Last but not least, the V8 engine went through a performance optimization and now delivers 610 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Full specs and pricing haven’t been released yet.

AutoLeaks: 2012 Mercedes SLK Revealed Ahead of Time through Video, Over 60 Photos

WikiLeaks and Julian Assange aren't the only ones spilling documents and data all over the net. Today, an official promotional video of the all-new third-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster showed up on Youtube. Not surprisingly, the French language film was pulled off Youtube pretty quickly, but not before we managed to get these screenshots and all the valuable information it contained.

Looking at the video, we can tell that, even though the new SLK's silhouette remains familiar, there are plenty of new details and a crisper styling for the body which brings to mind the larger SL model. Notable changes include the new CLS-inspired front grille and the air vents on the front fenders.

At the rear, the new SLK has retained many design cues seen on the current generation with some alterations. For instance, the boot lid has a "swoopier" styling, while the tail lamps “bite” further into the fenders with their shape reminding those found on the C-Class.

The car featured in the video appears to have been loaded with extras judging by the bodykit with front and rear spoiler lips plus a rear diffuser, and larger AMG alloys.

Mercedes has kept the two-piece folding hardtop, however the company will offer a €2,000 or so glass roof option with the so-called Magic Sky Control system that can darken the glass pane with a touch of a button.

As for the interior, we find an SLS AMG-inspired center console and sport seats with Merc's Air-Scarf system.

The 2012 SLK will showcase many technologies, such as adaptive lights, intelligent cruise control linked to Pre-Safe, direct injection, adaptive suspension, Stop/Start function, and according to the video, a new, innovative draft-stopping system.

Mercedes also promises premium materials, enhanced handling and more advanced 7G-Tronic Plus transmissions. Engine choices should include a variety of four-cylinder and V6 gasoline units, and if the rumors turn out to be true, a diesel option may very well be on the menu for the first time in the SLK's history.

With the production model set to go on sale in March of 2011, the official presentation of the third-generation SLK can't be far away so we'll keep an eye open for any new developments.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com