[2000 Mercedes SLA Concept pictured above]According to a report from Australian website GoAuto, Mercedes intends to utilize the 2012 A-Class MFA platform to not only launch the CLC in four-door coupe and shooting brake variants, but also a new front-wheel drive small roadster.
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To recap, at the heart of the latest SLK 55 AMG lies a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine featuring cylinder shut-off that churns out a peak output of 422HP and maximum torque of 540 Nm in European specification. The North American market model is rated at 415HP and 398 lb-ft.
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Visually, the AMG treatment adds a new aero kit with bespoke parts up front and at the back along with a smoked out lights and larger set of light alloy wheels finished in black. Inside, you'll find a pair of sports seats and plenty of surfaces covered in stitched leather
For the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, the German firm has developed an extensive customization program to take care of both the styling and performance aspects of the car.
Brabus says it is currently working on more extreme engine upgrades but for the time being, an available kit promises an increase of 26-horsepower and an additional 30Nm (22 lb-ft) of peak torque for the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY.
There are two available performance packages for the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. The first kit bumps output from 204HP to 230HP, while the second package lifts output to 240-horses and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 248km/h (154mph).
Those looking for a deeper exhaust note can order a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Brabus will also add a sports suspension that lowers the two-seater model's ride height by some 30 mm (1.2-inches) and a high-performance braking system.
On the outside, the German company has developed several aerodynamic components including a front bumper with spoiler lips, side sills, a rear diffuser with a centrally mounted rear reflector and a boot lid spoiler.
There are several alloy wheel designs to choose from ranging in size from 17- to 20-inches. The larger rims are shod in high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 275/25 ZR 20 at the back.
Finally, Brabus offers a variety of interior upgrades ranging from high-gloss polished stainless-steel scuff plates and aluminum foot pedals and shifter to bespoke leather treatments.
For the time being, the German automaker has announced pricing only for the 2012 SLK350 that will start at $54,800, not including a $875 destination and delivery charge, which raises the cost to $55,675. In comparison, the soon-to-be-replaced 300-horsepower 2011 SLK350 is priced at $54,145 (including transportation fee).
The new hardtop roadster model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that features direct injection and multi-spark ignition, producing 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque for a 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 5.4 sec.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet released pricing info on the base SLK 250 model that is equipped with a 201HP 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine returning a 0-60mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds and a combined fuel economy of 27mpg combined with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.
The four-door 2012 CLS will offer U.S. buyers a choice of two models, both powered by Mercedes’ new biturbo, direct-injection V8 engines. The 4.6-liter CLS550 engine produces 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. of torque, while the high-performance CLS63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter version of the new V8 that's rated at 518HP and 516 lb.-ft of torque.
Pricing –excluding a $875 destination and delivery charge- will start at $71,300 for the CLS550 and at $94,900 for the CLS63 AMG.
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