U Spy: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster Convoy Scooped in Spain

Carscoop reader Frank Jonas hit the Mercedes-Benz jackpot when travelling in Spain last week, he stumbled upon a convoy of camo'ed SL prototypes, which were accompanied by several other vehicles with the star on their bonnet including an example of the current generation of the German firm's hardtop roadster model.

"On my trip to the south of Spain last week I had the opportunity to take some pictures of a heavily camouflaged Mercedes-Benz Coupe/Cabriolet, most probably the next SL," Frank told Carscoop.

Although Mercedes has done its best to disguise the SL by covering it in heavy cladding, we can see that the new generation model keeps its predecessor's two-piece folding hard top, while the styling is expected to adopt the German firm's more "artsy" design philosophy as seen on the latest CLS and recent concept models such as the F800 Style, along with a more in-your-face front grille.

Being that the 2012 SL was developed alongside the SLS Gullwing, the two models are likely to share certain key components such as the suspension bits and electrical systems.

Information regarding the engine range remains scarce, but buyers should expect a entry-level V6 and the usual lineup of V8 units including Merc's newly developed 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 for the AMG model, and possibly, an upgraded V12 for the flagship version.

Hat tip to Frank for the scoop!

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VIDEO: 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe Spied at California Processing Center

The all-new 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe, that may or may not debut in Detroit next week as a Geneva Salon show up in March is also a strong possibility, was spied at the Long Beach Vehicle Processing Center in California by a crafty Youtube user. The lightly camouflaged C-Class with the two-door body was parked alongside other Mercedes-Benz models including a pair of wrapped up prototypes that appear to be the next generation M-Class and SLK roadster.

While exact specifications aren’t known yet, it's believed that the C-Class Coupe will be almost identical to its recently refreshed four-door and Estate siblings under the skin, offering buyers a choice of four-cylinder and V6 gasoline engines, while a V8-powered AMG model could also be in the cards.

Source: Youtube via: Autoblog.it

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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Patent Drawings

While looking for the designs of the Smart Roadster model we showed you in our previous post, we stumbled upon these drawings of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK used for trademark filings. Being that an official video of the 2012 SLK has already been leaked online (you can watch it after the jump if you missed out), these pictures simply offer some additional -and unobstructed- views of the roadster model with the retractable hardtop.

Boasting a similar silhouette (though with edgier details) to the outgoing model, the new SLK will arrive in the market sometime next year offering buyers a revamped engine lineup of four-cylinder and V6 gasoline units, and if the rumors turn out to be true, a diesel option also. The range will be completed by a high-performance AMG model, said to be equipped with either twin-turbocharged V6 or a larger-displacement V8 engine.

Keep an eye out for the SLK either at the Detroit Motor Show in mid-January or at the Geneva Salon in March.

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SPIED: Mercedes-Benz' SLS AMG Roadster Loses the Top and Gullwing Doors

Mercedes-Benz is nearing the end of the development process of its forthcoming open-top SLS AMG Roadster, which will join the coupe model when it enters the market late next year. Apart from dropping the metal top in favor of an electrically operated fabric roof, as you can see from the location of the door handles in these latest spy pictures, the SLS AMG's famous Gullwing-style doors have made way for more conventional items.

The Roadster model will also gain a pair of partially hidden roll bars located behind the front passengers, which will deploy higher in the event of a rollover crash. The firm's Airscarf neck-heating system will most likely be offered on the standard list.

Under the elongated hood, the SLS AMG Roadster won't differ mechanically from its tin-top twin featuring the same 6.3-litre V8 powerplant with 571HP and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle the delivery to the rear wheels. However, buyers should expect some minor losses in performance because of the added weight of the body-strengthening measures, which compensate for the removal of the rooftop.

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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.

By Csaba Daradicsa

Via: WFC

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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.

By Csaba Daradics

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