Mercedes-Benz already "leaked" its own spy photos of the redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK convertible, but this leak of a French promotional video that features an uncamouflaged SLK is likely a bit more unintentional than that.
As you'll see, changes to the exterior styling are (again) evolutionary for the third generation of the Mercedes SLK. Every model will have a seven-speed automatic transmission, and engines will of course be direct-injected (it should be interesting to see what becomes of the AMG version... twin-turbo V8 or some kind of forced-induction V6 or...).
What this video really speaks to, though, is just how drastically different French tastes are from ours. As our somewhat impulsive protagonist takes us through all the neat-o features on the new convertible (internet in the car, AirCap, collision avoidance), an ominiscent narrator alternates between reading his thoughts and goading him forth -- in an over-the-top sultry intonation. Also, who told the film crew it was OK to drive a convertible top-down on a dusty fire road?
(Autoblog)
mrlsneed says:
05:25 PM, 12/ 7/10
As strange as the commercial was the car seemed cool. It was wise of MB to reveal the SLS first. It is exciting to see all of its other coupes reveal their interpretation of the halo cars design. But I'm sure that this SLK will remain a posers car.
huyracing says:
05:43 PM, 12/ 7/10
poser car? nah, the SLK350 is pretty legit. sounds sexy and a mid 13 second car. unfortunately, its not meant to be a sports car and sideways tire squealing fun was killed promptly for me. (not sure if there is way around it) yes its an automatic, but mercedes automatics are wonderful. it was a cool car, i enjoyed driving it when i had it. an AMG is certainly no poser though...
rting1 says:
06:19 PM, 12/ 7/10
Are you sure it's not a Z4?? They look like twins!
RSdriver says:
07:02 PM, 12/ 7/10
Nice car, wouldn't buy one. My sister digs 'em though, so if I strike it rich, I'd get one for her.
But....frickin' bizarre commercial...i'm a little confused....
as noted by mrlsneed, its a nice interpretation of the SLS, but still a bit effeminate, and the lack of a manual definitely detracts from the appeal....Wouldn't pass up an opportunity to drive one though.
sjwr says:
07:51 PM, 12/ 7/10
For some reason, very annoying commercial that is ineffective. Nice car though. Now porsche would be really scared...
danwilson1 says:
05:48 AM, 12/ 8/10
First off, mrlsneed, it's spelled "poseur", not "poser".
Second, there's nothing "poseurish" about the SLK. Past renditions might not have been as sporty as its rivals, but that's because Mercedes' has a clear philosophy regarding their cars: comfort/luxury before sport.
mrlsneed says:
11:19 AM, 12/ 8/10
Sorry for the spelling error, poseur, thanks got it. This model does seem to be far more driver oriented than the past SLKs. The AMG model for sure will be the sportiest model of the bunch and most least..."poseurish" (I misspelled it but you sir are clearly making words up).
The SLK, while an attractive package, has never been considered a true sports car. I remain a little stand offish until I see the full specs of this car, read a few reviews and possibly schedule a test drive before making my final judgment.
Mercedes puts comfort and luxury before sport...um...poseur. The day Porsche, and other true sports car makers puts "comfort and luxury" before sport in their sports cars, is a day that Roll Royce will be declared the sportiest car maker on the planet.
huyracing says:
04:59 PM, 12/ 8/10
Mercedes always put comfort and luxury before sport... they aren't a sports car maker, they are a luxury car maker. AMG injects performance into their cars, but they are still just fast luxury cars at that point. If they are trying to build a sports car, then yes they are posing... but they aren't. Mercedes is not a poseur.
mrlsneed says:
05:58 PM, 12/ 8/10
Question if the SLK is not a sports car, then what is it? If Mercedes-Benz doesn't make sports cars then what is the SLS, and what was the SLR? I understand that Mercedes is a luxury car maker. A luxury car maker that puts comfort and Luxury before sport. A luxury car maker that makes cars that looks like sports cars but aren't and yet we shouldn't dare call them poseurs? Why because they are Mercedes? Please, put that SLK on a track with a Boxter S then we will see who's posing.
amgftw says:
01:12 PM, 12/13/10
I was hoping MB would do a better job with the new SLK's interior, but it still looks as cheap as the current gen's.
I don't understand how the Z4 can have such a gorgeous interior, but an ugly exterior, while the new SLK now has a much improved exterior but yet a crap interior.
Seems like there's never a win-win.