Piecha Design Gives the new 2012 Mercedes SLK its First Tune

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for aftermarket specialists to get their hands on the new Mercedes-Benz SLK. Piecha Design is if not the first, one of the first tuners to release a package for the compact German roadster. Named “Accurian RS”, the kit focuses on exterior enhancements.

A redesigned bumper fitted with a spoiler lip, new vents and LED daytime running lights dominates the front end of the car. Piecha Design's aerodynamic package also includes side skirts with LEDs that light the asphalt under the car.

At the rear end, Piecha designers fitted the SLK with a new diffuser, available in two sizes, small or large. In addition to its functional role, the diffuser also acts as a frame for the quad tailpipes. Finally, a rear spoiler lip on the boot lid completes the aero package.

Piecha also offers 19-inch monoblock rims with a turbine-inspired design. The wheels are available in combination with 25 mm lowering springs.

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Mercedes Announces U.S. Prices for 2012 SLK Roadster and 2012 CLS [Plus New Photo Galleries]

We’ve already had our first look at the new-generation SLK roadster and CLS sports sedan lineups, but now, Mercedes-Benz has decided to reveal pricing on both models ahead of their U.S. market launch this summer.

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.

2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK350

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2012 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS550 & CLS63 AMG