The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK represents the third generation of a sports car that rocked the automotive world when it unveiled the first automatic retractable hardtop in its segment. The original SLK re-energized the small roadster market segment, which expanded to include such competitors as the Porsche Boxster and the BMW Z3.

Photo: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350See more new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster pictures in our 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Roadster photo gallery

The First Retractable Hardtop in Modern Times

Spearheading a trend that's still changing the auto industry, the latest SLK is best known for its distinctive retractable hardtop. With the top up, it's a quiet, weather-tight coupe - push a button, and 20 seconds later, the car is topless.

Photo: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Already 145,000 customers worldwide enthusiastic about the current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Stuttgart -- Aug 08, 2008 -- Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz has gotten off to a good start in the “convertible season” with its updated models. Since spring of 2008, the new generation SL-Class has been carrying on the brand’s unparalleled sports car tradition, which began in 1954 with the legendary “gull-wing” 300 SL.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

The latest - and now the fifth - generation of the SL-Class has so far been chosen by 145,000 customers.

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz will showcase the latest updates to their passenger car line-up at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public from March 21 – 30, 2008. Highlights include the North American debut of both the restyled 2009 SL Roadster as well as the stylish 2009 CLS four-door coupe. Joining these debuts, the 2009 SLK Roadster will make its regional debut in New York.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

The iconic SL Roadster in particular has a special connection with New York which dates back to 1954, when the now-legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” was introduced during International Motor Sports Show at the New York Coliseum.

Restyled SL Roadster for 2009

The new-generation SLK - More powerful, more economical, more intense: rediscovering roadster driving pleasure

Stuttgart -- Feb 04, 2008 -- The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Following an extensive facelift incorporating around 650 newly developed components, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster

More powerful, more economical, more intense: rediscovering intelligent roadster driving enjoyment

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters have long captured the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Incorporating around 650 newly developed components, the SLK models of 2008 are even more dynamic and now offer an even more emotionally charged driving experience.

New-Generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadster