Mercedes-Benz Previews 2012 SLS Roadster at New England International Auto Show

BOSTON, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new Mercedes-Benz 2012 SLS AMG Roadster is making its East Coast premiere at the 2012 New England International Auto Show, open to the public January 12-16 at the Boston Convention Center. This long-awaited roadster version of the formidable SLS AMG gullwing coupe hit showrooms for the holidays and is grabbing the attention of many high profile car aficionados.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120111/NY34208 )
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

Four additional all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz cars are making a debut at the New England show – the new C-Class Coupe, M-Class SUV, SLK350 Roadster, and the CLS550 4MATIC – the first time the sleek 4-door coupe design receives 4-wheel Electronic Traction System. In addition, a series of clean diesel vehicles are taking the stage including the much-anticipated S350 BlueTEC.

SLS AMG Roadster

With a retractable fabric top and conventionally hinged doors, the new convertible joins the highly successful SLS AMG gullwing coupe, the first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the company's high-performance division.

The folding soft top on the new SLS AMG can be opened in only 11 seconds, even when the car is moving at speeds up to 31 mph, and a rear window of single-layer safety glass is seamlessly bonded into the top. With the roof closed or open, the roadster's trunk capacity is virtually the same as the gullwing coupe.

The SLS AMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. With 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, the 6.3-liter V8 engine is one of the world's most powerful naturally aspirated V8s in production. Among its many special features, dry-sump engine lubrication (rare in the auto industry) along with a front-mid engine located well behind the front wheels, coupled with a rear-mounted transaxle, all contribute to impressive vehicle handling.

C-Class Coupe an entirely new concept, the two-door coupe features unique compact proportions, a low silhouette and athletic lines, and is packed with innovation including a comprehensive level of driver support and protection including a number of driver assistance systems, ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to optional LANE KEEPING Assist.  Available now at $38,095.

M-Class SUV, well-appointed, truly capable and exceptionally safe the new model features sharp creases and an aggressive, upright grille.  Inside is a spacious and wholly redesigned cabin, featuring exquisite materials and a host of standard features. The M-Class re-sets the standard against which every luxury SUV will be measured-both inside and out. Available now at $49,865 MSRP.

SLK 350 is an all new roadster design that takes top down driving to new heights. It features a MAGIC Sky Control Roof that allows the adjustment of its transparent roof from light to dark at the touch of a button.  Available now at $55,675 MSRP.

CLS 550, new generation four-door coupe debuts with dramatic styling, a new direct-injection 4.6 liter biturbo V8 engine (402 hp, 443 lb.-ft), electromechanical steering, aluminum doors and world-first active LED headlights.  The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive hit showrooms this September.  Available starting at $74,000 MSRP.

For more information, visit: www.media.mbusa.com

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA