2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 to start at $55,675*

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK top-down

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster has received a substantial makeover for 2012, with reworked powertrains and more masculine sheetmetal. The SLK350’s new 3.5-liter V6 helps back up that fresh dose of manliness with 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, thanks to the addition of direct injection. Having driven the roadster, we found the upgrades help make the car more entertaining to drive, and now we can put a price tag on these refinements.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the 2012 SLK350 will start at $55,675 (*including $875 in destination charges). That’s a $1,500 increase over the 2011 model – a fair shake considering the updates. For comparison’s sake, the folding hardtop SLK350 carries an MSRP that’s $4,800 more than the Audi TTS Roadster and $950 more than the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. It does, however, continue to price out lower than the similarly powered Porsche Boxster S, which starts at $58,600. The SLK350 goes on sale on June 1.

If $55,675 is too rich or too powerful for your blood, you can opt to wait until February for the SLK250. Unfortunately, Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing for the SLK250, but we do know that it will feature a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Now, about that AMG…

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 front2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 3502012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 front three quarter2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 front boulevard2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 top

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 to start at $55,675* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120*

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition – Click above for high-res image

Lexus has just released a limited-edition version of the IS 350C convertible that will go on sale later this month. Called the F Sport Special Edition, the droptop is limited to a scant 175 units, priced from $55,120, not including delivery and processing fees.

To set it apart from other IS 350Cs, the F Sport Special Edition benefits from a few visual tweaks. It rides on 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish and the only two exterior colors available are Starfire Pearl (pictured) or Obsidian. Other F Sport touches include Bilstein shocks and lowering springs that bring the IS one inch closer to the ground, and a unique sway bar set has been added, too.

The interior is padded with black and red leather surfaces, and both heated and cooled seats are standard. Navigation is also part of the Special Edition package, encompassing things like a rearview camera, Lexus Enform and the full host of XM infotainment features. Hit the jump for the official press blast.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading 2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120*

2011 Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition limited to 175 units, priced from $55,120* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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