Mercedes-Benz has released the first official pictures of its new SLK. The new car adopts the new corporate front-end, which looks like an evolution of the SLS AMG supercar, and it's powered by an all-petrol powered engine line-up, ranging from the 181bhp SLK200 or 201bhp SLK250 to the 302bhp 3.5-litre V6. It's almost a certainty that higher-powered AMG versions will be on the agenda in the near future.
 
All SLKs are badged BlueEfficiency, thanks to the employment of stop/start tech as standard, while the two most powerful engines get a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard (it’s an option on the SLK200). With 7G equipped, the SLK200 is the most economical roadster in its segment, returning 46.3mpg, yet it still manages a 7.0sec 0-60mph time and 147mph top speed.

Conventional steel suspension comes as standard, with a sports suspension option with harder springs and dampers to crank up the drivers' car credentials. This can then be further upgraded to the Dynamic Handling package that offers continuously adjustable dampers, speed sensitive steering and torque vectoring brakes.
 
Inside, the cabin continues the theme of subtle evolution of the outgoing model, but is visually highlighted by four circular air vents deliberately designed to ape those used in the R107 model of the '70s and '80s. 

The Mercedes-Benz SLK continues the use of a folding steel hard-top roof; but it's now available with a ‘Magic Sky Control’, which features panoramic glass that can be switched between clear and blacked-out. 
The new SLK will hit UK showrooms in June 2011.