Mercedes SLK by Väth

Väth has unveiled their new tuning program for the 2012 Mercedes SLK (R172). Looking tastefully restrained, the model is outfitted with a front lip spoiler, a rear diffuser, lowering springs and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there's carbon fiber trim, aluminum pedals, velour floor mats and a revised speedometer that tops out at 330 km/h (205 mph). Under the hood, a variety of performance packages are available. The SLK 200 CGI can be tuned to produce 210 PS (154 kW / 207 hp) and 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) of torque, while the SLK 250 CGI can be upgraded to churn out 244 PS (179 kW / 241 hp) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. Lastly, the SLK 350 can be equipped with an optimized ECU which enables the 3.5-liter engine to develop 330 PS (243 kW / 325 hp) and 390 Nm (288 lb-ft) of torque. Should that fail to impress you, Väth also offers high-performance brakes, a limited slip differential and a stainless steel sport exhaust system.

Mercedes SLK by Brabus

On the styling front, the model can be outfitted with a front lip spoiler, lowering springs (which reduce the ride height by 30mm) and a variety of wheels in sizes from 17- to 20-inches. Out back, there's a trunk-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sport exhaust system.

Inside, customers can order aluminum pedals, stainless-steel scuff plates and Mastik leather or Alcantara upholstery.

The four-cylinder engines can be equipped with ECO PowerXtra CGI auxiliary control modules which are "custom-tailored to each respective engine variant and can be installed by any authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer in less than an hour thanks to their ‘plug and play' design." It enables the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY to produce 209 PS (154 kW / 207 hp) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 26 PS (19 kW / 25 hp) and 30 Nm (22 lb-ft).

On the other hand, the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY produces 230 PS (169 kW / 226 hp) instead of the standard 204 PS (150 kW / 201 hp). An optional intercooler and wastegate valve can boost the output to 240 PS (176 kW / 236 hp) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque, which enables the roadster to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 248 km/h (154 mph).

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK by Carlsson

German tuner Carlsson has a new tuning program for the Mercedes-Benz SLK.

Starting things off under the hood of this iconic cabrio, Carlsson has developed a new C-Tronic kit, with different stages of output boosts, for the new range of CGI engines that go into the SLK.

For the SLK 200 CGI with a standard output of 184 PS (135 kW / 181 PS) - the C-Tronic tuning can dial that up to a maximum of 224 PS (165 kW / 221 bhp). There's also a less powerful boost up to 211 PS (155 kW / 208 bhp).

For the SLK 250 CGI - power gets bumped up to a maximum of 239 PS (176 kW / 236 bhp) from the series' 204 PS (150 kW / 201 bhp).

For aerodynamics/styling Carlsson has a new front lip spoiler and grille inserts made from electropolished stainless steel. At the rear there's the diffuser insert and rear spoiler which increase contact pressure at the rear axle.

Carlsson also lowers the suspension on the SLK by up to 30 mm and adds new wheels with rims offered between 18- to 20-inches in size.

On the inside, Carlsson provides personalized matching beading and stitching with a choice of leathers that include Carlsson Nappa, Carlsson Nappa Exclusive and Carlsson Nappa Exclusive Heavy Weight. The basic upholstering package does the seats, headrests and inside door panels. Carlsson also adds brushed-aluminum pedal pads with its own logos, as well as its own gear shifter. Accent trims come in "Alcantara appliques", carbon or fine wood inserts.