AMG powersleds being a separate matter, Mercedes-Benz isn’t known for building true sports cars. To make the third-generation SLK roadster at least look the part, the company turned to the SLS AMG for styling inspiration.

SLS on the Outside

Specifically, the SLK’s long hood now seems even longer, thanks to an upright grille nearly identical to the one that leads the SLS down the road—a grille design similar to those found on many other vaunted Mercedes-Benz two-seaters of the last 50 years. You’ve already seen this face on the CLS, and Mercedes-Benz’s design chief, Gorden Wagener, has decreed that it will spread across the lineup.

New LED headlamps feature illuminated brows à la the previous-gen BMW 5-series, and lead nicely into the crisp crown of the front fenders. Particularly with the optional Sport package, which adds a chunky, snowplow-like apron, the entire front is starkly angular, providing an interesting contrast to the curvy, sloping rear end—which also is emblazoned with LEDs. The retractable roof’s center panel is available in three varieties: body-color metal, dark-tinted glass, or the variable-tint “Magic Sky Control” glass. Sadly, the 2012 SLK is the latest vehicle to join the superfluous-fender-vent club.

SLS on the Inside

If you’ve never had the pleasure of folding yourself into an SLS AMG, the new SLK’s interior gives you a pretty good idea of what it looks like. The dashboard layout is virtually identical to that of the SLS, with a center-mounted screen set between crosshair-style air vents. As in the AMG car, the dash forms a simple, straight line spanning the cabin, breaking only for the twin-pod instrument cluster. Also evocative of the SLS are the flat-bottomed steering wheel and the arrangement of the center-stack controls on a rectilinear panel that sweeps down and rearward between the seats.

Mercedes promises a tranquil interior at speed thanks to its new “Airguide.” Instead of a conventional wind blocker, Airguide consists of clear triangular panels hinged on the inboard post of each roll bar. And, of course, the SLK’s innovative Airscarf—which blows hot air from ducts in the base of the headrests onto the occupants’ necks—returns for duty.

SLS Underhood, Too? Um, No

When the SLK hits the market this summer, it will be available only as the SLK350, with a 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. With direct injection and new cylinder heads, the 3.5’s output rises to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, up two ponies and eight lb-ft compared with the previous model. The engine is said to be good for a 5.4-second 0–60 sprint, which seems entirely plausible considering that the last SLK350 we tested hit 60 in 5.5.

Come early 2012, the SLK250 will hit U.S. shores, powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine similar to the one in the upcoming C250 sedan. With 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, Mercedes says the four-banger is potent enough to hustle the little roadster to 60 in 6.5 seconds while returning combined fuel economy of 27 mpg. Even better, it will offer the choice of seven-speed automatic or six-speed stick. At some point, of course, AMG will release its take on the new SLK. As we previously reported, that car will be powered by a naturally aspirated version of AMG’s new 5.5-liter V-8 pushing perhaps 400 hp.

While styling is one thing—and steroidal AMG versions yet another—we’ll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to see if Mercedes has decided to imbue this new SLK with the spirit of a true sports car. At the very least, the third generation will look like one.