When CAR road test editor Ben Barry sampled the new for 2011 Mercedes SLK, he came away most impressed with the four-cylinder SLK250. Obviously nobody told AMG, since it’s proceeded to stuff an SLK full of AMG V8 power.
Mercedes SLK55 AMG: the lowdown
Our spy photographer has caught this camouflaged SLK lurking near the prototype wildlife sanctuary also known as the Nurburgring.
Changes to the SLK following its AMG workout regime include deeper front bumper with larger front intakes, AMG badging in the side gill vent, reprofiled side skirts and a rear bumper whose diffuser styling must be so aerodynamically efficient, it produces extra downforce while being covered in camouflage wrap.
AMG styling cues aplenty
Four big exhausts will leave bystanders in little doubt that a plus-size carbon footprint is being deployed by the fun-size SL.
As with the original SLK55 AMG, the latest edition will be packing a 5.5-litre V8 engine. We’ve tried it in 516bhp twin-turbocharged form when it debuted in the CLS63 AMG and came away mightily impressed. It will be interesting to see whether the 420bhp or so that the naturally-aspirated engine is rumoured to produce will cause a similar response.
We expect to see the new AMG-fettled SLK making a debut at this September’s 2011 Frankfurt motor show, and to be on sale by the end of 2011. If the efficient and sweet-handling SLK250 seems a tad too effete for your driving needs you may be best to wait for the bin bags to be removed from this AMG instead.