2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55
Spy shooters have captured Mercedes’ next-gen SLK AMG prowling around the Nürburgring, no doubt cooling off after some blistering development laps.
As we previously reported, a version of Merc’s new 5.5-liter V-8—no doubt hooked to the brand’s seven-speed Sportshift automatic—will power this car, but it will eschew the two turbos that feed that engine in the latest S63, CLS63, and CL63 AMGs. Given that, the return of the SLK55 name seems appropriate, although adopting the 63 badge would give the AMG lineup some homogeneity—and a larger sock to stuff in the roadster’s jockstrap.
But the folding-hardtop SLK AMG shouldn’t need to artificially bolster its résumé, as output stands to rise from the previous-gen SLK55’s 355 hp to something north of 400, and we estimate 0-to-60-mph runs in the low fours. We’ve already said that this car’s little brother, the 2012 SLK350, not only looks like a mini SLS, but that it drives like one, too; if those power and performance numbers hold up, the SLS Lite label may gain even more veracity.
The looks should help further the comparison. Using the new SLK’s handsome sheetmetal as a starting point, the AMG exterior makeover will include more-aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as larger wheels wearing fatter rubber. The spy shots also show the expected quad exhaust pipes; we can hardly wait to hear them sing. As turbocharging spreads across Merc’s high-po lineup—this model will join the refreshed C63 AMG sedan and coupe among the naturally aspirated holdouts—the SLK AMG should be one of the most sonorous.
While the SLK AMG doesn’t have any tit-for-tat competition, the Audi TT RS (which we recently tested as hitting 60 in 3.6 seconds), BMW Z4 sDrive35is, and Porsche Boxster are probably about as close as you’re going to get. Look for this little beastie to debut at this fall’s Frankfurt auto show before going on sale either late this year or in early 2012.
Spy shooters have captured Mercedes’ next-gen SLK AMG prowling around the Nürburgring, no doubt cooling off after some blistering development laps.
As we previously reported, a version of Merc’s new 5.5-liter V-8—no doubt hooked to the brand’s seven-speed Sportshift automatic—will power this car, but it will eschew the two turbos that feed that engine in the latest S63, CLS63, and CL63 AMGs. Given that, the return of the SLK55 name seems appropriate, although adopting the 63 badge would give the AMG lineup some homogeneity—and a larger sock to stuff in the roadster’s jockstrap.
But the folding-hardtop SLK AMG shouldn’t need to artificially bolster its résumé, as output stands to rise from the previous-gen SLK55’s 355 hp to something north of 400, and we estimate 0-to-60-mph runs in the low fours. We’ve already said that this car’s little brother, the 2012 SLK350, not only looks like a mini SLS, but that it drives like one, too; if those power and performance numbers hold up, the SLS Lite label may gain even more veracity.
The looks should help further the comparison. Using the new SLK’s handsome sheetmetal as a starting point, the AMG exterior makeover will include more-aggressive front and rear fascias, as well as larger wheels wearing fatter rubber. The spy shots also show the expected quad exhaust pipes; we can hardly wait to hear them sing. As turbocharging spreads across Merc’s high-po lineup—this model will join the refreshed C63 AMG sedan and coupe among the naturally aspirated holdouts—the SLK AMG should be one of the most sonorous.
While the SLK AMG doesn’t have any tit-for-tat competition, the Audi TT RS (which we recently tested as hitting 60 in 3.6 seconds), BMW Z4 sDrive35is, and Porsche Boxster are probably about as close as you’re going to get. Look for this little beastie to debut at this fall’s Frankfurt auto show before going on sale either late this year or in early 2012.
