2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 / SLK63 AMG Spy Photos - Future Cars

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 / SLK63 AMG Spy Photos - Future Cars: Spy shooters have captured Mercedes' next-gen SLK AMG prowling around the Nürburgring, no doubt cooling off after some blistering laps development.As we previously reported, a version of Merc's new 5.5-liter V-8-no doubt hooked to the brand's seven-speed Sport Shift automatic-will power this car, but it will eschew the two turbos that feed that engine in the latest S63, CLS63, CL63 AMG and. Given that, the return of the SLK55 name seems appropriate, although adopting the 63 AMG badge would give the lineup some homogeneity, and a larger sock to stuff in the roadster's jockstrap.

But the folding-hardtop SLK AMG should not need to artificially bolster its résumé, as output stands to rise from the previous gene 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 numbers hold up power and performance, the SLS Lite label may gain even more veracity.

While the SLK AMG does not have any tit-for-competition, the Audi TT RS was doing (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 get. to 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 2012th.