Merc unleashes 416bhp SLK AMG 23 | 08 | 2011

LESS THAN A WEEK after we brought you news of Mercedes' most frugal SLK, the 59mpg turbodiesel 250CDI, the German giant has gone to the other extreme; say hello to the 5.5-litre, 416bhp V8 SLK 55 AMG.

Ok, let's cut to the chase. The new AMG SLK — powered by a non-turbocharged version of the biturbo 5.5-litre V8 which pumps out 416bhp — will cover the standstill to 62mph sprint in just 4.5 seconds, and it'll go on to hit an electronically-limited 155mph.

Fuel consumption? Well that's another story. How about "around 33mpg," according to Merc.

But don't think the AMG SLK doesn't care about the environment; it does … in it's own little ways. It comes with a start/stop function and trick cylinder management (cylinders two, three, five and eight are cut off under partial load).

The AMG is also coupled to an AMG SpeedShift Plus 7G-Tronic transmission, and is fitted with AMG sports suspension — which includes stiffer spring/damper rates and bigger anti-roll bars — plus torque-vectoring brakes and AMG Direct-Steer.

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As you would expect, the SLK AMG also comes with its own styling tweaks, including light-alloy wheels, body styling with spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear.

The top-of-the-range V8 model also gets exclusive darkened clear-lens headlamps and darkened bicolor tail lamps as standard. Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Curve Illumination are also available as an optional extra.

The standard retractable hardtop opens and closes in less than 20 seconds. Two other roof variants are available, including one with the Magic Sky Control system, which has glass that can switch from light to dark at the press of a button.

Due to be unveiled at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, the new SLK AMG will enter Scottish showrooms early next year.

See more images of the new Mercedes SLK AMG

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Jamie Edwardes