The new Mercedes SLK AMG has been spied in testing in the area around the Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
The new SLK AMG was caught for the first time last week, with our spy photographer claiming the mule had the engine note of a V8.
See the latest spy pics of the Mercedes SLK AMG in action
This means the successor to the current SLK55 is likely to use the same V8 powerplant as the C63 AMG, with 457bhp. But a new 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 petrol engine’s modular design would allow twin-turbocharging, potentially freeing up similar power levels as the V8 but with lower emissions. This engine will make its debut in the S-class this autumn.
Codenamed R172, the new SLK is being brought into line with Mercedes’ future styling direction, recently introduced by new design chief Gorden Wagener.
This car’s relatively light disguise cannot hide the switch to a large, trapezoidal front grille, as seen on the recently launched SLS AMG supercar and the F800 Style Geneva motor show concept.
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The rear spoiler is similar in style to that on the SLS. And the rectangular patch just behind the front wheel arch probably covers a side vent, another cue from the range-topper.
The larger wheels and brakes, more aggressive air intake on the front spoiler and the quad-exhaust tips at the rear give this model’s identity as the AMG variant away.
Whatever its engine, the AMG variant will take the SLK to almost £60,000, around the same as the base specification of the next-generation, aluminium-construction SL.
Pics: Carparazzi
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