Caught! Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG Testing at the Nurburgring

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In the wake of the introduction of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK, our friends at Motor Trend nabbed more shots of the powerful AMG-version running test laps on the Nürburgring.


While the car spotted doesn’t look to have much differentiating the high-po SLK from lesser versions, there are a couple of giveaways — perhaps the most notable of which are the quad-tipped tailpipes exiting an aggressive rear fascia. Although covered by camouflage, we can see that the front-end has gotten a more muscular treatment as well, and probably wears the new AMG-trademark LED running lights. The front brake discs also seem to have grown in size, to help bring the faster SLK to a halt. Also of note is a slightly bigger rear spoiler, to aid in creating more downforce at higher speeds.

Not much is known about what will be found under the hood of the AMG-version of the SLK, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a version of the turbocharged, 5.5-liter V-8 that has been proliferating throughout 2011- and 2012-model year AMG models.There had been rumors that a forced-induction V-6 could find its way into the SLK AMG, but Motor Trend’s spy shooter said that the car “sure sounded like a V-8.”The previous-gen SLK55 AMG packed a 355-hp, 5.4-liter, naturally aspirated V-8, which has since been phased out.

Make sure to head over to Motor Trend to check out the full set of spy photos, and expect to see the SLK AMG to most likely make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.