The most powerful version of Mercedes-Benz’s small hardtop roadster, the 2012 SLK 55 AMG, will receive its world premiere at this year’s edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, but the first photos of the V8-powered model have already sprung up on the German car site Autobild.
Visually, the AMG treatment adds a new aero kit with bespoke parts up front and at the back along with a smoked out lights and larger set of light alloy wheels finished in black. Inside, you’ll find a pair of sports seats and plenty of surfaces covered in stitched leather

And while this is the first time we get to see the new SLK 55 AMG in the flesh and without camouflage, Mercedes-Benz recently shared details on the roadster model’s mechanical hardware.

Power for the roadster comes from a new naturally-aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 62 more horses and 30Nm more torque than the previous model’s eight-cylinder unit, at 422-horses and 540Nm in European-spec, and 415-horses at 6,800 rpm and 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm in North American-flavor.

The aluminum V8 engine also features the AMG Cylinder Management system that can shut off four-cylinders from 800 to 3,600 rpm to improve fuel efficiency.

A 7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission featuring three modes (sport, manual and efficiency) transfers power to the rear wheels.

According to the Mercedes, the new SLK 55 AMG completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

The roadster returns a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100 km, which is 3.5lt or 30% less than that of the preceding model with the 360HP V8.

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

As the age old saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do. Not to stereotype, but you have to admit that the United Arab Emirates have had their fare share of gold-finished exotic supercars and as such, Mercedes-Benz decided to show off a special SLS AMG Gullwing with the designation “AMG Desert Gold” with a matt gold color at the bi-annual Dubai Motor Show that runs from December 15 to 20.

In addition to matt gold paintwork, all the decorative and mounted features like the Mercedes star at the front and the fins on the bonnet and flanks that are in shining chrome or Silver Shadow in the standard SLS AMG have been given a deep-black paint finish on the show car.

The same goes for the black-painted AMG light-alloy wheels in size 9.5 x 19 at the front and 11.0 x 20 at the rear that are embellished with a golden ring on the rim flange.

Mercedes chose to leave the interior of the 571HP gullwing-supercar intact, opting for black leather and carbon fiber trim.

The Stuttgart automaker noted that while the AMG Desert Gold treatment has been used only for the display vehicle at the Dubai show, if there’s enough interest generated, the special gold paint finish could become available as an individual optional extra from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO.

And if not, we’re pretty sure that those SLS AMG owners that find the gold finish alluring will find a way to do it anyway…

In the run up to the SLS AMG’s world premiere at the Frankfurt Show and following a series of internet leaks the past few days, Mercedes-Benz today unleashed a broad set of photos as well as more detailed information on its gullwinged-supercar. Before we get into any other details, let us tell you that the 571 horsepower SLS AMG is scheduled to be launched onto the market in Spring 2010 carrying a base price in Germany of €177,310, which comes to around $257,500 US with the current exchange rates.

The new ‘super sports car’, as Mercedes-Benz likes to describe the SLS AMG, is clearly inspired by the one of the most beautiful and iconic cars ever to hit the road, the 1950s 300 SL Gullwing. Evidently, Mercedes did not go for a full retro look but instead used the 300SL as an inspiration to design a supercar that embodies the firm’s classic styling traits without looking like a beefed-up SL for example – yes, we’re talking about the SLR McLaren.

The design highlight is without doubt the gullwing doors that swing up by 70 degrees while another styling cue that harks back to the 300SL is the wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin.

The SLS AMG’s proportions are overly aggressive with the nearly two-meters or 79-inches long bonnet (!), the low and far back positioned cabin and the stubby tail along with the long wheelbase and wide tracks offering the car a menacing stance.

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Stuttgart’s BMW M5 and Audi RS6 rival was officially revealed today ahead of the sport saloon’s world premiere at the New York Auto Show, open to the public April 10-19, 2009 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. At the heart of the new E63 AMG is a 6.3-liter V8 engine packing 525-horspower and a peak torque of 630Nm or for the U.S. spec model, 518HP and 465 lb.-ft. torque. The engine is hooked up to a new 7-speed automatic transmission and according to Merc, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Not that anyone interested in the E63 AMG cares, but the German automaker claims that despite 11HP of additional output versus the preceding model, fuel consumption in the model has been reduced by around 12 percent to 12.6 lt/100km (18.6mpg US).

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