Mercedes SLK

NEW PICTURES ADDED!!

Mercedes' SLK has stepped into the 'Ring of fire! This prototype for the upcoming BMW Z4 rival made its debut at the Nurburgring circuit today – but its first test wasn't a success.

Our spy photographer, Stefan Baldauf takes up the story: "The car had to pull up at a part of the track called 'Brünnchen', with smoke coming from the engine. One of the drivers jumped out with a fire extinguisher to rescue the car before it started to burn."

It's not the first time a prototype has caught fire during early testing. A mule for Audi's V10-engined R8 spectacularly burst into flames at the circuit just over two years ago.

Set for a debut in 2011, the new SLK will get a fresh body that loses the F1-style nose for a front-grille and headlight arrangement that echoes the new C and E-class. A folding metal hardtop will be standard.

Engine wise, the range will start with a four-cylinder petrol unit producing around 180bhp, while a hot AMG version will lead from the front. However, considering AMG’s recent commitment to clean up its act, the 355bhp V8 from the current car is unlikely to feature again – a smaller capacity supercharged V6 would provide similar performance with greater efficiency.