Mercedes SLK

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: SB-Medien

06th April 2009

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.

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