Next SLK55 AMG gets new V8

Like naturally aspirated, big capacity V8s? If not, you're probably on the wrong website. And if you do, then today is a good day. Mercedes has announced its next SLK55 AMG will get a new free-breathing 5.5-litre eight-pot when it hits the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Sound a bit familiar? Recently the German carmaker's AMG skunk works division has been scaling back the 6.2-litre V8 for the new 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. We've seen the E63 AMG, the CLS63 AMG, the S63 AMG and the CL63 AMG all trade in their big pots for the smaller units.

Well, the SLK's new V8 is, in effect, the same engine, but without the twin turbos. It also gets new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, a modified valve drive, adapted oil supply system and an optimised crank case.

And despite the lack of turbochargerising, AMG still insists it has built "a real masterpiece". The new V8 produces 420bhp (60bhp up from the old SLK55) and nearly 400lb ft of torque. It also gets an F1-style cylinder shut-off system, said to significantly improve mpg, available between 800rpm to 3,600rpm in ‘C' transmission mode. As the name suggests, this deactivates four cylinders under lighter loads, springing back into life instantly when you inevitably get bored and floor it.

It also gets a new AMG sports exhaust with integrated flaps that activate at certain engine loads (making it louder), stop/start, combined economy of around 28mpg and emissions of 199g/km of CO2.

Excited by the prospect of a now-more-manly SLK with a 420bhp non-turbo V8?

There is one new Merc still flaunting the 6.2-litre V8. Click here to find out which one...