Lets get down to what we are all interested in - What's under the hood - The 2012 SLK 55 AMG boasts (as the badging suggests) a 5.5litre V8 biturbo powerplant that puts out 422 hp @ 6800 rpm. To put all that raw power to the road the AMG engineers have decided to go with a pair of 255/35R18. Depending on how you decide to drive this car you can go through a set of tires pretty quickly. With the cost of fuel on the rise AMG's cylinder management system will appeal to those of you who want to be a bit conservative. The cylinder shut off system is a new technology inspired by formula 1 racing that shuts off four of the engine's eight cylinders under partial load.

Now that we know what we're dealing with on the road, lets see what creature comfort features Mercedes has stirred up for us. As is custom with the older models, the 2012 SLK comes with the airscarf system right above the head rest which adds increased comfort while driving with the top down on cooler days. They have added a new vario-roof with magic sky control that allows you to change the transparency of the roof at the touch of a button.