More AMG News: 2012 SLK55 and C63 AMG Black Details Emerge

Do you like thundering great V8's in small cars?  Well, Mercedes-Benz AMG will have two new choices for you in 2012.  We've already seen some pictures of the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe, the latest in the line of more-than-normal AMG's, but Benz finally released press photos and some more specific details on this track-ready musclecar today.

As mentioned previously, the C63 AMG Black will pack more power and (a little) less weight.  The 6.2L 32v "M156" V8 is treated to some of the same upgrades used on the SLS AMG Gullwing supercar, to reduce internal friction, rotational mass, and heat build-up.  Internally, the Black receives forged pistons and heavy-duty forged connecting rods, as well as a balanced and lightened crankshaft from Benz's halo car.  Outside, the oil cooler's surface area is 50% larger than the normal C63's, preventing heat soak from extended track sessions.  Power is up to 510bhp and 457 lb-ft, from the standard C63's 451bhp and 443 lb-ft of torque.

Mated to the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed gearbox (basically an automatic transmission with an automated wet clutch instead of a torque converter), AMG claims the C63 black will hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds, which is also aided by a 44lb-weight reduction over the normal C63 coupe.

More cool stuff for the Black series include the wide-body fenders (2.2" wider track in front, 3.3" wider in the rear), adjustable coilover suspension, lightweight forged alloy wheels (mounting meaty 285/30/19's on the back!), and an AMG rear differential lock (with three modes).  There are also larger brakes - 15.4" with 6-piston calipers up front, 14.2" with 4-piston calipers in back, a louder exhaust system, and then you get to the interior...

As standard, the Black - like all those before it - tosses out the rear seats in favor of a parcel shelf.  Why?  Weight reduction for one, and fixed-back racing buckets up front for another.  Hard to get in the back of a coupe if the seats don't fold!  Of course, if you have kids, you can order a Black series with rear seats and folding front seats, but... don't do that.  The flat-rim steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles is a nice touch, but perhaps the red seat belts are a bit over the top.  How much will this most hardcore of C-classes cost?  An estimated 35% premium over a regular C63 Coupe, or probably around $90,000.

What's the other AMG news?  It relates to the AMG version of the just-released 3rd-generation SLK Roadster.  The first-generation SLK AMG used a torquey supercharged 3.2L V6, and the second-generation used a naturally-aspirated 5.4L 3v V8 - shared with the E55 AMG.  There were rumors that the new SLK AMG would move to something like a twin-turbocharged V6, but it turns out it's remaining naturally aspirated.  There aren't any actual pictures of the new SLK AMG (just that blurry background shot), but there are pictures of it's engine, as seen above and below.

Called the M152, it's basically an M157 - the new direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 5.5L V8 in the new E, CL, CLS, and S class - shorn of it's turbochargers.  Why?  Well, it's likely because 422bhp and 398lb-ft is more than enough power for the tiny two-seat SLK, and stuffing twin turbochargers on it would lead to lots of dead bankers.  It is also mated to the AMG Speedshift 7-speed, and features - gasp - cylinder deactivation.  This means that despite having more than 60 additional horsepower compared to the old SLK55, it will return 35% better average fuel economy.

Proof we are, indeed, leaving in the golden age of the automobile.  There are no photos of the whole SLK55 itself, but expect more details to emerge as we get closer to it's debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.