Mercedes-AMG SLK55 to become V6 bi-turbo

AMG's V8-powered SLK55 roadster is to be axed, replaced by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo version set to be unveiled at January's Detroit Motor Show.

It's another blow for fans of the atmo bent-eight, following the likes of the BMW M3/M4 and Audi's RS4 in abandoning cubic capacity for a forced-induction six-cylinder.

The SLK55 is the only Mercedes to use a naturally-aspirated version of AMG's M157 5.5-litre V8 and the small sales volumes do not justify continued production.

Speaking at the international launch of the C63 Coupe, AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that the flagship variant of the forthcoming SLC – as the SLK is to be known as part of Merc's naming reshuffle – will become AMG's first six-cylinder-powered model since the C32 AMG disappeared in 2004.

It will be powered by a high-output version of the 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 currently found in the recently released Mercedes-AMG GLE450 Sport and soon-to-arrive C450 Sport.

While it won't quite match the SLK55's 310kW, it would be unlike AMG to step too far backwards, so expect around 300kW/550Nm with a soundtrack and driving dynamics to match.

The first teaser pics are scheduled for release next month and we'll bring them to you as soon as we have them.