WE RECENTLY GAVE YOU THE FIRST OFFICIAL look at Mercedes¡¦ next-generation 2005 SLK roadster, and now comes our first glimpse of in-house performance arm AMG¡¦s new V8-powered version¡Xcourtesy of Mercedes¡¦ own German consumer website.

Expected to arrive in the United States by late 2004, the 2005 SLK55 AMG further accentuates the new SLK¡¦s flowing, Formula One-inspired lines. Externally, the car features aggressive front and rear main spoilers, longitudinal hood fins similar to those found on the SL Class, trunk lid spoiler, side sills and chrome-tipped dual-exhaust outlets.

Power comes courtesy of a 355-hp, 376-lb-ft normally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 (a derivative of the CLK55 AMG engine), which replaces the SLK32¡¦s AMG 349-hp, 332-lb-ft supercharged V6. The engine is coupled to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons. Mercedes claims the engine/tranny combo propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds, about the same as the SLK32 (4.8 seconds 0 to 60 mph). Expect an electronically limited 155-mph top speed (all specs and performance estimates are based on the European-market car). Other high-performance touches include composite front brake discs, upgraded suspension, and 225/40 front and 245/35 rear tires wrapped around 18-inch alloy wheels.

AMG also performs its usual interior upgrade, giving the SLK55 sport seats and steering wheel, unique gauges and brushed stainless-steel trim.

Mercedes¡¦ U.S. arm has yet to announce pricing for the newest AMG model¡Xor even officially announce the car, for that matter. Look for it at the Paris motor show this September, after the ¡¦05 SLK roadster debuts at the Geneva show in March.

Technology:

Folding ¡§Vario-roof¡¨ hardtop transforms roadster into coupe in 22 seconds
AIRSCARF neck-level heating system that delivers warm air from the headrests
Automatic climate control
Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light
New design three-link front axle suspension
Multi-link independent rear suspension
Rack-and-pinion steering
16-, 17-, or 18-inch alloy wheels
Lowered sport suspension optional

Specifications:

2.8 inhces longer
2.6 inches wider
1.2-inch longer wheelbase
0.32 coefficient of drag
18.5-gallon fuel tank
10.6 cubic feet of luggage space when vario-roof is closed

Safety:

Head-thorax side airbags
Adaptive front airbags
Two-stage seat belt force limiters
Forty percent increase in the use of high-tensile steel
Robust steel tubes in the A-pillars
Solid rollover bars behind the seats

SLK 350:

268 horsepower
258 pound-feet of torque from 2400 to 5000 rpm
24 valves
0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds (with the 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds)
Variable camshaft control on intake and exhaust sides
Two-stage intake manifold
¡¨Tumble¡¨ flaps in the intake ducts
Intelligent heat management system
Standard six-speed manual; optional 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic

SLK 55 AMG:

355 horsepower
376 pound-feet of torque
0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift buttons