Think of the Hidalgo as something like the European equivalent of Japan's Mitsuoka Himiko Classic which is based off the MX-5. The Swiss replica is powered by the SLK AMG's 5.5-liter V8 engine producing 355HP and 376 lb-ft of peak torque, good enough to get the Hidalgo from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in a claimed 3.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
While Mercedes is sticking with the two-piece retractable hard top, the two-seater 2011 SLK is expected to bring a sportier design theme with a more angular direction inspired by the well-received SLS AMG Gullwing supercar.
The new images show that the 2012 SLK ditches the current model's F1-inspired nose in favor of a much bolder grille and more geometrically shaped headlamps, all themed after the SLS AMG Gullwing model. However, Stuttgart's Z4-fighter will continue to be a strictly two-seater roadster with a two-piece folding hardtop.
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Like the current version of the SLK, Stuttgart's BMW Z4 rival will feature a two-piece folding metal roof, but it will also receive all of Mercedes' newest gadgets and accessories.
While the heavy camouflage doesn't allow us to get a clear view of the new SLK's looks, it is expected that Mercedes will drop the current model's F1-inspired nose in favor of a much bolder grille and more geometrically shaped headlamps, all themed after the SLS AMG Gullwing model.
The increase of the V8 engine's displacement to 5.8-liters along with the addition of a compressor and a series of other measures including a new exhaust system and recalibrated ECU, just to mention a few, push output to 565 horsepower and 770Nm or 568 lb-ft. The extra kick in the pants allows the V58 SLK to top out at 310km/h or 193 mph.
*Article Updated With New Spy Photos
And while the excessive black cladding on the outside obstructs our view of the 2012 SLK's exterior styling, our man with the long lens managed to bag a few revealing pictures of the interior.Though not of the best quality, the images show that the new SLK's dashboard is clearly inspired from the SLS AMG.
It features a similar instrument cluster layout with two large gauges as well as an almost identical center console design boasting a pair of prominent air-vents with cruciform nozzles that are reminiscent of a jet's engines.
It very likely that the new SLK will grow in dimensions, thus improving passenger and luggage space.
Underneath the skin, Mercedes' new roadster model will make use of the C-class platform and suspension hardware, tuned of course to deliver more responsive handling characteristics.
The SLK's engine lineup will comprise of four-cylinder and V6 options at launch. As for the AMG version, there are all sorts of rumors circulating on the net, ranging from a twin-turbocharged V6 to a smaller displacement V8 turbo, but none have been confirmed.
Starting with the SL Night Edition, Merc's flagship hardtop roadster is finished in an exclusive designo magno night black paint and features 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake callipers with the Mercedes-Benz logo and darkened headlamps/tail lights.
Inside, the SL's cabin is dressed in black nappa leather and shining chrome trim while the seats also have arrow-shaped seams and silver-colored contrasting features. Finally, the sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are in black.
Moving onto the SLK Grand Edition, the compact roadster is distinguished on the outside by the designo graphite paint finish, 18-inch light-alloy wheels with five triple spokes, silver-coloured fins on the bonnet and darkened headlamps.
Interior highlights include the standard AIRSCARF system, the new seats that are upholstered in basalt grey nappy leather, with red stitching and arrow-shaped seams. Basalt grey nappa leather is also used for the door linings and is contrasted by the designo pearl leather armrests.
Depending on the engine variant, the additional cost for the special models is between 3700 and 5200 Euro for the SL Night Edition and between 2300 and 3500 Euro for the SLK Grand Edition.
In typical Mercedes-Benz style, the special paint finishes will cost you an additional 3640 Euro for designo magno night black and 1800 Euro for designo graphite.
Most automakers use specific styling cues to make their vehicles look and feel like they are a part of an extended family - even when they belong to different segments. That's even more true in the case of premium carmakers like Mercedes. And while it's too early to make any final assumptions regarding the appearance of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK, speculating that the styling of the next-generation compact hardtop-roadster will be heavily inspired from the new SLS AMG Gullwing may not be far from reality.With this in mind, photoshop expert Theophilus Chin created what is best described as a "mini SLS AMG Roadster" proposal. Click on the photos below to check them out in high-res quality and tell us what you think.
Photos: Thelophilus Chin , Via: Autoblog.nl
