Something of a menacing, adrenalin-junkie brother to what was otherwise just a snooty roadster that never managed to shake the hairdryers and highlight foils off its image, the previous SLK 55 delivered pleasure by the ton and now there's a new one that promises even more.
Perhaps we should start off with what will be bad news for the extremists out there. Engineers weren't brave enough to install AMG's all new biturbocharged 5.5-litre V8, instead opting for a naturally aspirated version, but the good news is that it is somewhat more gutsy than its predecessor.
Power is up by 45kW to 310kW at 6800rpm and twisting force rises by 30Nm to 540Nm, wound out at 4500rpm. This, according the company's claimed coastal figures, shaves 0.3sec off the 0-100km/h sprint, which now takes place in 4.6sec.
This immense urge is channelled through AMG's latest seven-speed automatic tranny, which offers 'manual', 'sports' and 'controlled efficiency' modes as well as an automatic double-declutching function when downshifting.
Like practically every other car launched this year, the new 55 is also greener than before, with features such as direct fuel injection, idle-stop and a cylinder shut-off device allowing a claimed combined consumption figure of just 8.4 litres/100km, with emissions 30 percent lower at 195g/km.
Keeping things as tidy as possible through the corners is an AMG sports suspension with stiffer springs all round and a more negative camber on the rear axle, torque vectoring brakes and a safety net in the form of three-stage ESP that can be switched into a sport mode or off altogether. Anchorage is via an AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated brake discs at all corners.
More discerning buyers can also opt for a handling package with stiffer springs, a rear diff lock and composite brakes at the front.
To scream its top-dog status on the streets, the 55 AMG sets itself apart with the characteristic AMG body kit, spoiler lip and two chrome-plated twin tailpipes, along with 18-inch AMG alloys. AMG is also offering an 'Edition 1' styling package, as seen in the pictures, which adds a glut of exterior and interior features, including matt black rims. Inside the 55, you'll find all the expected AMG paraphernalia and you can make it even more distinctive by ordering Nappa leather.
As with other SLK siblings, you can also order the Airscarf neck-heating system (strange that you have to pay extra for it at this level) and the clever Magic Sky Control panoramic vario-roof that manipulates molecules to allow the driver to control the level of sunlight entering the cabin.
Given that we're one of the biggest AMG markets, expect the new 55 to reach South Africa in the not-too-distant future.