The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG has made its official debut and, according to the German autoamker, is the most powerful SLK of all time. And as with any AMG, the new SLK55 has the goods. It generates power from a 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces a peak output of 415hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. In addition to its impressive peformance numbers, it comes packed with the latest in suspension and driving technology.

It uses AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes, 3-stage ESP and AMG high-performance braking. The 5.5-liter V8 also reduces both fuel consumption and emissions with the use of technologies such as alternator management, variable camshaft adjustment, stop/start, and an oil pump with an electronicaly controlled pressure stage. According to the official press release, this technology is "in line with the 'AMG Peformance 2015' strategy which has a goal of keeping the aforementioned fuel consumption and emissions down while reaching new heights with driving performance."

The exterior, like usual, features an AMG body styling kit with an exclusive AMG spoiler lip, two chrome-plated twin tailpipes at the rear, and light-alloy wheels. Buyers can also opt for the AMG Handling Package that enhances driving with stiffer tuning, an AMG rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel that's finished in premium leather with Alcantara grip inserts. And like the rest of the SLK lineup, the high-performance AMG has a retractable panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL.

As a part of the automaker's latest styling language, we can definitely see many other styling cues taken from the larger SLS AMG throughout the entire car, both inside and out. Although official pricing hasn't been released, the 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012.