IN THIS FEATURE Feeling short-changed Focus and firepower Superlative driving dynamics? Proper manual please

There was a time when AMG pledged to make no more naturally-aspirated engines. It was on the launch of the S55, E55 and diesel C-class Sports Coupé (a tyre-smoking diesel, great fun). That pledge has obviously crumbled, because here is the AMG interpretation of the new-shape SLK complete with blower-less 5.5-litre V8.

It has the same capacity as the supercharged version found in the AMG-enhanced S-Class, E-Class, CL and SL, and now in the CLS, but the lack of forced aspiration sees power drop from 476bhp or so to 360. Torque dips too, from 516lb ft to 376.

360bhp and 376 lb ft of torque

Should we feel short-changed? Not really; AMG couldn't let the SLK upstage the SL, and 360bhp is plenty for a compact sports car. So the notion of a 476bhp SLK will have to remain a rather violent dream for the moment. Maybe Brabus will do one, and trigger a worrying brand corruption among souped-up Benzes.

The last AMG-tuned SLK had a supercharged 3.2-litre V6, but Euro IV emissions rules were against it. That's why the new one goes the big-bruiser route. The question is, does such a hefty lump of engine compromise what is a very sweet chassis, all the sweeter with a four-pot than with a V6? Piling in a V8 will surely tip the balance yet further away from the optimum.