A DIESEL version of the Mercedes SLK roadster will be going on in the next few months with fuel economy of almost 60 miles per gallon.
Powered by a 2.1-litre engine turbo charged to deliver 204 horsepower, the SLK 250 CDI is said to be capable of accelerating from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds with a top speed in excess of 150mph.
Exhaust emissions are down to 128g/km of CO2 making it the cleanest roadster in its class.
At the moment Audi is the only other motor maker to offer a diesel in the upmarket roadster market with its two-litre TT TDI quattro.
The shift into diesel sports cars is a first for Mercedes and although prices have still to be announced in the UK it is likely the car will cost in the region of £40,000.
Mercedes plans to have the car on sale before the end of the year.
A stop/start system is fitted to boost fuel economy and the diesel SLK will initially be available with a seven speed automatic transmission. A six speed manual box will be introduced later.
Mid-range torque - a characteristic of performance diesel engines - results in plenty of high end acceleration with the SLK 250 CDI capable of reaching 70mph from 50 in less than four seconds.
Officially the SLK 250 CDI can average 57.6mpg and with CO2 emissions below 130g/km it escapes road tax in its first year.
Externally the car looks no different to the latest SLK models which have just gone on sale and like the others in the range the diesel will be available with the option of automatic damping sports suspension for improved handling.