2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK Spied Alongside Current Model

MERCEDES-BENZ'S freshened-up SLK update has been spied testing alongside its predecessor in Germany this week, wearing less camouflage than previously spied development mules and displaying more of its new front-end design.

Spied side-by-side, these new images of the updated SLK and the current-generation model offer the best look yet at the differences between the two cars.

From the beltline-up, the 2011 SLK is essentially the same as the current model. However, as these and earlier photos show, there's a new grille that echoes the SLS AMG's frontal design, and the headlights, bonnet and front bumper are entirely new.

The side mirrors of this prototype appear to protrude further from the body and are on more slender stalks than those of the current model. LED daytime running lights are also visible behind the front bumper's camouflage wrap.

Power for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is expected to come from the company's 2.2-litre BlueEfficiency four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel, developing 152kW and 500Nm of torque.

Petrol engines are also expected, with talk of a 3.5 litre twin-turbo V6 on the cards for a AMG version of the new SLK, developing around 220 to 260kW.