DUE TO REPLACE the current and ageing SLK in 2011, the next generation Mercedes-Benz SLK has been spotted testing in heavy camouflage at Germany’s famed Nurburgring.

The slab-like camouflage adorning every panel gives us little idea of what to expect from the next SLK’s styling, but a longer bonnet and a cab-back seating position stand out as clear changes to the SLK’s design.

The side mirrors of this prototype appear to protrude further from the body and on more slender stalks than those of the outgoing model.

While the headlights and tail-lights are visible, it’s likely that these are test units put together specifically for the camouflaged body, and not indicative of what we’ll see on the production model.

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 over 350kW.

GALLERY » 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK Spy Shots