Spyshots: 2011 Mercedes SLK the Third

While it's still quite some time until the third generation Mercedes SLK will hit the open roads (likely, the car will be launched this fall, although some say the calendar will read 2011 by the time the new SLK gets here), spyshots showing the two-seater coupe-convertible keep on popping up, keeping our interest high.

As you can see in these spyshots here, the heavy camo used until now got a bit lighter, as some of the side and rear panels have been removed to show a bit of skin. Otherwise, nothing new on the SLK front, as no additional details have been leaked.

As we already told you in our previous reports, it is expected the SLK will boast four and six-cylinder petrol engines, starting at around 180 hp, with a more powerful, AMG version of one of them to be also offered.

The AMG SLK will make use of a smaller supercharged or turbocharged engine (probably a V6), instead of the current 5.4l V8. Even if it is smaller, the engine will remain at about the same levels as in today's SLK AMG Black Series, with at least 400 horsepower on tap.

Design wise, the car will come with some serious enhancements and tweaks: new grille, a more aggressive look for the nose and headlights with a more upright stance than in the current generation at the front, as well as bigger mirrors, moved on the doors instead of in front of the side window as in the current model.

Although the launch date for the SLK still remains a blur, it is likely to see more of the car in the year ahead.