The new SLK is 200 pounds lighter and gets a bigger 11.2 cubic feet of trunk space. Car enthusiasts love the additional cargo space which makes the roadster more functional for everyday use or a weekend round of golf.

According to some rumors, the Mercedes-Benz SLK is also getting a new power plant variant that is capable of a 300 to 350hp output. There might also be a V8 version with 3.6L displacement and capable of injecting 470hp for the AMG variant.

Some industry experts are also tipping that the 2011 SLK might adopt the 2.2L diesel engine currently being used by the C250 CDI. This engine has 204hp but some are doubtful that the American market can appreciate the boost that it can give to the car. Diesels engines for the C-Class and the GLK build might be okay but it might not be appreciated for a sporty SLK; however it will do good for fuel economy.

Although the new SLK has been spotted several times, the dimensions are not that clear because of the fitted camouflage. It seems the 2011 SLK will have a longer hood, retain the LED day lights, and will have a refined design of the side mirror linked to the doors. The lines of the roof also have some semblance with the SLS AMG.

The sticker price for the 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK may not be too far from the current variant’s $46,000.

Auto industry spies report that the proportions of the new Mercedes Benz SLK cannot be appreciated yet due to the thick slabs used to camouflage it. The LED daylight which has been the recent trend for the Benz fleet is evident.

The hood seems to be longer than its older sibling and the seats look a bit pushed back. The side mirrors are also attached to the doors with thinner bars.

The angle between the rear deck and hard top is a tinge of the SLC 2010. The lines of the front end of the new SLK also hints which design forms are being shared with other member of the Mercedes Benz fleet. Good thing though that the front provides a fresher look compared to the older generation Benz.

The SLK will have under its hood a 2.2L diesel power train derived from the C250 CDI. It can produce 204hp which is more like the output of the C-Class and GLK. Some say that the SLK may have a so-so performance if this diesel powerplant rolls in the U.S. market. The engine may just fall short of the sporty experience expected from an SLK.

There might also be an AMG variant that will have a whopping 470hp V6 engine. We might get more revelations with regard to the specs of the new SLK as it goes forward its development.

The new SLK will be in dealerships before the end of 2010 and may have a sticker price close to the current release of $46,000.

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