Mercedes SLK spy shot

Mercedes can’t seem to keep its future sports cars under wraps. Not only have we seen a lot of spy shots and new info on the future SLS (formerly SLC), but now we’ve got one of the smaller, more afforadable future SLK.

When the new SLK hits the market in 2012, it will likely get a design updated to look more like the latest Mercedes family line. This should include a flatter grille like the one from the SL, and LED lights will be integrated into the lower half of the front bumper.

Some of the biggest news may be in the engine bay where Mercedes may offer an oil burner for the hardtop convertible. If given the green light, the likely candidate would be the 2.2-liter diesel unit already in service in the E-Class and C250. The engine produces 202 hp and 368b ft of torque, which could give this SLK a 0 to 60 mph time of about six seconds.

No word yet if the U.S. will be included in the new diesel SLK, but considering North America’s fear of diesel and love of power, we may just keep the 3.0-liter 224 hp gas engine for the base model.