Since its debut in 2004, the SLK roadster design–according to its fans–has grown old and, some would say, in need of a revamp. There are some evidence though that the SLK roadster is indeed going through a sportier redesign and has been sighted on Germany’s roads during its stealth testing wearing a fresh, natty attitude. Those in the know say that the new SLK with its spanking new look will debut early next year, with a trimmer body (it has shed about 200 pounds of weight) and a more spacious trunk space (11.2 cu. ft.).

Despite the redesign, the SLK roadster will continue to model Mercedes Benz’s standard LED daytime lights but the side-mirrors will have slimmer mounts. The seating position is more oriented towards the back of the car and the front hood will have longer lines when the top’s up.

Mercedes Benz insiders say that months after its initial release, the SLK roadster will also be tuned up to 300-350HP with a 3.0 liters, twin-turbo V6 engine. The engine for the SLK’s AMG version may also be pushed up to a twin turbo, 5.5-liter V8 status, able to deliver over 470HP of muscle power. Needless to say, the old 6.2 liters V8 standard will be scrapped with that improvement.

For its international editions, the SLK may get a 2.2 liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine usually found in today’s C250 CDI. This diesel incarnation, some say, will have a C-Class application and a 369Nm torque, 204HP engine power. Although it would still be sporty, there’s doubt if SLK’s American followers will find it to their liking. (Mercedes Benz is considering bringing its diesel vehicles to the US though not with the SLK but the GLK and C-Class models.)

SLK watchers say that although its latest look is reminiscent of the SLS AMG, particularly in the angle between the back end of the hard top and the rear deck, the more substantial part of the redesign will focus mainly on the front.