• 

  The third-generation SLK has been caught during testing last week in Europe. (pic by Carparazzi) Photo Gallery

It will be two years before Mercedes-Benz has a serious challenger to BMW's gorgeous new Z4 roadster.

The CLK is already dead, although the last handful are still lurking in Australian showrooms, and development work on its other new droptops will not produce a result until sometime in 2010.

The born-again Gullwing sports car is coming this year, most likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but the E-Class convertible which takes over from the CLK is a zero-ten proposition.

But there is something else, with the upcoming replacement for the SLK caught during testing last week in Europe.

The third-generation SLK, caught as usual by Carparazzi, is still running in heavy disguise but there are some clear pointers to the car that will be on the road in Australia in 2011.

The folding metal roof continues and the grille and headlamps are more upright and squared-off than the current SLK.

The car loses the F1-inspired droopy nose first seen on the McLaren- Mercedes SLR for a smoother look that's more in line with the latest E- Class sedan.

Other styling tweaks expected for the new model are daytime LED running lamps, the new-style Mercedes doorhandles and larger external mirrors 'standing' on the door instead of being mounted ahead of the side window.