Mercedes SLK to ditch SLR look for 2008?

The Mercedes SLK-Class is due for a facelift in under two years, according to a report by Germany's Auto Strassenverkehr magazine. Apparently, the SLK 350 will be offered with a new 292 horsepower engine, up from 268 horses. While there is no mention of an SLK 63 AMG, Mercedes is widely expected to drop the new naturally-aspirated V8 into the roadster, replacing the SLK 55 AMG. (However, this could come sooner than the facelift). The exterior will be updated with new chrome treatments, but most importantly, a major change could be coming to the hood and grille. According to the magazine, the SLK will lose its SLR-inspired nose for a grille design that's more in line with all the other Mercedes models. While the 'mini SLR' look has certainly been popular among some consumers, a number of enthusiast have pointed to the grille as one of the current car's weaker points. (Pictured: 2006 Mercedes SLK55).