It was one of the prettiest...

It was one of the prettiest cars on the road but that hasnтЂ™t stopped MerТ­cedes updating its SLK. And these official pictures show what the new model looks like. With a host of cosmetic changes inside and out, extra kit and a more powerful V6, the revised two-seater is taking the fight to the Porsche BoxТ­ster and Audi TT Roadster.

The striking drop-top gets an even more dramatic front end. It continues to mimic the look of McLaren-MercedesтЂ™ Formula One car, while the lower bumper is split into two sections. A range of new alloy wheel designs is available, while at the rear, updated tail-lights complete the fresh look.

The convertibleтЂ™s folding metal roof is carried over unchanged, but it opens to reveal a modified interior. The current modelтЂ™s silver-clad centre console has been replaced by a more subtle unit with dark plastics, while there are new trim colours available. Comfort has been boosted by reshaped seats which feature new lumbar supports, while Mercedes has added an upgraded sat-nav system, which will come as standard on top-spec models.

Under the bonnet, the SLK gets a new 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. Exact performance figures will be released closer to the carтЂ™s launch in the spring, but itтЂ™s expected to be about 10bhp more powerful than the existing 268bhp unit. It should propel the car from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, but will deliver improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, too.

The rest of the engine range is unchanged, with the 161bhp 2.0-litre supercharged SLK 200K, 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 SLK 300 and 355bhp 5.5-litre V8-engined SLK 55 AMG all on offer. Prices will be revealed closer to the launch, but there are unlikely to be any significant increases. The range will kick off at just under ТЈ30,000.