In any case, the sedan model pictured here appears to feature the same styling changes seen on recent prototype models (check out our scoop pictures here), most importantly the redesigned front end with the "L" shaped headlamps and re-sculptured bumper, as well as the revised dashboard that encompasses the upper part of the center console.

The revised 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range, which will see the introduction of an all-new coupe model, will go on sale in spring 2011.

Source: Autobild

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Driving with the top down is not always an option. There might be clear blue skies, but temperatures could be also very low. Other times the car's interior gets way too hot if it has a panoramic glass roof. Either way, your drive is ruined.

And this is where the Magic Sky Control system comes into the picture. A roughly 2,000 euro (US $2,772) option for the next generation SLK, the MSC is, in essence, a panoramic roof that can be made either transparent or darkened, just by pushing a button.

So, when it's too cold you make it transparent and still enjoy the nice visuals or, when you have to park in the sun, it darkens on engine-shut down and the interior remains much more cooler. No more burnt arms on an over-heated armrest…

Mercedes says that the system works on the principle of a plate condenser. The glass roof has some special particles in it, which react to electrical voltage. And when you push that button you're feeding it voltage or cutting the supply off, thus the glass becomes transparent or not.

The Germans have been testing the Magic Sky Control on prototype SLKs in Death Valley (check out the gallery below) and came to the conclusion that parts of the interior remain much cooler (up to 10 degrees Celsius) than in cars using traditional green glass.

The 2012 Mercedes SLK is expected to go on sale next summer and we'll probably see it for the first time either at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2011 or at the Geneva Salon in March of the same year.

If we're to believe the rumors going around, the new generation of the roadster model may be the first SLK to get a diesel engine. Other than that, it's business as as usual under the bonnet, with turbocharged four-pots and more noble V6s.

By Csaba Daradics

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Taking styling cues from the larger E- and S-Class models, the prototype C-Class facelift pictured here gets a newly designed instrument panel that extends to include the display screen over the new center console, which has new controls and air-vents.

On the outside, the light camouflage hide a series of subtle design tweaks that include gently massaged front and rear bumpers, small changes to the design of the headlamps and tail lights plus a more contoured bonnet and front grille.

There's not much info going around about the engineering upgrades, but buyers should expect some mechanical tweaks to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions across the range.

The facelifted C-Class sedan and Estate models along with the all-new Coupe variant (see our most recent spy shots here) will go on sale next spring.

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