js_cls

Mid-October is the official unveiling. The push back was likely due to the fact that the car is only coming with V8's which of course in the US market are suspended on most models for MY22 which the SL will premiere as.

Wolfman

??? The availability of the car was always scheduled for the 1st half of 2022. It was also clear that there was not going to be a 2021, even without the pandemic...
The launch was pushed by a month as js_cls already stated.

Utopia Texas

The camo is part of the marketing strategy having car fans endlessly discussing what the vehicle looks like. It’s called Mental ************…..

Wolfman

I assume it's working

Germancar1

We're always trying to invent a problem where there isn't one. Showing a car like this has been done many times before.

M

far2000

W205C43PFL

Hmmm, I was hoping they are least try to make the headlights look different than their rest of the cars from MB's lineup ... is it just me or at least one of the three dots being longer (became a line)?

Wolfman

No other MB has headlights like this in terms of shape. Hard to tell with the tail lights...

W205C43PFL

Hmmm? Unless I have mistaken but isn't this the same predator look (they call it) that first debuted on the CLS?

W205C43PFL

I love to be wrong actually as I want MB's headlight designs to be more unique compared to their other cars in the lineup...

Here is the original post:

WCampbellAZ

I'm confused, what part about a car that was entirely developed by AMG is a "look alike?". Additionally, I feel people forget that materials and tech aren't frozen in time, they advance. Modern fabric roofs are wildly better than they were years ago, not to mention lighter, and mechanically simpler.

js_cls

The entire chassis/platform is all new and only for the SL and next-generation AMG GT.

The All New 2022 AMG SL Roadster Body Shell

js_cls

The "dots" are in fact likely horizontal lines based on spy shots and photos from the product training event.

WCampbellAZ

Correct, that was my point. I don't understand what this person was alluding to by calling it an "AMG look alike" when it is in fact and entirely AMG car.

js_cls

Oops, meant to quote the post you were quoting. I'm very excited that they are making the SL a sports car once again. Hopefully AMG will work their magic on this one.

Wolfman

Understood. I think they look different enough from the CLS IMO but keep in mind that they are still bound by a common design language, just like with the Panamericana grill. For better or for worse...

W205C43PFL

I see, ya I agree too with you on the panamericana grille (I think but I am probably wrong, it first appeared on the 300 SL?), I kind of wish they left it on the AMG GT class when they revived the design to keep the exclusivity since that vehicle was built by AMG from the ground up but I guess MB figured that it makes them more money and their cars sell more if they put it in almost every vehicle of their lineup. So that is exactly what they did. As for the "predator" look I believe the design department actually said they won't put it in the W206 back when they announced the A-Class and they stated how since the CLS and A-Class is in a different segment altogether, it doesn't really affect the lineup negatively. Fast forward today, guess they changed their mind.

Edit: Found the article
https://www.motor1.com/news/229426/mercedes-a-class-predator-front/
https://www.drive.com.au/news/2018-mercedes-a-class-designer/

Excerpt from the article : "Nicknamed the “Predator” face, the sharper headlight arrangement flanking a reversed grille shape will be “dedicated to our most progressive cars,” according to Mercedes’ chief designer Gorden Wagener. Speaking with Australian media at the hatchback’s reveal even last week in Amsterdam, the man in charge with the company’s styling language mentioned the A-Class and CLS (both pictured below) are “very design-oriented” cars. Wagener did say the next generation of the C-Class is not on the list. Instead, the W206 will come with a "different face" when it will debut at the beginning of the next decade.

W205C43PFL

I see, glad there are differences.

Streamliner

Of course, you are right, but that doesn’t mean we have to like it. Personally, I feel it is like they are playing games with us. I expect something more classy & refined from MB.

Germancar1

Yeah, that's the point, it's the oldest game in the book - A Tease. They've been doing this type of intro for years now.

M

js_cls

That is the whole point, its called a slow tease and is used to build up hype and conversation around a car. All MB have done is provide prototype reviews, product training, and press photos, any other photos, videos, etc. were all from third party sources who captured the car on camera, not MB. Seriously, this is a standard procedure for all car manufacturers, even Rolls Royce, the highest caliber of luxury is using a similar strategy for their new EV's coming out through teasing and camouflage.

WCampbellAZ

Is everyone saying this new to the car world? The Aston DBX drove around in a wild wrap with its name all over it for almost a year. Benz did the same thing with the AMG GT and wrapped it in wild green camo. It’s a great way for a manufacturer to get buyers like me, who were about to pull the trigger on something else to say “maybe I’ll wait to see this first”. It’s smart marketing.

places

Personally I could care less about the camo leaks. I want to see the car. Also, curious to see if it a stand alone or will simply become the convertible version of the next generation AMG, speaking of looks/style only. I hope it's a stand alone like previous SL's always have been and resembles nothing else in the lineup.

js_cls

expect the next GT to look something like this, inspired by the AMG One.

Wolfman

Personally I want the car to look as good as possible and don’t care if it resembles another model. Love the GT line so if it borrows from that I am fine with that.

That said, I see a number of design elements I am not crazy about but to me the car has to work as a package. Look great, have great drive dynamics, be an excellent top down car in terms of airflow, outstanding performance and ideally some practicality.

We have a great convertible now and bought the extended new car warranty (7yr/70k) just in case but we are game if the new SL delivers

In regards to the camo pics, that is easy. Just don’t read anything SL related until 10/20