Ferri

Actually, the era of 12-year model cycles is pretty much over, even for Mercedes. In light of the upcoming competition from BMW, Jaguar, and Aston Martin (to mention just a few) the SL is hardpressed to remain at the leading edge of the segment. I believe this is a mule for the R231 (or whatever the next SL generation chasis designation is).

MikeRPA

yes scary , but by looking at those spi pics it looks pretty realistic =\

MikeRPA

www.germancarfans.com more info lol so it is a 2nd facelift lol , they probably doing it so people wont get tired of the current sl and to take more time to make a new body so people wont be dissapointed like with the new cl and c

seattlecarfreak

and where in the world did they get this information? Just because they saw the spy shots, all of a sudden they are the leading authority?

AshleyAlissa

According to eMercedesBenz, they are either testing is a new variant of the current SL (obviously the SL63 AMG comes to mind), and with the new engine, so to comes a styling revision to coincide with the rest of Mercedes' current model range. Secondly, it's possible the SL in question is simply being used to test various components of the next generation SL, much like components of the new C-Class were first tested in the previous-generation C-Class' frame.

To read the whole story from the, the link is below

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Feb07/1...r_Testing.html

sprins

Ok guys, start praying to your respective gods.

I just returned from Affalterbach to have some mods done and I asked my contact about the spy-pics:

• It's no SL63, the 63 engine is still considered unapropriate for the SL
• It isn't a "mule" or other testing facility for new model parts

However:

• They are indeed testing with a "lighter" and "more powerfull" setup.
• They also have been testing with the CLK DTM engine (580hp, yummie! )
• The emphasis will be more sporting
• They don't know under which denomination (Black Series?) it will be made
• They don't know if it ever will reach market
• If they make it, the roof will still able to open unlike the SLK55 Black Series

So, lets start hoping!

Furthermore they were making CLK63 Black Series foto's on the entrance of the AMG plant. It will be next years F1 safety car.

JackStraw

Yes, the 6.3 is inappropriate for the SL... until they sell off the inventory of 55 kompressor engines, then it will become appropriate.

sprins

You old cynic, you

Whatever the reasons are, I do agree. The SL needs the 55 engine.

JackStraw

If they hadn't put the 6.3 in both the '07 S and CL, I might have been persuaded...

I had only one opportunity to drive the SL55, and it was sublime.

RoydRage

I've dreaded this since I'm shortly going to buy into the SL55 fold.

After following CL500's a while back I can only come to the conclusion that when the Next Generation SL comes out, my car is going to take a $30,000 nose dive.

You are right the last gen lasted 12 years, and previous gens as long or longer! This holds true only for the roadsters... But I hear rumors mulling that in these tuff times with competition so great, that MB won't wait that long, and the new gen might be out shortly...

Thoughts?

RoydRage

MikeRPA

yemight be and OMG im so worried about next sl cuz what we have now is ****ing

Uygar

The following SL's design finished in 2004. How? r230 introduced in 2001 and it has a lifecycle to 2008. A new car has 4 years testing; the design has to be finished before the testing, some minor changes could be done but the major design is clear. Road testing started in 2004 and in the end of 2007 Mercedes will be producing the new SL.

seattlecarfreak

uhh.. i'm not sure where you got that logic.. if that logic holds true, then previous generation SL which was introduced in 1987, lasted 15 years. you know just as much as anyone here about how long the current body will last, and that is.. you don't know. scaring away potential buyers because of false information is dumb.

Uygar

german car companies are changing models in every 7 years. It was different 10-15 years ago. But I saw the schedule of Mercedes. 2014 is for new Maybach.

seattlecarfreak

as discussed earlier, the sl roadster is a different story. It is pure speculation as to what will happen to the SL.

The fact is, the r230 has only been for sale since 2003 in the USA, and for you to assume as fact that it's on the last legs, is pure speculation.

RoydRage

SCF,

I sure hope you're right... This is a BIG purchase for me...

When I was looking at a 2000 - 2001 CL500 It seemed like the price dropped about 5-7k per year 2000's were going for like $65,000 But when I got to the 1999 it was going for $35,000 MINT!!! And the 99' Actually listed for MORE $MONEY than a 2000!

Why? Because everyone wants to look like a big shot with a new Benz, even if they can't afford it... You could have bought a 2000 CL, and if it were clean look every bit as good as the guy who just picked up his '05. But when the new model comes out your car looks 7 years old instantly!

Because of the History of the roadsters doubling or almost doubling the model lives of the rest of the line... I felt like I could be safe from what would be for me a catastrophy until at least 2013.

But now I'm not so sure... So what will win out with the folks at the corporate headquarters of MB.... Tradition, or Capitalism?

Best,

RoydRage

seattlecarfreak

if this is your main concern, i would consider a lease.

you have to remember, even if this body style goes out of style.. the SL is still a HIGHLY desirable car.. and won't be affordable to everyone and their brother, just because the new body style is out.. demand will dictate price.. and I don't think demand will let these cars drop like rocks..

sprins

The guy @ AMG told me 2010 at the earliest, but more likely 2011 in Europe.

So we still have some time.

CY

This is purely speculation but even if these were truly spy photos of a new SL being tested with R230 parts, the next generation would not come out in a years time. The 07 facelift will probaly go for 2 (or possibly 3, but unlikely IMO) model years, not to mention that many 2007 SL550 owners would curse MB if they changed it in one years time. ALso a 2008 new SL would give it only a 5 year run in the USA and would be very unlikely even if the EU model was out as a 02. The thing that is still interesting is the lack of a 63 in the SL even if it is for the better since due to it flagship status (600 and 65 capable) the number 55 shouldnt look "smaller" then a 63 even if the SL55 is more expensive then almost all other 63 models.....it seems like MB does care about number status due to their S550 USA vs S500 EU stunt....anyway I figure we have about a minimum of 2 years left and maybe a bit more in the USA. I just cant imagine a facelift going for a 1 year run.

RoydRage

How bout these pictures on Evosports website? are they old or something?

If this is the next generation... I'll keep mine thanks

http://www.evosport.com/gallery/page...ew_sl_spy.aspx

RoydRage

seattlecarfreak

well those are obviously the current generation spy shots from years ago.

Ru55e11

Some of the images on the site are actually of a r129 SL with body modifications to LOOK like an r230

I can't remember the sourse, but do remember the details. It was a conversion that was done on the old style body to make it look like an r230. Look at the profile shot and at the roof mechanism... definatley a hartop sitting on that one... just made to look like a new one. The boot and rear lights are restyled r129 ones too. Far too angular.