vb26

not sure if you guys seen this yet,
Expected in late 2008 or early 2009, the next SL will apparently get a new front-end (including headlamps, grille, and air intakes) that resemble Benz’s new CL-Class. The SL’s pending rear-end restyling doesn’t appear to be as dramatic, but new taillamps and fascia changes are expected, as well as some possible interior updates. link below

http://news.windingroad.com/body-sty...cedes-benz-sl/

BrabusTrojanSL

Thats funny, same car, just new front bumper and maybe lights. They can't make a perfect car more perfect.

//AMG55lover

Must be old spy pics! It's just an R230!

JackStraw

I agree that it is an R230, but I disagree that the spy pics are old. M-B did not make that style wheel back before the launch of the R230. My guess is that it is the SL63.

//AMG55lover

Those are just the Sl65 weels!

amgme

it doesn't much different from the current r230. could this just be a final facelift b4 it completely changes?

sprins

Indeed looks like a final(?) facelift.

Or perhaps a "black series" special (final edition)?

It is an R230.

seattlecarfreak

hmm.. but notice the red brake lamp? the current 07 AMG has a clear brake lamp. Could this have been a prototype "option" before they decided on the styling changes for the 07?

It doesn't make sense why they would use a red middle brakelight, does it?

and I think "resembling" the new CL would look awfully funny with the same side skirts and rear end..

the 07 has the same sides and rear end, and so does the one in the pictures..

having them release an 09-10 with the "same sides" and same rear end as the 03.. seems unlikely.. i don't recall mercedes ever doing this with any second facelifts of any of their cars..

maybe this was just an idea of how the 07 would look and they didn't decide on this version?

Doc C

Could it be that the underpinnings are what is being tested and the body on the car is only for testing purposes? I've seen other car companies do that with testing mules, so that way they can do some basic suspension and powertrain testing without tipping their hand to what the final body will look like. Usually, however, they don't go to the trouble of trying to disguise the car with the black plastic and paint. Probably not right, just a thought.

sprins

Not such a crazy thought.

//AMG55lover

Could be an 'Black Series'..........

An SL 55 with the specs of the CLK DTM AMG, 582 hp not bad!

sprins

A scary Autobild Photoshop:

CY

It's more likely that this is just an early mule for a completely new SL. Remember, the SL came out as 2002 model in Europe....I dont think there will be a second face lift.

Different article (more reliable source IMO) and same pics here:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/...edes-sl-class/

sprins

The previous SL (R129) lasted 12 years (source). There is no reason why the current SL would/should be replaced earlier than that. It still looks gorgeous and will stand the test of time for some years to come.

I personally don't expect a new SL before 2012. But it's purely guessing at this point.

//AMG55lover

I think you're right!

CY

Either way some sort of exterior change is on the way. Almost all the other models have followed the same new headlight trend...the C just changed...of course the S and CL...... and now the E and SL will be next. I had a R129 and it was a great run, but things have changed. The competition is causing the SL sales to drop. The money one can get off of MSRP incredible. Over a year ago I got around 25k off a loaded SL500.....that's crazy. Anyway, the current SL is beautiful but Mercedes will not do a 12 year run IMO. If I had to bet I would say it was coming in 2009 as a 2010 model.

seattlecarfreak

they said newly shaped headlights are visible.. when in the history of mercedes, have they ever released a model changing the exterior form (not the interior mechanics/form) of the headlights without revising the entire car?

I can't recall any model, and I doubt they are going to start now.

CY

So you agree then that a 3rd facelift probably wont happen? I could never see them just changing the lights and leaving most of the rest...no way. A new SL is coming soon enough.

sprins

I agree that that is highly unlikely.

I don't spot the newly shaped headlights in those pictures.

I think there are two likely possibilities here:

• AMG Black Series or other special (with alternative bumper, same headlights)
• Test mule for a new SL

I'm putting my money on the AMG special

CY

A Black series would be HOT!!!!!

rajah996

Guys,

a black series R230 already exists. I am finding this out the hard
way because I am working on a crazy brake mod. Apparently it
is available in Europe, and MBTech's who know what they are doing
are able to find info on it thru the MB network.

Murtaza

Well if it is the black series R230, they have yet to fuse the hardtop

I would imagine that would be one of the first steps as it would save what, 300lbs?

Germancar1

There is a Black Series SLK, not SL.

M

MikeRPA

lol look carefull at the bumper, it looks more sharp like the facelift on the current E ??? somethings wierd lol

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

Definitely a more pointy front end a la the 63's. I'm guessing this is the SL63 being road tested, which is interesting because they just facelifted the SL. Hmmmm...... Looks like 1. The R230 will be around for a while to come and 2. Maybe we're getting some turbos??