SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL 2008-2009 ? spotted - spy pics
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan
Velvet Fleetwood
SL 2008-2009 ? spotted - spy pics
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/
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/
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 425
Likes: 15
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/
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/
Must be old spy pics! It's just an R230!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 425
Likes: 15
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
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?
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?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
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.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 425
Likes: 15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
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/
Different article (more reliable source IMO) and same pics here:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/...edes-sl-class/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
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/
Different article (more reliable source IMO) and same pics here:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/...edes-sl-class/
I personally don't expect a new SL before 2012. But it's purely guessing at this point.
Last edited by sprins; Feb 10, 2007 at 08:10 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 425
Likes: 15
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.
I personally don't expect a new SL before 2012. But it's purely guessing at this point.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 513
Likes: 0
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.
I can't recall any model, and I doubt they are going to start now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
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:
I could never see them just changing the lights and leaving most of the rest...no way. A new SL is coming soon enough.
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,278
Likes: 14
From: Windermere, Sunny FLA
CLK55, CL500, Q45
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,846
Likes: 291
From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
M
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
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??
