SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 09' SL Pics from Geneva Auto Show
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
09' SL Pics from Geneva Auto Show
Another eagerly awaited car bowing at the Geneva show is the all-new Mercedes-Benz SL63 high-performance roadster.
This AMG-built 6.3-liter V-8 powerplant should produce in excess of 500 horsepower and will most likely be mated to Mercedes' 7-speed automatic transmission featuring AMG Speedshift steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Highlights to the latest iteration of this venerable German top-down two-door SL-Class include a sportier, new-look front fascia and hood, McLaren SLR-style side vents, a restyled cabin, and Airscarf — a head and neck warming system integrated into the headrests to allow for more top-down touring in the cooler seasons.
But this classy yet athletic-looking machine gets an even more aggressive look for the SL63 model. Lightweight 5-spoke alloys are shod with large-diameter, low-profile performance rubber for improved handling. And that aforementioned "fish gille"-styled side vent on the standard car is replaced by a larger, sturdier-looking one piece appliqué featuring bold "6.3 AMG" scripting. At the back, a more pronounced rear undertray, quad exhaust tips and a lip spoiler running across the trunk from taillight to taillight lets those caught in its wake as it rapidly passes by know that this isn't any ordinary SL.
Prices for the new SL-Class should range between $100,000 (V-8 engine) and $140,000 (V-12-equiped), with the new SL63 likely slotting in somewhere in between (though most likely closer to the upper echelon).
ROADandTRACK.com -- Auto Shows - High Roller Rides: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 (3/2008)
M
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Good pic's. Looks like the front is higher and then slopes to the windshield? Really changes the design look of the front. The rear just looks like they mod'ed the lower part of the rear to make it more boy racer. Took a lot of class out of the design but it looks like the design direction that MB is headed in the future. Based on these changes I bet the new design will look alot like the new CL's only shorter with a convertable top. I think the 2003-2009's will end up as one of the prettiest SL designs ever made.
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I will wait until I see one in person, but I think that I like the nose of my car better. However, that transmission sounds very cool.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 252
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From: Jersey
SL55
It actually looks pretty good. The grey one wasn't so attractive but i think this white one looks great. damn now I have to dodge one every time i see it at a traffic light--fellas we are dated!
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G55, SLS, smart eq
Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
I like it.
The front is growing on me finally.
Still not that hot on the Red inside on White.
The rear is a nice change and will look great with the CF in the black series.
That sterring wheel looks a little funky.
The wheels are awesome. Good job on that change.
Cant wait to hear one trying to pass me.........
Sprins is right.
Our cars are Supercharged Classics. And the later models dont have huge
production numbers like 2003 and 2004 did. So just maybe. The "Depreciation Floor" will come up a taste in the near future. I know I am hallucinating again.......
The front is growing on me finally.
Still not that hot on the Red inside on White.
The rear is a nice change and will look great with the CF in the black series.
That sterring wheel looks a little funky.
The wheels are awesome. Good job on that change.
Cant wait to hear one trying to pass me.........
Sprins is right.
Our cars are Supercharged Classics. And the later models dont have huge
production numbers like 2003 and 2004 did. So just maybe. The "Depreciation Floor" will come up a taste in the near future. I know I am hallucinating again.......
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Notion of "classic" status for any modern, tech-intensive car is about as laughable as one's Blackberry/iPhone becoming a classic or collectible after the latest/greatest and/or more debugged iteration is launched (which usually occurs every 6-12mos if R&D isn't inept)....
Am surprised AMG doesn't showcase SL63 030, rather than base SL63....030 has better-looking, ?lighter wheels; more perf-oriented steering wheel...and presumably more perf-oriented brakes/chassis/LSD....
And would think AMG would easily capture greater profits per SL63 by more actively marketing and selling more 030s, esp as they struggle to raise base MSRP, even in face of falling dollar....
At least at my dealer on SF Peninsula, the first ?7-8 guys who've ordered SL63 (all guys who drive CL63 030 or '07-'08 SL55 030/65 now) have each spec'd 030....
Am surprised AMG doesn't showcase SL63 030, rather than base SL63....030 has better-looking, ?lighter wheels; more perf-oriented steering wheel...and presumably more perf-oriented brakes/chassis/LSD....
And would think AMG would easily capture greater profits per SL63 by more actively marketing and selling more 030s, esp as they struggle to raise base MSRP, even in face of falling dollar....
At least at my dealer on SF Peninsula, the first ?7-8 guys who've ordered SL63 (all guys who drive CL63 030 or '07-'08 SL55 030/65 now) have each spec'd 030....
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
It is obvious that the nose is big and different but can anyone on this forum really say it is better looking then the original design? The new 2009 changes to the front changed the balance. It looks like a add on which it is to cover MB so they meet the laws now in place in Europe. The MB designers had to change the frontend for 2009. Now they will say it is "xxxxxxx" and the sheep will follow. If you have to drive the newest you will buy it and try to convince yourself that it is aggressive looking or whatever, but it is a gov't mandate that screwed up the balance of the car design. I am sure that the new model in 2012 or whenever it comes out will be good looking but it will be a complete redesign that will look complete, not like some kid with a car kit started adding crap.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Jersey
SL55
+1 lol
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
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From: West Coast, USA
M Cars, old Corvettes, other old Detroit Muscle, etc.
Sure hope they offer a "spoiler delete" option like BMW offered on their M3s .... IMHO, stick-on spoilers are like sooooo High School Ricer.
Last edited by RRod; Mar 6, 2008 at 12:54 AM.
