2009 Mercedes-Benz SL images leak onto web
by John Neff on Jan 22nd 2008 at 1:00PM 
click above for 34 more high-res pics of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
We don't know who is to blame for leaking these scrumdidlyumptious images of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL, but we're glad they did. These 34 high-res images give us a sneak peek at what Mercedes has in store for its hard-top convertible, which includes among other things an entirely new front end. The new face on the SL incorporates headlights with a more modern shape. The new eyes flank a grille with just one crossbar that's punctuated by s solid medallion bearing the iconic three-pointed star logo. New fender vents have also been added, the design of which has been aped from the more hyperbolic vents found on the McLaren SLR, but we actually like these understated gills more. A new rear apron can also be seen out back where the SL's buttocks has been freshened, as well.
Inside we see the new three-spoke steering wheel and white gauges that Mercedes showed us in the updated CLS last week. The center console has also been updated and an oversized screen for the nav system sits front and center. We also noticed something strange on the back of the headrests: a pair of fans appear to be embedded in each. What are they for, extra thrust? We don't know and likely won't until Mercedes releases official information on the new SL.
Since these 34 images didn't come packaged with an official press release, we can't tell you what's new under the skin of the SL, either. We can say that the SL55 AMG model is due to be replaced by the SL63 bearing the brand's monster 500+ hp, 6.3L V8. There also seems to be a new V6 of some sort in the works based on the number of pics referencing such a motor in the gallery below. We'll have more information once Mercedes gets officially official about the new SL, but until then enjoy the prerelease pics.
UPDATE: At least one new V6 engine in the SL range is probably the 3.0L V6 that debuted in the new CLS 280 with 231 HP and 221 ft.-lb. of torque, which should provide the big 'vert with decent performance and above average fuel economy.
[Source: autozeitung.de]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
integradude 11:11PM (1/23/2008)
The fans in the head rests are likely something to do with heating and or cooling your neck during cold or hot weather motoring. A similar system if i remeber correctly is used on the SLK.
Reply
Vipul Toprani 2:18PM (1/24/2008)
Wow..the headlights are hideous..and i dont see much styling changes behind the gills..I can design something better than this for sure. and make some on the lines of the CL series.or give it triangular headlamps.
Reply
LimeDaiquiri 2:41PM (1/24/2008)
Wow.
Mercedes truely has ruined one of their most beautiful cars. Mercedes design has always been timeless and elegant. What happened when you saw a Mercedes you KNEW it was a mercedes. Now they just look like Kias. Those headlights look stolen from an '02 911. The truck grille isn't elegant at all here. It looks cheap. The hood belongs on the gullwing and not this car, and the lower grille looks japanese.
No.
Reply
Ken 3:08AM (1/26/2008)
Does anyone know if the 2009 Nav system is going to be upgraded...doesn't look like it from the pic. I'm going to buy an 06 SL500 but the Nav system is terrible and I would love to know if I will be able to upgrade the software. Thanks so much for your time and any information you can provide. I'm sad that my best buy bought Garmin is superior to that of one in a 100K car.
Reply
alxhxoxt 1:37AM (2/22/2008)
Wow its very ugly :-(
Reply
gan 1:11PM (1/22/2008)
those strange things are neck warmers
Reply
I3ziko 1:08PM (1/22/2008)
i'm not feeling the exterior desing. how about something new MB?
Reply
Mike 1:15PM (1/22/2008)
I prefer the evolution of a timeless design, evidenced over the years. This car continues to prove that you do not need to over-stylize to be avant-garde.
MixiM 2:07PM (1/22/2008)
Yeah, it looks like an expensive chrysler crossfire.. the 2007 SL500 looks way better...
Drewboy 1:08PM (1/22/2008)
Yum. I like! At least they've left a few designs unbutchered.
Reply
Andy 1:10PM (1/22/2008)
Fans are probably an update of the "Air Scarf" system.
Reply
SPYKER 1:13PM (1/22/2008)
Could those fans on the back of the headrests be part of the "air-scarf" system, which i believe is already an option for the current SL
Reply
SilverAero 1:20PM (1/22/2008)
Looks like they tacked on things to make it look like the 1954 300sl. Case in point the protruding emblem and shape of the grill, the lines on the hood especially, the gills on the side. It makes sense but the execution is arguable. I am personally getting tired of retro even if it is based on a beautiful car.
Reply
e36propellerlol 1:26PM (1/22/2008)
Could they have made that badge any bigger? It looks like a big frisbee flew into the F250 sized grill and got stuck.
chrisdavis 8:21PM (1/22/2008)
A very heavy-handed attempt to update what was the best looking car around in 1989. The retro flourishes are out of place on this design.
LMBVette 1:23PM (1/22/2008)
I'm not liking this at all. My neighbor has a silver SL500 and it's a sexy car. The nose on this looks like someithing Hyundai/Kia would do.
A big swing and a big miss.
Reply
Gooch 1:26PM (1/22/2008)
I am cool with the fender gills and the rear, but the headlight shape is going to take some getting used to. It might look better on the road, but as it is, I like the previous version better. Same with the old C-Class -- the previous version was better-looking than the new one. Should Daimler Benz pull Bruno Sacco out of retirement?
Reply
Seoultrain 1:48PM (1/22/2008)
seriously? old C-class better than the current one? I think the overwhelming majority would disagree with you on that one.
Gooch 2:59PM (1/22/2008)
That's cool. To each his own. I'm not saying the new one is ugly -- it's just a much different look. Usually, with Mercedes and BMWs, it takes a bit of time for their designs to grow on me. The last C-Class didn't have to, and contrary to a lot of posters at this site, I LOVED the current 5-Series and 3-Series as soon as they debuted. All three of those designs have worked very well.
This new C-Class, however, just has too many things going on. The hood's shut lines, for instance, just make the front too busy. I'm sure it will grow on me, just like the SL probably will. Not that I have SL-money, but the C-Class is certainly on the table. It looks best in black; hides some of the lines.
big L 3:26PM (1/22/2008)
why yes, MBZ should definitiely pull Bruno Sacco out of retirement.
read my mind!!!!!!!!