Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL in the photochopped buff

A design update for the Mercedes-Benz SL is on its way for 2009, and Lehmann managed to snag a very lightly disguised prototype running around while testing. Images in hand, they further disrobed the Merc coupe with the use of Photoshop, so what we're left with is a very clear picture of what's coming. The revision boils down to a new nose and tail, with powertrain changes, as well. The SL's front end gets a grille treatment that's more in keeping with the rest of Mercedes line, and the extractors on the front quarter panels mimic the SLR's gills. Headlamps have taken on the "hockey stick" look, sure to confound styling critics. They hardly touched the back end (not that there was anything wrong with it), as a new lower valance looks to be the most major change we can spot there. Engine choices are likely to remain largely unchanged, but the SL55 AMG will be replaced by an SL63 AMG, banishing supercharger whine from the SL for now.
[Source: Straight Line, Photo: Lehmann]