Mercedes SL Facelift (Spy pics & info).

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

By 2008 I'm positive Merc will have updated the V8 engine line, which could possibly make room for a V6 that powerful...
I'm completely against the way this facelift is sounding though. The changing of sheetmetal and headlights just doesn't seem very German, as we're used to the very subtle facelift's, bumpers usually or more refinedlight innards. Now, it seem's they are going Japanese with them, so I don't see the R230 becoming a classic if the facelift happens.

I agree. I'd like to see more the S-Class' features on the SL and the airscarf from the SLK, but changing the grille isn't needed. Of course new engines are always welcome.

I'd be surprised though if they do anything to the V8s so soon, they're still pretty new by MB standards. That would mean 400+ hp in a regular Mercedes that isn't a V12! Yikes!

M

 

[Pagani]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

Somehow I have trouble seeing this as a second facelift. In 2009, the 230 will have been in service for 8 years. its design language is still from the 220 S Class era which launched it, and thus is already a generation behind the current flagship fleet. Reengineering the sheetmetal will be very expensive, thus it would make much more sense to throw in a new or heavily updated chasis to go with it. I highly believe this is the next SL we are seeing, and it is the internals being tested rather than the full car itself.

 

[PHYBENZ]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

If you ask me, I think MB is implementing a new strategy of disguise to confuse spy photographers and not give too much away about their upcoming designs. I say this because the spy photos of the new C Coupe were the same way, new front end but body and rear were the same as the previous model, and there is no way MB is going to release the new C Coupe with just a new front end but same rest of the car and interior. It's a new strategy of testing and hiding designs.

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

Never thought of that. They could be just testing some new component as some other have said, but I really believe they're going to give the SL another facelift because it isn't a 7-year model like all the rest, it never has been. The R230 deserves to be updated one more time IMO, its a gorgeous, timeless car. Some of the S/CL features will keep it fresh for a few more years IMO.

M

 

[MBZFAN]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied - Maybe the SL63 ?

SL63 ? March 8, 2007

2009 SL63 AMG Revealed!
One on the last models to receive the new face of Mercedes-Benz catches up with the pack.
If you’ve been paying attention lately we’re sure you’ve seen the numerous pools of spy shots concerning the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL, but none yet like this. Here we see it in all its glory. A true vision into the future direction of Mercedes-Benz. Absolutely stunning. From its subtle LED fog lights, to its stylistically adaptive, CLS reminiscent headlights, and all around. The full proportions of this machine are a marvel to bestow. True, we’re euro guys at heart but we think everyone can come to agreement that this is a truly beautiful car.

As far as the goodies; the current supercharged V8 engine of the current SL55 AMG will most likely be replaced with a modular 6.2L V8, for the 63. Final output will match those figures of the new S63 and CL63, putting 518hp and 630Nm at your service. The twin-turbo V12 in the 65, complete with 612hp and 1000Nm of torque, is expected to remain unchanged while the lesser SL550 and SL350 models are unlikely to adopt any mechanical changes as they were all recently updated.
This new SL will debut towards the end of next year or early 2009, ahead of an all-new model in 2011.
Better start saving!
(Hat tip: Motorauthority)

Source: http://0-60mag.com/online/?p=1135

 

[LaArtist]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied - Maybe the SL63 ?

yep those are some Hot PS..but been posted before..
still i do belive that MB will do something more than just slapp CLS lights on it..hehe

 

[wltsm]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied - Maybe the SL63 ?

Those PSs look great, bring the car right up to date!

I think it's time for a new car though soon, when did the car come out?

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied - Maybe the SL63 ?

As much as I hate to admit it, that does look pretty good. I don't think the lights will be like that though, they're too much like the CLS. The lights will likely be a mesh between the CLS and the new CL. I'm more interesting in that rumored 340hp V6 SL350 "Sport" mentioned earlier. I don't think MB will make the new/revised 3.5L V6 that powerful, I can see 320hp, but thats it. The LED foglights are hot too. Hopefully we can see this and the revised SLK at Frankfurt? Would be nice all the roadsters revised at once, plus the C63 and C-Class wagon. Then comes the CLK.

M

 

[cawimmer430]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied - Maybe the SL63 ?

i do belive that MB will do something more than just slapp CLS lights on it.

Completely agree with this, though that SL with the CLS headlights looks pretty good.

 

[bmer]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I made a quick PS of an SL with Cl front lights. I had trouble with the left headlight so I had to make it blur. As a result it's very crappy. Try to ignore it. What do you think of the look?

 

[Mr. M]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

Nice realistic chop bmer, but I still prefer the SL the way it is now.

 

[bmer]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I agree. The SL should stay as it is but if they will change it, they should look inspiration for the head lights from CL and not CLS.

 

[Centurion]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I made a quick PS of an SL with Cl front lights. I had trouble with the left headlight so I had to make it blur. As a result it's very crappy. Try to ignore it. What do you think of the look?

It looks something like a Miata competitor or something. nice effort though.

 

[cawimmer430]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I made a quick PS of an SL with Cl front lights. I had trouble with the left headlight so I had to make it blur. As a result it's very crappy. Try to ignore it. What do you think of the look?

Pretty creative. I like it too. Wouldn't surprise me if Mercedes takes a similar route.

 

[tony]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I heard from some sources that the completely redesigned SL will happen in 2013. Do you think that's true?

 

[7saen]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

I heard from some sources that the completely redesigned SL will happen in 2013. Do you think that's true?

No it's not. 2011 is the right year.. and what you see here is indeed a second facelift of the R230.

 

[tony]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

And what source did you get that information from? (concerning the 2011 SL redesign)

 

[7saen]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

And what source did you get that information from? (concerning the 2011 SL redesign)

I have my own sources which I'm not gonna name here..
The R230 was presented in Frankfurt 2001, that means that the successor will be presented there too. Since this 2nd facelift will be presented in 2008, then the next logical date for presenting the R231 will be IAA Frankfurt 2011, because there's no IAA in 2010.
In addition, it's known that the SL -unlike other MB models- has a lifetime of 9-10 years

 

[tony]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

Thanks again. But I'm still a little confused. The current SL started started in 2003. The prior SL had a lifespan of 13 years. Most Mercedes now have a model lifespan of 7 years. So you're saying that the SL will remain in a league of its own and not follow the 7 year cycle?

 

[LaArtist]

Re: 2009 face-lift SL spied

yeah hussein is right.. you have to measure time from debut to debut..
so it was 2001 for the SL and it will be 2011 next time..
the life span of SL cars are always longer than the rest..
the previous modell had an specially long life cycle..
so keep your money ready for 2011 man