The speculation is over. Mercedes-Benz has revealed the next generation SL. Lighter, quicker and embodying clever new technology, the 2013 SL500 again raises the bar in the premium luxury roadster segment.

2013 SL Revealed
Evolution rather than Revolution for the new SL

We reported last month on developments for the next generation SL. While much technical information was forthcoming from Mercedes-Benz, non-camouflaged images were not. The bulky cladding intended to obscure the new SL’s true shape did not fully hide what seemed to be a conservative, evolutionary design. These just-released images of the final design confirm our suspicions.

Driven by EU mandated nose and hood design parameters, the shape of the new SL - along with those of arch rival BMW - certainly can't be described as sleek. The bulky coachwork is evident here. Ever taller wheel/tire combinations will be required to balance the design's mass.

EU pedestrian safety drives designs

Daimer AG chairman Dr Dieter Zetsche summed the SL’s position on the marketplace succinctly: “There are around 900 million cars in the world and thousands of models. But there are only a handful of automotive icons. Our SL is one of them.” Indeed.

We covered much of the new car’s fabulous technology in last month’s 2013 SL Update. The new SL500 is 125kg lighter and produces 53hp more than 2011′s edition. Technology marches on and the fact that the 2013 V6 SL350 – likely a Europe only edition – produces more power (306hp) than a 2006 V8 SL500 starkly illustrates this.

Is this new car as pure and attractive as the original R230 design introduced in spring of 2002 as a 2003 model? Arguably no. European designers had far more freedom during previous design cycles. Today, strict regulations regarding hood, bumper and grille design must be incorporated in any new model. By 2015, the EU demands that automakers’ products make collisions survivable when they occur between a pedestrian and a car moving at 40kph (24.9 mph).

“The new SL illustrates the conundrum of the regulations: How to marry the fundamentally chunky nose with an attractive and stylish midriff and tail.”

A fundamental driver in today’s designs is the mandated three inch clearance between mechanical items and the underside of a hood. This gap provides a crush zone to soften the blow when a pedestrian’s head contacts the hood when struck by a car. Future pedestrian safety measures may include ‘active’ hoods and infrared sensing technology. So, the bluff noses we see today on are here to stay.

Bluff nose sets the tone for the new SL's shape. We see some Ferrari 456 influence in the fender vent/rocker crease and side body peak line. Lower weight and a standard 435hp will make this new SL most rewarding to drive. Alloy unit body is a Mercedes-Benz first.

Prior generation R230 series design (SL65 here) was less restricted by design regulation. Low nose profile led the design. Note the rake of the nose, side view mirror placement and the notch down aft of the mirror to an aggressively raked beltline. Circular fuel filler door looks jarring today. This lean design is difficult to achieve given today's EU regulations.

Design Compromise

The new SL illustrates the conundrum of the regulations: How to marry the fundamentally chunky nose with an attractive and stylish midriff and tail. Interest in overall design harmony dictates the remaining aspects of the design should should remain, well…related. Hence tails and belt lines are expanding. Compare the new SL with the original 2003 R230 SL shape and all becomes clear.

Oh, we shouldn’t forget to mention Mercedes-Benz is also offering new apps for the new SL: in addition to a free news app and a Facebook app, there are optional Mercedes-Benz apps for stock prices and a car park finder. A Yelp app to look for restaurants is available for the US market. Yes, it’s a new world on all fronts for the latest SL…

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Daimler Media.

New SL engine technology.

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In a clever bit of trickery, Mercedes-Benz presents a 2013 SL sans camouflage to the world. Yes, this yellow SL was demolished a few milliseconds after this image was taken but we can glean some details of the finished car nevertheless. The design looks particularly clean with expanded SLS inspired side vents.

2013 SL Range
Technology reigns
Global testing continues for the next generation of the epic SL range of roadsters and with Mercedes-Benz’ first official press release we’ve been given a small glimpse of the final product. Very small.

Staying competitive in this segment of the market requires not only searching intensely for new advances in refinement and performance but creating the attendant technology required to achieve those goals. Daimler AG has been at this game for 125 years and the new generation SL seems set to again become the benchmark against which all other high performance luxury roadsters are compared.

Alloy Unit Body

While not the first manufacturer to offer a unit body pressed entirely in aluminum – NSU produced its 8/24 all alloy model in 1923 and Audi became the first to mass produce an all alloy unit body with its 1993 A8 – the new SL raises this technology to new levels. The new structure weighs 110 kilos (242 lbs) less than the prior 230 series but provides a massive 20% gain in torsional rigidity. The shell incorporates “intelligent lightweight construction” that utilizes different types of aluminum (chill cast, vacuum die cast, extruded and plate) based on a sector’s intended loads.

Are we looking at $100m of alloy body shell development? Probably more. Hood and doors are aluminum as well but the boot lid is an example of 'intelligent material mix' that combines a synthetic molded (plastic) outer sheet reinforced with steel. Note clean expanded side vent treatment as per the SLS.

Magic Vision and FrontBass

No area of the new SL escaped intense scrutiny. Using any windshield washer system has always proved to be a messy process. Top down windshield cleaning usually also included a light dousing of driver and passenger, not to mention streaked coachwork and marginally increased visibility. The new SL features MAGIC VISION CONTROL that incorporates ducted wiper blades that precisely modulate the volume of washer fluid delivered to the windscreen. Mercedes promises that the dirtiest windscreen can be magically cleaned with no trace of fluid. Amazing.

Another interesting facet of the new alloy unit body is the concept of FrontBass which necessitated footwell resonance chambers to be integrated within the unit body structure. Loosing a sound system’s bass tones during top down driving has distressed many an audiophile. Moving the base speakers to these new chambers within the foot wells of the new SL insures clear, crips base tones during top down driving. This system also obviates the need for speakers in the doors thus allowing storage pockets.

This hot weather testing shot seems to reveal the 2013 SL's true shape from the leading edge of the door aft. The shape looks clean and not marred by the contrived 'hips' we see on the S/CLS range. The smooth sweep of the A-pillars and the more pronounced side view mirror pods are illustrated as well.

The side view gives us a feel for the new SL's profile. The undersize wheel/tire combination fitted here is overwhelmed by the bulk of the coachwork. We do see a pure design, however, lurking under the disguise.

NVH

Critical improvements in the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) have been integrated as well. The new SL should be simply amazing to drive particularly in view of the following clever noise and harshness tricks.

• A special firewall damping with variable mass distribution and a significant heavy layer proportion attenuates engine noise.
• In conjunction with the plate floor, single-piece, foam-backed carpeting with virtually no seams reduces the roll noise of the vehicle in the interior.
• A spray-on lining attenuates the structure-borne sound in the vehicle interior and exterior.
• Textile wheelhouse linings, acoustically absorbing shield plates and bodyshell foam elements for critical sectors also contribute towards a smooth ride.
• Damping in the rear wall transversal cross member and boot lateral elements as well as in the forced ventilation openings prevent disruptive tire and wind noises from making themselves unpleasantly noticeable in the vehicle interior.

Until Mercedes-Benz leaks further glimpses of the new SL, that’s all we have for the time being. We’ll bring you new developments as soon as we receive them. It seems the new SL will indeed be worth the wait.

View our R230 SL series listings.

View our R230 SL series video section.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritge.com
Photography from Daimler Media.

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The SEMA show is a magnet for outrageous creations and this SL65 based 'Mercedes- Bent' certainly was a standout in 2010.

190SL swallows an SL65
‘Mercedes-Bent’ at SEMA

Richard Mott’s outrageous SL65 based ‘Mercedes-Bent’ is not a new creation: He debuted the car at 2010′s SEMA specialty show. The premise of the project was optimistic at best and involved removing the skin, interior and retracting top mechanism of a perfectly good 2004 Mercedes SL65 and wrapping the rolling platform with stretched, widened and highly stylized 190SL coachwork!

Mott must be a Mecedes-Benz nut with more than a little hot rod background. This clever creation has ‘resto-mod’ written all over it. While SL purists will cringe at the loss of a perfectly good SL65 AND a sound 190SL, no one can quibble about the quality and creativity we see in these pictures. The scope of the project didn’t seem to faze California’s aptly named ‘Hot Rods & Custom Stuff‘ because they moved the project from renderings to the jewel-like finished that dazzles in every respect.

We can see how much the 190Sl coachwork had to be widened to fit over the SL65 platform. The masterful fabrication can be seen throughout the car - sculpted tail lights, fitted luggage, and flush fitting bumpers. The wheels/wheel covers are simply exquisite.

Clever Cues

Continuing the 190SL theme into the interior involved creating special dash panels, seats, steering wheel, AC outlets, door panels – basically every item beyond the basic center console structure was carefully fabricated. This is mind boggling. We presume the original windshield posts were installed to support the specially constructed windshield. The more you look the more mind-bending – and massively expensive – spectacular fabrication you see.

The Bent's interior is brilliantly executed. We see sumptuous 190SL-esque seats, faux temperature slide levers, door panels with 190SL hardware (lock levers, window cranks, release handles) and wonderful modern interpretation of the 190SL's steering wheel. All the gorgeous fabrication is wrapped around the original SL65 center console and navigation structure. Brilliant!

Show me the Money

What did it cost? Well, a 2004 SL65 will soak up about $70k and the 190SL donor car had to cost $25k. 3,000+ hours of design and fabrication will cost about $255k (@ $85/hour) and materials likely added $40k which would bring cost to construct the “Bent’ SL to just below $400k. It’s gorgeous and it’s insane but we love it. Bravo Mr. Mott and Hot Rods & Custom Stuff.

Richard Mott's creation displays an attitude quite contrary to the somewhat effeminate persona of original SL. And with good reason because under the hood lurks a 6.5 liter twin turbo V-12 WITH a Renntech performance package producing well over 600 hp. If we look carefully at the sweep of the morphed 190SL coachwork, we can understand the 'bent' moniker.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from TopSpeed.com

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New C25 on display in Geneva this spring revealed few hints of the Mercedes SL65 Black Edition hidden beneath new proprietary coachwork. This was production car #1 painted and trimmed according to the new owner's tastes.

Carlsson’s C25
25 examples for the globe

Respected tuner Carlsson Autotechnik released their latest derivation of the SL, the rather handsome C25, earlier this year at the Geneva salon. We missed this introduction and felt this highly modified SL65 warranted some coverage. Based on the brutal 2009 SL65 Black Series, the new C25 is most definitely not a warmed over SL65 with various coachwork embellishments. The German firm re-skinned the entire car in coachwork of their own design.

Do we see a hint of Aston Martin DB9 in this tail? Note how the orange stripe is cleverly continued in leather on the package panel below the back window.

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Massive Power, Low Production

The press release mentioned that the C25′s jaw dropping 753hp “allows fast acceleration.” I should say! The attendant 1,320 nm of torque will catapult the C25 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds and with enough geography in front of it, 211 mph should be possible. Eschewing race seats, bulky racing harnesses and other ‘boy racer’ add-ons within the buffalo leather and ultra-suede interior, Carlsson has opted for a driver friendly interior environment.

Exclusivity is the name of the game in the Super-GT specialist tuner genre. The client profile for this car is an individual that will not be pleased to see another such car passing by, ever. Hence, only 25 examples will be constructed with no more that one example sold in each of the 25 countries containing a licensed Carlsson seller. Based on a total production of 350 SL65 Black Series, the C25 will represent 7% of the population of this spectacular series of SL.

I see some Ferrari 599 styling cues in this view albeit within a more truncated form. Like the SL65 Black Series it's based on, the C25's roof is fixed. Pricing was not released and will undoubtedly vary according to a client's whims.

Carlsson USA

What do you think of this new C25? Dare I say I like it? I do. Would you like to be the only individual in the United States with a C25 in your garage? Do you have a SL65 Black Series in your garage and wish to have a little “personalization?” You’re in luck as Carlsson has created a distributer in the USA. They will also be happy to personalize any late model Mercedes-Benz as well.

Carlsson USA Inc.
8430 W Lake Mead Blvd. Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89128

Phone: (702)576-9887
Fax: (702) 589-9584

Sumptuous interior with bold design reflects the tastes of the owner of C25 #1 displayed in Geneva. The off-center orange body stripe continues through the interior over the dash, down the steering wheel, up the seat and rearward over the package panel - quite a creative touch.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Autoblog and Carlsson Autotechnik

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Looking sinister in Matte Black, this SL65 Black Edition is fitted Brabus' latest tweak, the T65 package. The resulting 20% power increase over the standard car's already potent 661hp catapults the car to 100km 3.6 seconds and a top speed of about 205mph.

When 661hp is inadequate

When is enough enough? Apparently never in the world of one-off ‘tuner’ supercars. While Brabus has been constructing over-the-top (and to many, pointless) ultra-high speed road cars since 1977, they must have a following for their creations: A lack of demand voids the need to create more 200 mph road cars.

Rear view reminiscent of Trans Am cars from the late '80s. We do like the paint and wheel treatment if not the exercise as a whole. There were only 350 SL65 Black Editions constructed and more than a few have been modified further, often by gearheads in the Middle East.

Dubai Calling

Their latest performance upgrade kit for Mercedes-Benz is pointed at the wealthy SL65 owner who feels disappointed at the paltry performance figures returned by their ‘standard’ SL65 Black Edition – 0-100km/hr in 3.8 sec and top speed of 198 mph. Right, these are simply pathetic figures.

Referred to as the T65 RS modification kit, it provides larger turbochargers, revised exhaust, remapped engine management and a livelier gearbox program. Also part of the package are some nice cosmetic touches such as Brabus badged orange brake calipers, tasteful interior trim touches and orange instrument lighting.

Unique interior embellishments include orange seat stitching, orange instrument back lighting and orange sill plate badges noting this personalized SL65 Black Edition as a "Vanish."

These packages have found their way into a few Black Editions is Dubai, creating bespoke SLs whose owners felt compelled to rename. There is the black ‘Vanish’ shown above and the ‘Stealth’ shown in the video below.

The Halo Effect

It’s really not necessary to take these cars seriously but rather to appreciate them as conversation pieces and examples of what Brabus is CAPABLE of. The massive PR these few modified “Black” SLs generate – a process in which I’m a willing participant – will focus Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts on the massive catalog of highly engineered practical and not so practical upgrades from Brabus. Have a look at their website for yourself.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com

Photography from evo.co.uk

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2013 SL Testing Continues

2013 SL hack being flogged at the Nurgurgring. While camouflage reveals little of the next generation SL's shape, less weight and more efficiency are certainties.

Testing continues for the next generation SL which is expected to be released in mid-2012 as a 2013 model. Unattributed online speculation centers on the following new features:

• 7 speed automatic transmission and suspension components sourced from the new SLS AMG Gullwing.
• A new lightweight aluminum spaceframe.
• A wider track and some styling cues also lifted from the exciting new Gullwing.

Not much revealed in this rear 3/4 view. We presume a dramatic design statement for the 2013 SL. What does the bulky cladding hide?

It is certain, however, that we will see a leaner, lighter and more efficient new SL, quite likely incorporating the new powerplants described below. With SL sales sagging, the next chapter in this haloed icon’s life can’t arrive too soon. We’ll keep you posted.

Powerful New V-6 and V-8 Released

Mercedes-Benz continues its innovative engine program of raising output and reducing petrol consumption with the release of two powerful new engines. The result of a one billion Euro investment, the new V-6 and V-8 engines produce 302hp and 429hp respectively (converting European figures to SAE figures) while reducing consumption by 22% to 24%. Extraordinary.

Next generation V-6 and V-8s coming together at the expanded Bad Cannstatt plant. The two new engines offer massive power and efficiency increases.

The engines will be produced in the newly expanded ‘Bad Cannstatt’ engine plant situated a stone’s throw from the simple greenhouse in which Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach constructed the first single cylinder combustion engine in 1885. Plant efficiencies include:

• Both engines – one a 60 degree V and one a 90 degree V – will be machined on a single production line
• Facility heat recovery via advanced photovoltaic c system
• Solar paneling covering 5,000 square meters
• Massive reduction of petroleum based lubricants used during engine milling processes via a ‘minimum-quantity lubrication” technology

To illustrate how far engine technology has advanced we can compare the base non-AMG engine outputs from 2006. The 5 liter V-8 produced 302 hp while the 3.5 liter V-6 produced 268hp in 2006. The new V-6 produces the same output the earlier 5 liter V-8 and the new base V-8 produces a whopping 127hp (+42%!) additional power. Extraordinary.

In keeping with the eco-friendly tone of these new efficient and powerful engines, Mercedes also tells us about the “eco-paradise” that has been created on the outskirts of the expanded production plant. The 4,000 square meter  “Neckar” meadow is now home to over 40 species of wild bees. We are indeed entering a new era of green awareness among automobile manufacturers.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com

Photography from Daimler AG and Worldcarfans.com

Photography from Mercedes-Benz and Roy Spencer

Performance: but at what price?
Changing Attitudes

Our world is rapidly changing with a tidal wave of environmental awareness sweeping virtually every industry. Scrutiny of corporate environmental responsibility has never been stronger and pressure to adopt environmentally friendly products and production techniques will increasingly influence global corporations’ products and services.

With talk of ‘peak oil’ and the debate over carbon emissions driven global warming intensifying, pressure on automobile companies to become more responsible global citizens is growing. Mainstream automobiles are generally becoming vastly more efficient but what about the high performance sector?

Colorful retro paint scheme lifted from the fabled AMG 300SEL of 1971 adorns the new S63 showcar. Whimsical paint belies the serious new engine and transmission technology lying underneath that will shape many future AMG products.

Frankly, most high-performance luxury manufacturers (Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari et al) have been blithely sailing on with massive power increases and generally dismal fuel mileage. However, these niche manufacturers and the ultra-performance cars from mainstream manufacturers are in danger of appearing seriously out of step with the globe’s emerging wave of social responsibility.

Mercedes-Benz and AMG Respond
‘AMG Performance 2015′

If you have ever felt a little self conscious in your (fairly) socially irresponsible 2009 S63 or 2003 SL55 idling next to a new Ford Escape Hybrid silently resting at a stop light, you are certainly not alone. Mercedes and AMG have been pondering this issue and have just released their first solution to the high performance conundrum, the new highly efficient 5.5 liter biturbo V-8.

To get the world’s attention, AMG cleverly modified an S63 with the new drivetrain and wrapped it in the gaudy period racing livery of their brawny but successful 300SEL 6.8 of decades past. This bellowing sedan won its class and finished 2nd overall at Spa’s daunting 24 hour classic in 1971.

5.5 liters, twin Turbos, air to water intercooler and direct fuel injection: The new core performance engine for AMG? Perhaps, as we don't see a V-12 offered in the 2011 SL.

Since 2002 AMG has used a variety of powerplants to achieve the massive power and torque required to lead the ultra performance segment: a supercharged 5.5 liter V-8, the twin turbo 6.5 liter V-12, and most recently a normally aspirated 6.3 liter V-8. Their solution to the daunting task of delivering massive power/torque with greatly reduced fuel consumption was to combine a 5.5 (5461cc) liter V-8 with two turbochargers, an air to water intercooler and direct fuel injection with “spray guided” combustion technology. Thus the M157 engine has been born.

The result is 544 hp (or 571 hp with the AMG performance package – 1.3 bar turbo boost rather than 1.0 bar) and a whopping 25% increase in fuel mileage compared to the current S63. AMG’s engineers also boast of a massive 28.5% CO emissions reduction. This is significant news and signals a shift away from simply building a full range of generally inefficient but gloriously enjoyable motorcars.

With KERS technology, a new 7 speed gearbox incorporating engine shutdown at stops and up to 571hp available, the new S63 delivers staggering performance with a much smaller carbon footprint. No, this paint scheme will not be among the new car's option package.

Yes, Mercedes’ and AMG’s clients can easily afford to pour massive amounts of petrol into these capable road cars. But a growing number of the firm’s future high performance clients, particularly in the European Union, will pause to digest relative fuel mileage and emissions levels before opting for an AMG product. Tastes are changing, even in this premium segment.

Show car's competition flavor continues with roll cage, racing harnesses and absence of a rear seat. The production version - equipped with the Performance Package - will catapult its owner to 100km (62mph) in a scant 4.4 seconds

The large new S63′s earth friendly behavior was not achieved without some clever technical chicanery. Fuel mileage figures returned by the new car were undoubtedly experienced while motoring in transmission mode “C” or more specifically the “Controlled Efficiency” mode. This mode switches the 5.5 liter V-8 off during stops and insures the car moves away from rest in 2nd gear and prompts earlier upshifts through the remaining 5 ratios.

‘KERS’ for the Masses
From Formula 1 to the Autobahn

Another noteworthy trick is essentially a KERS system for the road. Formula One racing fans will recognize this term from the 2009 season. The acronym aptly describes the process: ‘Kinetic Energy Recovery System.’ The S63 uses this system to store energy (heat) generated by braking forces and gathered during periods of overrun (off throttle coasting). This energy is used to maintain the battery charge and allows the alternator to operate at very low voltage levels, thereby reducing power absorption from the engine.

Inspiration for the colorful S63 show car: AMG's 6.8 liter 300SEL shown here at The Quail in 2007. It was a touring car class winner at Belgium's 1971 Spa 24 hour race.

And so AMG eases its clients toward a more responsible attitude toward their cherished high performance road cars. While some of AMG’s achievements will simply be cocktail chatter for 2011 S63 owners, the benefits are undoubtedly real and concrete evidence our friends in Affalterbach have their eyes firmly focused on the future.

What’s next – an electric SLS Gullwing? Well, actually yes…

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com.

2003 SL55 was a milestone car: gorgeous styling, power retractable hard top, expanded interior dimensions, and almost 500hp. A massive departure from the prior R129 series SL.

2011 Night Edition pricing announced
2013 SL under cold weather testing

We don’t want to forget about the current and soon to be released offerings from Mercedes-Benz. The current lineup of new models available from your local dealer ranges from the stylish, crisply drawn C-class models to the sophisticated and edgy new E series. The new SLS Gullwing is garnering much of the automotive press today but a bone stock new SL550 is a very competent, stylish personal roadster. And there is the Smart car program if you need something in which to toodle around town. What a fabulous line-up of cars.

SLs: 2010

What’s going on with the SL range? The current car arrived in 2002 to enormous acclaim. This author feels the 2003 SL55 to be the most technically and visually significant SL since the original Gullwing. Almost 500hp in a gorgeous off-the-showroom floor SL. Quite an audacious SL from Mercedes-Benz.

The superbly balanced, voluptuous original R230 series shape was spot on and immediately rendered the squarish previous generation positively prehistoric. However, this car is approaching the end of its production life, nine years and counting. The recent facelift to align the nose design with the “face” of the rest of the models stimulated sales but buyers are beginning to look toward the next generation.

2011 Night Edition

Will the hip 2011 “Night Edition” signal the end of the series? We have some new data on what may be the last of the R230 generation SLs. We learned from 35 year Mercedes sales veteran, Tony Spencer, that the Night Edition’s matte finish black will be a metallic. Very interesting. After the matte satin black color is applied, the final clear coat will contain the metallic matter. The paint code for this “designo Night Black Metallic” is 056.

100 examples of the Night Edition SL550 scheduled to arrive in spring of this year. Price will be about $119,255.

Here is the order data and codes for this unique new SL:

• Paint: 056 designo Night Edition Black Metallic (Matte Finish)
• Upholstery: 831 Black Premium Leather with Silver Contrast Stitching
• Trim: 736 Hand-Polished Black Ash Wood Trim

Packages:

• P01 Premium 1 Package
• 321 Wheel Package

Options:

• 067 Illuminated Door Sills
• 220 Parktronic
• 413 Panorama Roof
• 831 Premium Leather Upholstery

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in Spring of this year with pricing around $119,255. And remember, only 100 units will be constructed.

2012 and Beyond

The next generation SL is largely finalized and definitely under hot/cold weather testing in various parts of the globe. The images below verify this and signal the beginning of the speculative game centering on the new car’s final shape. Current Mad Max road warrior camouflage betrays little of the new shape but automotive artists are beginning to challenge their rendering software to give us glimpses of possible designs.

Not much to be learned from this heavily camouflaged cold weather test hack. We can see side view mirrors sitting on separate stalks rather than integrated into A post as on current cars.

Speculation has the next generation SL debuting at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and production moving from Bremen to Stuttgart. Did the sensual sculpture we saw in January at the Detroit Auto Show give us a secret glimpse of the “face” for the new SL? Many insiders think so. And the more upright nose profile seems logical in light of new EU pedestrian-protecting laws that will influence many new designs.

We have plenty to look forward to in the next generation SL. If it is half as dramatic and groundbreaking as the R230 series was in 2002, we will see another world beater from the Silver Star.

Grille profile of Mercedes sculpture presented at the Detroit Auto Show may give us a glimpse of new SL's face.

Tony Spencer (408-345-2255) can answer any questions you may have regarding current and future Mercedes-Benz products.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
Photography from Mercedes-Benz, MercedesHeritage.com, Detroit News, Auto Express

Read more about the 2013 SL.

View the current SL’s Video section.

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Photography from Mercedes-Benz and Carlsson

(Please note this will be a 2011 model. We apologize for the error in the email.)

Mercedes-Benz continues to recognize the trend toward tough looking matte finishes with the release of the gorgeous SL550 “Night Edition.” One of two special editions under the theme of “masterpieces to dream of,” the elegant Night Edition SL550 joins the new SLK Grand Edition as alternatives for buyers wishing to eschew Mercedes’ flashier finishes.

"Night Edition" SL550 a result of "masterpieces to dream of" theme.

While it’s hard to discern in these low light studio press images, this new SL550 variant is a study in various black textures and finishes complemented by metallic surfaces in both chrome and highly polished aluminum. The special silky matte “designo magno night black” paint set against polished two-tone 19′ alloys with silver brake calipers shining through the slim wheel spokes looks smashing – elegance with a slightly hard edge.

Matte black "designo magno night black" paint finish contains a fraction of the gloss content found in traditional paint applications. Darkened tail lights and polished 19' wheels part of the package.

The interior continues the theme featuring black nappa leather covering newly designed seats – with arrow shaped seams – set against carefully executed detail brightwork. We would love to see some interior images.

09 SL63 AMG “Edition IWC” featured Mercedes’ first matte finish offering: designo magno Kashmir white. This special edition SL63 celebrated the exquisite watches of Swiss watchmaker, IWC Schaffhausen.

Darkened headlight/tail lights further enhance the softly sinister look of the car. A study in blacks and various metallic finishes, this special SL looks to be a dramatic alternative to the glossy finishes found on the standard cars. With a large segment of European automobile enthusiasts having “crossover” interests in the Hot Rod genre, I wouldn’t be surprised to find some new Night Editions sharing garage space with flat black chopped ’50 Mercurys. Brilliant car.

With only one hundred examples to be constructed, you’ll need to get an order in soon. For more information, call Tony Spencer @ 408-345-2255.

Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com

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