Our spies catch the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL in testing. How are we supposed to wait that long?
With so much emphasis being placed on Mercedes-Benz’s new Gullwing SLS by AMG, it’s easy to forget about the classic Mercedes coupe/roadster, the SL. Not for long though, as these spy shots show. A new SL is in development, and this 2012 model, despite all the cladding, looks to be the finest and most stylish we’ve seen. Sporting the blunt new Mercedes nose (courtesy of the EU’s strict pedestrian-impact requirements) and a redesigned tail, the 2012 SL will likely have an edgier appearance than previous models. From the pictures, it seems that Mercedes-Benz has extended the wheelbase a bit, and we suspect the Stuttgart company will find a better location for the third brake light.
Mercedes-Benz obviously will continue with the front-engine, rear-drive format, with a retractable metal hardtop. Moreover, this new 2012 SL will likely still be powered by the current engines: a 5.5-liter V-8, a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-12, and the AMG-built 6.2-liter V-8 and twin-turbo V-12. Our spies tell us the SL will make its debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, where it certainly will be the star. Wish we didn’t have to wait that long...
