Spied again: The 2012 Mercedes SL
Let the sun shine!

Even factory test drivers want a little sunshine on their faces. Here are the first shots of the next generation SL with the top down. As we already mentioned in previous articles Mercedes is preparing the 2012 Mercedes SL for the Frankfurt Car Show in September. And that means that it is losing more and more camouflage for each time we see it. And loosing camouflage means also revealing more and more details.

As we can see the front end reminds us a lot of the just released Mercedes SLK with its more upright positioned wide-band grille and we also notice the glass roof known from the SLK, Magic Sky Control. That’s a variable-tint roof, at a touch of a button it can be made either transparent or darkened.

Under the hood the range of petrol engines starts with a 305 hp, 3.5 liter V6 followed by the SL 500 with its 435 hp strong V8. And of course there will be at least one AMG version with endless power.

Inside we will find a more user friendly cockpit with better ergonomics and more space for the driver and passenger. Expect the camouflage to start shedding more in the next few weeks. For now here are the best pics to date.

 

I like the stance, width reminds me of the 90's SL R129.

 

Still a pass... something about the proportions just don't look right to me for some reason.

 

Can't wait to see the AMG version.

 

caught this while driving in the morning on my way to work

 

That rear deck lid is atrocious!

 

MB hired Bangle???

 

It's meant to look atrocious, along with the front over-fenders...helps keep the true shape a mystery.

In regards to the photos from the first post, the front bumper looks a little too much like a Nissan Maxima...and from a side profile it needs a bit more material so that the sideskirts aren't lower than the front bumper. I'm sure the final product will look great though, especially the AMG models.

 

Going to have to reserve judgment until the final AMG version comes out. So far I'm not sold. I'm sure it will be hot though. MB has been on fire lately!

 

The front's ugly... not sure about this one. Still hooked on the SL65