Numerous spy images have been taken of the updated SL undergoing cold-weather testing near the Arctic Circle recently. The test-mule in those images, which was actually an AMG version, looked very much like the current model expect for a new front-end that was heavily disguised. As these latest renderings show, the facelifted SL is expected to receive a totally redesigned front-end from the windshield forward.
The new car should adopt tapered back headlights similar to those seen on the current CLS saloon, with the front bar featuring a much more aggressive look with sharper angles, a new grille and larger air-intakes. Changes at the rear are minimal, with a new diffuser design and brake-light LED clusters.
The supercharged V8 engine from the SL55 AMG will likely be replaced with Mercedes’ modular 6.2L V8 for a new SL63 model. Final output will match those figures of the new S63 and CL63, with 518hp and 630Nm on tap. The twin-turbo V12 complete with 612hp and 1000Nm of torque in the SL65 range-topper is expected to remain unchanged, while the lesser SL550 and SL350 models are unlikely to adopt any mechanical changes as they were recently updated.
The facelifted SL will debut towards the end of next year or early 2009, ahead of an all-new model in 2011. Follow the jump to see high-res renderings of the front and rear in full.

From MotorAuthority.com

 

It dosent seem all too diff, im sure they'll try to make it rounder like their new lineups are

 

i like the front end

 

I absolutely love it, i even think the current SL when i see it is one of the best looking car designs, this is even better

 

Hmm, I don't think it will look like that. But who knows, maybe it's not so bad.

 

are those turn foglights in the front bumber ala 997tt?

 

that's the photoshop with CLS headlights. the SL just got a small facelift last year so i don't believe the rumor is true. MB might be testing the all new SL but not another facelift.

btw, the 2nd photoshop pic is so bad that the front fender looks all wrong. look at where the fender meets the mirror & the front/rear fender height...

 

Sorry. Do not like either of them. And the 63 engine? That motor will be hooked to the new 7 speed juice drive. No easy way to gain a lot more hp/tq with a NA engine and a tranny that will not take the torque if you did.

 

i like it!

 

All the 63's look better!

 

Agreed! They never do more than one facelift, I wonder what the new SL will bring, now that we've seen that new C, CLS, CL, S, ML, and GL look great.

The new SL, E, CLK, and SLK should all debut around the same time.

 

Photoshop at its finest.

Current SL55 rear, CL63 AMG bumper, CLS 63 Headlights, Hood etc... Nice try.
The next SL would look nothing like this one. Trust me.

 

No **** Sherlock..

Of course it's a photoshop, there aren't any official pics out yet. The editing is based on spy shots.

 

Loving the new look but the 55k will still feel faster due to the added torque, I think they are going to realease the upcoming SL late 2009 or 2010 I think 2008 is way to early.

If not mistaken the SL R129 previous generation stayed from early 91-2002, which was a good thing about the SL's with time they started to impove

Late models had AMG kit and Panaroma rood plus Exclusive Designo Special editions; The SL's is a spectacular car and I hope they continue to introduce new Models every 9 years instead of making them earlier.

 

I thought they were going to supercharge the 6.3 with the next gen AMG cars? At least that was what my guy at the MB dealership told me a little while back.