2009 Mercedes-Benz SL Preview

Mercedes-Benz has released these official photos of the facelifted SL roadster, which is heading for a world debut at the Geneva show in March.

Tracing the SL's heritage back to the 300SL Gullwing roadsters from the 1950s, Mercedes says the new SL gets reshaped headlamps, a new hood with twin power domes, air outlets behind the front wheels and new fenders that all link it more firmly to its past. The formerly optional AMG styling kit is now standard on the SL, which is set to go on sale in the spring.

A trio of models returns to the lineup: the V-8-powered SL550 with its seven-speed automatic; a V-12-powered SL600 with a five-speed automatic; and the SL63 AMG edition.

In the cockpit, a new three-spoke steering wheel has been installed (as in the CLS four-door), and new gauges wear red needles that oscillate to maximum and to zero when the car starts. An updated COMAND system integrates a six-disc changer, a music hard drive and MP3 player connectors, along with Bluetooth.

The SL's top lowers or raises in 16 seconds. The Airscarf option, which had been offered in Europe, pumps warm air around the occupants' necks in cold-weather driving. The system is built into the SL's seats and headrests; it's standard on V-12 and AMG models and an option on the V-8 version.

� Source: thecarconnection
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