SL, When's a new one out ?

[Hobo]

Just wondering when a new SL model is out as the current one has been around ages.

If its soon are there any pics ?

[russ]

yes and it looks horible

[anonymous-user]

Here you go... http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyI...

[matc]

Official launch is the 17th April, although most dealers will be getting theirs during March. With regards to the looks I think I'll reserve judgement until I actually see one. As has been said this is only a mid-life facelift, an all new SL will not be out until 2012!!

[Dave D]

Just seen this post on the other thread...

GAGA on the other thread said:

I like the new front design, but I dislike this idiotic idea of adding the "airscarf" (from the SLK) to the SL. I hope the "airscarf" is just an option.

Genius

Edited by Dave D on Tuesday 26th February 20:21

[Hobo]

2012 ? Christ, its been around since 2003 hasn't it ? 9 years is some going.

The 'factlift' looks hideous in the pics, however I suspect in reality will look very good. Still..... think I be putting my money into a current shape SL65 than the new(ish) model.

[matc]

It does seem like it's been out forever, it was actually launched in 2002. An 8-10 year life cycle with a mid-life facelift is what Mercedes uses for all of their models; although they may occasionally change some early if the popularity of the mid-life facelift isn't very successful.

[AKA8]

I thought it was launched in 2001 in Europe and Feb 2002 in the UK (that's when I got mine). The model before was launched in 1989 if I'm not mistaken and there are some examples from 2000 and even early 2001 about.

2012 is probably the right date, but sooner would be better given the ugly facelift coming soon.

[BigBen]

Hobo said:

2012 ? Christ, its been around since 2003 hasn't it ? 9 years is some going.

The R107 SL went from 1972 to 1989 so 9 years is nothing !

Ben

[nickwilcock]

Well, I went to a dealer event here in Germany today - to see the new SL and SLK.

Both were as utterly horrible as the pictures suggest. But the SL is really awful!

Best years for the SL seem to be around 2002/3 before they started to mess about with the elegance of the styling....

[markbe]

nickwilcock said:

Well, I went to a dealer event here in Germany today - to see the new SL and SLK.

Both were as utterly horrible as the pictures suggest. But the SL is really awful!

Best years for the SL seem to be around 2002/3 before they started to mess about with the elegance of the styling....

Seconded.

Mark.

[khushy]

for me (a 2003 SL500 owner) my SL is a stunning car and the front twin eye headlamps give an awesome front perspective.

At the moment - I am not a fan of the square headlamps that Mercedes have introduced on all of their new models - although, strangely, they look fine on the new C Class!

But the new, facelifted SL, is hideous IMHO!

khushy