Back in January, we caught the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL out winter testing. Now that the temperature is starting to rise again, the SL test mule has shed some of that pesky camouflage—revealing a car that looks pretty much ready for its big debut in Frankfurt. What’s still apparent are the changes made to the front end, showing off a larger grille with bigger three-pointed star emblem, redesigned headlights and a generally flatter-looking front fascia. What we couldn’t see last time that’s clearly visible now is the outline of LED running lights, a trend that’s become commonplace on many Mercedes models. Since all-LED headlights recently made an appearance on the SLK, we can expect that technology to make its way to the SL as well.
Both the rocker panels and convertible hardtop were left completely uncovered, revealing that characteristic silver paint underneath all that camo. While it’s tough to see, the roof of this SL looks to have a lot of glass. This could suggest a glass roof like the one used for the SLK’s Magic Sky Control system, which can lighten or darken depending on how much sunshine you want to let in. The taillights are also more visible this time, and show that the lamps are a bit wider than the current model’s with possibly more of a slant to them. Dual exhaust pipes are molded into the rear bumper, but are sadly obscured by shadow in these photos.Things are coming together for the new SL, but that upright nose, like the one found on the SLK, might take a little getting used to. We’re not sure if this is the sleekest the SL has looked in past years, but we’ll reserve judgment until the car is fully revealed at the Frankfurt show.
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