Officially Unveiled: Mercedes-Benz SL

Mercedes-Benz officially released details of the 2009 SL-class, photos of which leaked on to the web last week. In addition to its updated exterior styling, the droptop adds a new entry model for Europe, the 231-horsepower SL 280.

On top of that, the SL 350 gains power (now 316 horses) while improving overall fuel economy. The other engines are same - the 388-horse V8 in the SL 500 and the 517-HP twin-turbo V12 in the SL 600. Both get a slight improvement in fuel economy, too. The flagship is the 600 and it's distinguishable from its lesser kin via unique 18" wheels and the matte-finish "gills" aft of the front wheel well.

Also new for the SL is MB's direct-steer system, which was introduced on the new SLK and the CLC. Improved lighting is standard and the optional Intelligent Light System offers drivers five different light settings to handle varying road conditions. There are no words about the SL 63 AMG yet. But we show you its photo above. The SL will make its debut At Geneva Show in March.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SL

Leaked: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

Lots of high-res images which show the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL have leaked onto web. These pictures give us a sneak peek at what Mercedes has changed on its hard-top convertible, which includes among other things an entirely new front end.

The new face on the SL incorporates headlights with a more modern shape. There's a new grille with just one crossbar. New fender vents have also been added, the design of which has been aped from the more hyperbolic vents found on the McLaren SLR. A new rear apron can also be seen out back where the SL's buttocks has been freshened, as well.

Inside we see the new three-spoke steering wheel and white gauges that Mercedes showed us in the updated CLS last week. The center console has also been updated and an oversized screen for the nav system sits front and center.

There's no info about the engines yet. We can say that the SL55 AMG model is due to be replaced by the SL63 with a 500+ hp, 6.3L V8. There also seems to be a new V6 of some sort in the works based on the number of pics referencing such a motor in the gallery below. This engine will be probably the 3.0L V6 that debuted in the new CLS 280 with 231 HP and 221 ft.-lb. of torque.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

Facelifted Mercedes SL Caught At Photo Shoot

The current Mercedes-Benz SL is in the market in many years and spy shots of a freshened model have been found their ways to internet several months ago.

The facelifted Mercedes SL has been snapped during a shoot on location in Dubai. That means it's only a matter of time before its official debut. Most of the car looks pretty much unchanged, with the most of the action taking place at the nose. -Continued after the jump...

The grille has a sharper vertical crease similar to the new C-Class. The vents ahead of the front wheels and the wheels themselves indicate this is probably the latest AMG variant. Expect few changes at the rear bar new LED lamps, a revised bumper design and a minor exhaust pipe update.

Engines are likely to remain the same as the present SL, although rumours suggest a 354 hp replacement engine for the SL350. The SL will surface at Geneva and hit the market at the end of 2008.