A CLS-inspired front end, more powerful and frugal V8 engines and a replacement AMG car – that’s what’s in the pipeline for Mercedes’ long-serving SL coupe-convertible next year, and Autocar.co.uk can bring you these exclusive images of the car, and a spy video, a year before launch.The revised SL is getting a better quality cabin too, but the CLS-style headlights and front bumper are the greatest exterior revisions, with the rear receiving minimal changes (see gallery).Revisions will be made to the car’s range of V8 petrol engines, which will receive the direct injection technology fitted to the 3.5-litre V6 CLS last year, reducing fuel consumption and increasing power. The remaining engine options will stay the same as those in the current car.Meanwhile, the interior will be upgraded using switchgear from the new C-class, and the Mercedes Pre-Safe system (designed to detect an imminent accident and prepare the car to mitigate the effects of the crash) will also be fitted.The most significant change to the SL range will be the replacement of the supercharged SL55 AMG with a naturally aspirated SL63 AMG. Power should remain at an identical 510bhp as the current SL55 AMG, but torque will drop from 531b ft to around 460lb ft, thanks to the move from forced to natural aspiration.You can expect to see the newly facelifted Mercedes SL and SL63 AMG in summer 2008, but don't hold your breath for an all-new model. Otherwise you'll be in need of some medical attention by the time it arrives in 2013.
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