An enthusiast’s forum spilled the beans today on the 2013 Mercedes SL Class, by releasing a large set of images, ahead of the roadster's official debut. We guess they couldn’t hold on to them until January, when the 2013 SL-Class will have its global premiere. Mercedes-Benz announced that the 2013 SL-Class will be unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new leaked images are not accompanied by any new details.
What we know so far about the 2013 Mercedes SL Class is that it's going to be 149 kg lighter than its predecessor and 20% more rigid too.
Thanks to a lower weight, and probably a few other innovations too, the 2013 SL Class will be 30% more efficient than before. In one of the images, we can clearly see that the automatic transmission of the new SL will offer an economy (Econ) mode too. The other two driving modes will be Comfort and Sport.
Mercedes’ 2013 SL will feature the company's new MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic glass roof, and the AIRSCARF system.
The AIRSCARF is a heating system, integrated into the seat, which is able to warm the upper part of your body while driving with the roof down. This is especially useful during cold weather.
In terms of design, the new generation SL-Class has more aggressive appearance, with a newly designed front fascia, new headlights, and new rear light clusters. The 2013 SL will feature LED daytime running lights and LED taillights too.
At this point, Mercedes might just well release the specifications of the 2013 SL, since we've seen almost everything there is to see about the two-door convertible. However, we get the feeling that's not going to happen. Mercedes will probably weight up until the 2012 NAIAS to give us the juicy stuff.
We'll have more details on the 2013 Mercedes SL-Class as soon as they're available, or someone leaks them online.
