Spied: 2012 SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz

The new SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz is due to roll out by 2012. Some spy photographers from CarScoop was able to click their shutters on the upcoming luxury car which features a metal retractable hardtop. It appears the carmaker will stay with the front engine configuration on a rear drive format.

The heavy disguise of the prototype makes it difficult to point to details and elements of the SL Roadster but it may be safe to claim that the next gen SL roadster will use design lines following the same artsy philosophy used for the F800 Style and CLS Shooting Break concept models.

The 2012 SL Roadster will also derive its DNA from the sturdy spaceframe made from aluminum like the one used for the supercar SLS Gullwing, and most of its components and hardware.

Details about the powertrain of the new Benz are very limited but we can expect a 3.5L V6 that can output about 306 horsepower. There will also be a lineup of V8 engines which may include the bi turbo 5.5L designated to the AMG version. Or who knows a V12 may come up for this roadster.

There was also a report this week that carbon fiber car parts will be used for the 2012 SL as Daimler inked an agreement with a Japanese carbon fiber manufacturer.

Source: CarScoop