We have been following the development of the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL for quite some time now having recently spied a prototype with minimal camouflage that enabled us to see many aspects of the hardtop roadster’s design.

Naturally, as we’re nearing closer to its debut that will take place at next year’s Detroit Auto Show in January, more information is coming out. Earlier this week, German magazine Auto Motor und Sport published a set of what appear to be official pictures of the next SL’s body-in-white, along with some very interesting details.

The images suggest that the all-new luxury roadster will retain the familiar SL silhouette while adopting styling cues from other Mercedes models such as the boxy nose that is becoming the brand’s new “face” and the SLK’s “Magic Sky Control” retractable rigid roof.

According to AMS, the new SL roadster will be much lighter than the current model, despite being slightly larger in all dimensions. This has been achieved through the use of an almost all-aluminum chassis that weighs just 254 kg (560 pounds) reducing the car’s overall weight, by as much as 140 kg (309 lbs) with obvious benefits both in handling, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The new SL will be powered by a new generation of engines that feature direct injection and an auto stop-start system. The line-up will consist of a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 with an output of 435HP, as well as V6 and possibly V12 units.

AMG will develop the range-topping versions, with the SL 63 AMG being powered by the new 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 that will reportedly pump out 571HP.

The interior will follow the latest Mercedes design direction with highlights including the round vents surrounded by chrome rings and a large screen at the center console. Expect all the usual comfort and passive and active safety systems from Mercedes’ huge arsenal.

In addition, the 2013 SL will introduce two novel features. The first one is “Magic Vision Control”, a windshield wiper that encompasses the washer fluid system and which is said to be much more effective than a conventional unit . The second is a new audio system that uses the empty space in the aluminum-structured footwell as a resonance chamber to deliver more bass.

Story References: AMS

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