2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL65 AMG Roadster

Walkaround

The platform, or basic structure, stays the same, however. The 2009 SL has the same aerodynamic performance and the same weight distribution front-to-rear as the outgoing car, namely a 0.29 drag coefficient and a 51/49 percent balance.

The restyled hood has a two raised ribs, each about a foot off center. Like the previous model, the hood on the 2009 model has twin air intakes at the back, just in front of each passenger, and these are decorated with three fins apiece. The hood leads into redesigned headlights that take on a cat's eye look and move away from the rounded, dual headlight theme Mercedes has used for years. The available Intelligent Lighting System automatically aims the lights into corners as the driver turns the steering wheel. The center grille opening on the 2009 models is slightly larger than on the 2008 models, with one chrome bar instead of three surrounding a large central Mercedes logo. Fog lights flank the reworked lower fascia, which features a shape that mirrors the grille opening.

Along the sides, the breathing ducts behind the front wheels change from two horizontal to three vertical gills on the 2009 SL550 and SL600, bisected by a chrome horizontal accent piece. The gill design now extends into the front of each door. The line that starts at the bottom of each gill extends into a rising character line that wraps around the car and gives the SL a forward-leaning rake. The SL600 has a V12 logo beneath the gill on each side. At the bottom, the rocker panel design is reworked as well.

The rear design is very similar to that of the previous model. The only notable change is a restyled rear fascia with a ribbed, diffuser-style lower portion.

The SL63 and SL65 come with a unique hood, front fascia with larger cooling intakes, and a black grille. The hood has a noticeable power bulge in the center that replaces the two raised ribs. The bi-xenon headlights have black surrounds and the fog lights have round instead of elliptical shape. On the sides, the AMG models have additional intake ducts just in front of the wheels and the side gills are replaced by E-shaped inserts in matte silver; the SL63 has lettering that says 6.3 AMG, and the SL65 has V12 BITURBO lettering. At the rear, AMG models have a lip spoiler, deeper side sills and a rear fascia that houses a pronounced black rear air diffuser and two pairs of chrome tailpipes.

All SL roadsters have a power retractable hardtop that opens or closes in 16 seconds. Unlike some convertible tops, the SL's does not open or close if the car is in motion, even at low speeds. The available panorama glass top gives an open-air feeling even with the top up. The SL is a beautiful car with the top down and the sleek roof makes it look even better with the top up.