Few cars on the road are as iconic as the Mercedes-Benz SL sports car. It's been around since the famous Gullwing 300SL sports car was introduced in 1954, which today is regarded as the world's first supercar. The SL is as desirable now as it was then. Not surprising then that the new 2009 SL-Class carries on with the familiar look: There's no mistaking this new car for anything else.

However, there are substantial changes that set the 2009 Mercedes SL apart from the previous version, which has been with us for six years.

The overall stance has been modified, and the result is that the 2009 SL looks sportier and more aggressive than the previous version. It has a new nose with a more pronounced grille, sleeker headlights and more shapely front fenders. Although the basic dimensions have not changed, the car is a little longer overall.

As before, there will be four versions of the SL available in the U.S. The SL550 is powered by a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 and the SL600 has a twin turbo 5.5-liter V12 engine under the hood that produces 510 horsepower.

There will be two AMG versions: the SL65, which continues with an upgraded version of the turbocharged V12 that produces 604 horsepower. The previous-generation SL55 has been replaced by a new SL63 which has a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter 518-hp V8. It also gets a new MCT (multi clutch technology) transmission. This seven-speed automatic transmission has no less than six clutches that enable lightening quick shifting akin to a Formula One race car according to Mercedes-Benz. There is even a race start function. Externally, the AMG models are distinguished by a black mesh grille under the front bumper that makes the front nose appear much deeper. The front spoiler also features vents on each side.

The new SL inherits a neat new optional feature called AIRSCARF. It is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck. Just as a scarf makes one feel much warmer in cold weather this new heater in the SL should make driving with the top down possible in cooler weather than would normally be practical.

The metal retractable roof can be raised or lowered in 16 seconds and there is a relatively generous 7.2 cubic feet for storage space with the top down and 10.2 cu ft with the top up. A leather covered roll bar can be raised or lowered by a switch and it will automatically raise in one-third of a second in the event of an impending rollover accident.

A new direct-steer system will become available later on 2010 SL models. It features a variable-ratio rack gear provides impressively quick on-center steering with an even higher gear ratio beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. This means the driver doesn't have to move the steering wheel as far when cornering, especially in low-speed maneuvers such as parking, and the car's response is noticeably more direct, according to Mercedes engineers.

The new SL-Class goes on sale this summer (2008). The SL550 is expected to start at just under $100,000, while it'll be easy to get close to 200 grand for an AMG SL63 with all the goodies.

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