The Mercedes-Benz SLC and SL roadsters have both been around for a while: the first debuted eight years ago, while the second arrived a year later. When Mercedes pulled the SLC out of production a few months ago, it did not look like it was going to substitute a new model in its place. So maybe the SL is the only open-top sports car the German marque plans on keeping on the lineup. In fact, the test mule you can see on the photos here just might be the next-gen SL with the AMG badge slapped on it.
The car looks like it has between 2,600 and 2,650 millimeters (8.53 – 8.69 ft.) of axle spacing, which is more or less identical to what the current SL ships with (2,585 mm / 8.48 ft.).
The test mule looks obviously based on the MRA architecture of the latest Mercedes E-Class. Then again, MSA might also be a possibility.
Interestingly enough, the mystery test mule sports quad tailpipes, which usually means that the car packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 600 hp (447 kW) or so.
The next generation of the SL roadster – if it is indeed that – should celebrate its international premiere in 2021. Before that, the manufacturer will have to take the car out for a series of tests in its own body sometime in 2020.
Photos: carscoops.com