Restyled Mercedes-Benz Roadsters and 4 Door Coupe Debut at New York Auto Show

By Marty Bernstein
Marketing & Advertising Editor

Just a few weeks ago Mercedes-Benz was the official sponsor of New York Fashion Week – the twice a year homage and immersion to fashion and design – held in the fashion capital of the world, New York City.

It’s only fair the venerable company will showcase the latest updates to their passenger car line-up at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public from March 21 – 30, 2008.

Highlights include the North American debut of both the restyled 2009 SL Roadster as well as the stylish 2009 CLS four-door coupe. Joining these debuts, the 2009 SLK Roadster will make its Regional debut in New York. The iconic SL Roadster in particular has a special connection with New York which dates back to 1954, when the now-legendary 300 SL “Gullwing” was introduced during International Motor Sports Show at the New York Coliseum.

Spring’s New Roadster – the Restyled SL – S

Headed for showrooms in just a few weeks, the SL features dramatic new styling with fenders that incorporate bold headlamps and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. A re-designed hood with twin power domes and a wider, single-bar grille emphasizes the width of the body and makes a symbolic visual connection to the famous 1954 300SL.

Standard AMG body styling further enhances the aggressive new appearance. Additionally, the SL roadster is now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF 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.

For Those Who Feel the Need for Speed and Sun – the New SL63 AMG

The iconic AMG brand, known for power and performance, is adding the SL63 AMG the sportiest SL roadster ever is powered by a 6.3-liter, 518 hp AMG V8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed transmission.

Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Topping off the SL chassis is an even more agile AMG sports suspension based on the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension.

A Nip and Tuck Later – the Updated 2009 SLK Roadster

The other Mercedes-Benz roadster highlighted in New York will be the 2009 SLK, with three models available, the SLK300. SLK350, and SLK55 AMG. The designers have taken this sporty two-seater with its trendsetting vario-roof and honed its looks even further.

Especially eye-catching is the restyled front bumper, featuring a modified air dam, more pro-nounced V-shape, and further emphasis around the Mercedes star in the grille. The designers have revised the vehicle's rear section, with the diffuser-look styling giving the roadster an even more powerful appearance. A new three-spoke sports steering wheel, redesigned instrument cluster, and the latest head unit are among the many revisions to the luxurious interior.

The Oxymoronic Vehicle – the 2009 CLS 4-Door Coupe.

After making its fashion runway debut only three years ago as the world’s first four-door coupe, the highly successful CLS550 and CLS63 AMG are getting restyled for the 2009 model year. An instant style icon from day one, the CLS coupe has spurred an automotive industry trend toward more eye-catching four-door cars – vehicles that blur the line between coupe and sedan.

Fresh from its global debut at he Geneva Auto Show, the sleek new nose of the CLS is com-plemented by a more dramatic two-bar grille (replacing the original four-bar grille), with upper and lower mesh now finished in Atlas Grey.

Larger outside mirrors now feature built-in arrow-shaped turn signals, and new dual-five-spoke 18-inch wheels make the car even more striking. A new rear bumper with trapezoidal dual exhaust pipes and arrow-shaped LED taillights complete the fresh look of the new model.