The crack in the dam surrounding the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL just got bigger today as a whole set of images were leaked into the internet this morning. Design-wise, the facelifted SL features a completely redesigned front-end with a single-bar grille along with a revised rear-bumper, different side-gills and new alloy wheels. Inside, as with the 2009 CLS, Merc’s Roadster has been equipped with a new three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction buttons and a new-look instrument cluster with white dials.

In terms of mechanical upgrades we’re still in the dark, but we do know for sure that Mercedes will replace the SL 55 AMG with the SL 63 AMG. The latter features a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 525 HP and 630 Nm of torque (SL 55 AMG: 5.5-liter supercharged V8 with 517 HP and 720 Nm of torque). The SL 63 AMG goes from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 sec (SL 55 AMG: 4.5 sec). –Image gallery after the jump