Nepotism has its benefits. Particularly in the case of clandestine photogs looking for the newest hotness to come from the Benz Boyz. It seems that one Ms. Christa Lehmann, likely a relative of the ace shooter Hans Lehmann, was able to catch a glimpse of the Merc SL550's new schnaz.

Per usual, the camo obscures the minor tweaks that the '09 model will sport, but the more obvious changes include new rectangular headlamps, drawing cues from the new C-class, along with a single blade of trim spanning the front grille. Thicker and wider than the three slats it replaces, the new SL fascia seems to also sport a few more creases and angles, particularly the lower lip.

Aside from the nip and tuck out front, there's not too much new to report. The rear seems to be a carryover, as is the 5.4-liter V8 putting 380 HP down to the rear wheels. We'd expect a quiet launch of the new SL about this time next year.

[Source: Straightline]