Photos: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL

Mercedes is on a model-refresh rampage. Following the very successful update to the C-Class for 2008, and last week's CLS-class makeover announcement, comes news and images of the 2009 SL roadster. On the outside, the convertible gets a new schnoz with a grille face-lift and new headlights, as well as a couple of power domes on the hood. Inside, the COMAND system that so underwhelmed us in our review of the 2007 SL550 is augmented with a hard-drive based navigation system and music server. Interestingly (and somewhat disappointingly), the new SL does not receive S-Class-level cabin tech upgrade that we saw in the 2008 C300. It does, however, get Mercedes' Airscarf system, which blows warm air around both occupants' shoulders for cold-weather top-down driving. It also gets a new variable-ratio steering mechanism. We're looking forward to seeing the 2009 SL in the flesh at the Geneva auto show next month, but in the meantime, check out our beauty shots.