New Mercedes SL (2012) caught on video

New Mercedes SL 2012 - out Near the Nurburgring

We have spy video of the new Mercedes SL at the Nurburgring. The 2012 SL will probably debut at Geneva 2012, but there is just a chance it could arrive at Frankfurt.

We go eight months without a single story on the 2012 Mercedes SL and then two turn up at once. First Mercedes quietly drop the V12 engine from the SL (SL600 and SL63), and now we have video of the new SL on its way to, and on its way round, the Nurburgring.

All of which may point towards a reveal earlier than we expected. We’ve long expected the new SL to debut at Geneva 2012 and go on sale almost straight away, but this little flurry of SL activity could point towards a debut at Frankfurt next month. But Frankfurt will see the debut of the SLS Roadster, so a debut for the SL too would be unlikely. But not impossible.

But whether the new SL debuts at Frankfurt or Geneva, it’s not a moment too soon. Not only is the SL the oldest model in the Mercedes range – bar the not-exactly-mainstream G-Class – it’s been completely overshadowed in recent years by the SLS – and even the SLK. It’s time to put things right for the SL.

That will mean new underpinnings for the 2012 SL – a modified E-Class chassis – which will see the SL get longer and wider (all the better for accommodating Mercedes more mature clientèle) and see the first outing for some of Mercedes latest party toys.

Think ‘Magic’ when it comes to the 2012 SL and you won’t go far wrong. The roof will be ‘Magic’ – Magic Sky – which means it lightens and darkens according to the volume of rays beating down on it.

Magic Ride (a sort of ABC on steroids) scans the road for potholes and problems and adjust the suspension to suit. It only works up to 60mph, after which time a fixed suspension setting takes over, but it sounds like bliss for UK roads – especially as you can turn it off if you want to play.

Expect the usual mix of better economy, lower emissions and more power from a range of engines likely to go from the V6 SL350 to the 5.5 litre twin turbo V8 SL55. And don’t bet against a diesel SL in the 2012 range either.

I must be getting old. The 2012 Mercedes SL is starting to sound rather appealing.