Since Mercedes->ke187 is working away on its next generation SL-Class, units of the current model are fast coming to an end. The last SL R 230 Model Series, unit number 169,434, already rolled off the assembly line at the Bremen plant on November 30, 2011.

This specific SL R230 unit is painted in an Iridium silver exterior color and is powered by a 315 BHP 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine. Unfortunately, no one will actually be driving it because it will be added to the automotive gallery of the Mercedes-Benz Museum, right next to the iconic roadsters that wrote the prestigious 60-year history of the 'Sport Leicht' range.

Fear not, though, the 2013 Mercedes SL-Class has already been spotted a number of times, each time with less camouflage than before. With this new generation, Mercedes hopes to achieve a lighter sports car. In fact, they have announced that the next SL-Class->ke950 will be the first Mercedes model produced in large series to use an all-aluminum bodyshell that is about 242 lbs lighter than a comparable steel bodyshell. As a result, the new SL 500 weighs 275 lbs less than its predecessor, while the SL 350 weighs the above-mentioned 308 lbs less than its previous version.

The new 2013 Mercedes SL-Class will be making its world debut in January 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show, but Mercedes will be offering its official specs on December 15, 2011. Stay tuned!

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