MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz will showcase the latest updates to their passenger car line-up at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, open to the public from Mar. 21–30. Highlights include the North American debut of both the restyled 2009 SL Roadster as well as the 2009 CLS four-door coupe. Joining these debuts, the 2009 SLK Roadster will make its regional debut in New York.

Scheduled to make its showroom debut this Spring, the SL features new styling with fenders that incorporate bold headlamps and modified gill-type air outlets behind the front wheels. A redesigned hood with twin power domes and a wider, single-bar grille emphasizes the width of the body. Standard AMG body styling further enhances the aggressive new appearance. Additionally, the SL roadster is now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck.

In addition to the SL550, SL600, and SL65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a fourth member of its SL sports car family — the SL63 AMG. Perhaps the sportiest SL roadster ever, the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.3L, 518 hp AMG V-8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed MCT transmission.

Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Topping off the SL chassis is an even more agile AMG sports suspension based on the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension.

The other Mercedes-Benz roadster highlighted in New York will be the 2009 SLK, with three models available, the SLK300, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG. The designers have taken this sporty two-seater with its trendsetting vario-roof and honed its looks even further. Especially eye-catching is the restyled front bumper, featuring a modified air dam, more pronounced V-shape, and further emphasis around the Mercedes star in the grille. The designers have revised the vehicle’s rear section, with the diffuser-look styling giving the roadster an even more powerful appearance. A new three-spoke sports steering wheel, redesigned instrument cluster, and the latest head unit are among the many revisions to the luxurious interior.

The CLS550 and CLS63 AMG are getting restyled for the 2009 model-year. The sleek new nose of the CLS is complemented by a more dramatic two-bar grille (replacing the original four-bar grille), with upper and lower mesh now finished in Atlas Grey. Larger outside mirrors now feature built-in arrow-shaped turn signals, and new dual-five-spoke 18-inch wheels make the car even more striking. A new rear bumper with trapezoidal dual exhaust pipes and arrow-shaped LED taillights complete the fresh look of the new model.