text: Jan 24, 2020 at 5:36am ET
  Today, Motor1.com is happy to bring you the best spy shots yet of the completely revamped model that will come to replace one of Mercedes' oldest cars. As a refresher, the R231 was unveiled about eight years ago, so a successor can't come soon enough. Previously spotted as a shortened E-Class Sedan, the SL has now been caught carrying what appears to be the full production body and lights.
  There's a good reason why Mercedes made an extra effort to conceal the prototype's roof because there are reports the next SL will revert to a fabric top. We can't quite see it yet, but there doesn't seem to be room enough for a large and bulky metal top to fold, thus fueling those rumors about the SL getting a soft top.
  The rumor mill also says the all-new SL will switch to a 2+2 cabin, which we're honestly finding hard to believe since the cabin appears to be quite small. There might be some room in there for two cramped seats à la Porsche 911, but those will be primarily just for kids or maybe adults during short trips.