Next-generation Mercedes SL could ditch the retractable hardtop

SL & SLK are expected to be based on the modular sports car architecture

According to a recent report, the next-generation Mercedes SL and SLK will be a radical departure from their predecessors.

First and foremost, the cars are expected to ride on the new modular sports car architecture (MSA). This will reduce costs while making the SLK will be sportier thanks to better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.

Little is known about the car's styling but could but the SL could eschew the folding metal roof for a conventional soft top.

Under the hood, the SLK is expected to feature a four-cylinder petrol engine with 238 HP (175 kW). There could also be an assortment of six-cylinder units with outputs of roughly 333 HP (245 kW), 375 HP (275 kW) and 435 HP (320 kW). If that's not powerful enough, there are already rumors about a Black Series variant with 465 HP (342 kW).
The SL, on the other hand, could be offered with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that has outputs of 365 HP (268 kW) and 435 HP (320 kW).

If everything pans out, we can expect to see the new SLK in 2020 while the SL could arrive in 2021.

 Source: Autobild