Meet the new Mercedes-Benz SL400

This is our first photo of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL400 luxury roadster, a model that effectively replaces the SL350 as part of a series of subtle changes brought to the SL lineup. The move aims to goose sales of the luxury roadster two years after it first hit showrooms.

The SL400 is powered by Mercedes-Benz's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 direct-injection gasoline engine unveiled in the E400 early last year. With 328 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, it delivers 26 hp and 81 lb-ft more than the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 direct injection gasoline unit used by the SL350.

Despite the appearance of a nine-speed automatic gearbox on selected new Mercedes-Benz models, the new SL400 runs the company's tried and tested seven-speed automatic. Official performance claims give it a 0-62 mph time of 5.2 seconds, beating the SL350 by 0.7 second, and an electronically limited 155 mph top speed.

We'll bring you a full gallery and specifications, along with pricing information, as soon as we get it.

By Greg Kable