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We’re running out of metaphors to describe the many ways that information, like water, leaks from automakers and bursts through embargoes. In this case it’s a flood of pictures from the facelifted 2009 Mercedes SL, and we’ve got so many of them that we’re tempted to start building a giant boat and filling it with pairs of animals. Yesterday it was just two quick glimpses of the 2009 SL 350, today we get exterior and interior photos of the new luxovert.

It’s still uncertain what’s going on under the hood of the new Mercedes because no one has been nice enough to leak the press release (but that’s bound to happen fairly soon). In the meantime, enjoy the cars and the smiley drivers MB trots out for these photos. [Carcoop]

Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Saab

We’ll be seeing a wide array of vehicles from General Motors at the Detroit Auto Show less than a month from now. According to Bob Lutz, the lineup will include at least the ZR1 ‘Vette, the CTS-V, Saturn Flextreme, and Two-Mode Saturn Vues in regular and plug-in variants. AutoCar is also reporting that a concept version of Saab’s new crossover, the 9-4X, will turn up at Cobo Hall. The 9-4X is expected to share a variation of GM’s Theta compact CUV architecture with the new Cadillac BRX and be built in Mexico alongside the Saturn Vue. Perhaps more interesting to true Saab aficionados will be the arrival of a new 9-1 model at the London Motor Show next July. This one will come off the next generation Delta platform along with the Astra and be as close as Trollhatten ever again gets to a “true” Saab.

[Source: AutoCar]

Toyota’s showing in Tokyo was rife with disappointments, none more so than what was over at the Lexus booth. Beyond its LF-Xh hybrid crossover, rumor had it that a revised version of the LF-A supercar would make an appearance. No such luck. Instead, the same show car we’ve seen over the last year stood alone, longing for refinement.

According to Winding Road’s Japan correspondent, the reason for the dismal showing was a shakeup on the engineering side of Lexus’ new halo. A number of “key engineers” have apparently been yanked off the project to work on other programs within Toyota, and that, partnered with problems providing power from both a V10 and a gas-electric hybrid V8, along with reaching the 218 MPH targeted top speed, has caused delays in development.

The business plan for the LF-A includes building 26 units per month, and sources suggest that sales are likely to begin in 2009 - the same year Acura will bring its own supercar to market.

[Source: Winding Road]

Toy manufacturer Mattel has announced that Mitsubishi Motors Research and Design of America (MRDA) employee Gary Ragle is among seven designer finalists to be selected in the company’s first-ever Hot Wheels® Designer’s Challenge™. MRDA was among six automotive manufacturers to participate in the challenge, which marked the first time Hot Wheels® has turned outside the company to seek new vehicle designs

Created to represent the ultimate Mitsubishi vehicle and the spirit of the brand’s future, the sleek design of Ragle’s Mitsubishi Double Shotz celebrates the 4G63 engine and the Lancer Evolution. “The design takes the concept of the Lancer Evolution to the next level and ties it in with the enjoyment and imagination of the Hot Wheels® brand,” said Ragle.

After being selected by a panel of judges that included editors from the Los Angeles Times, Car and Driver, and Men’s Journal, along with Hot Wheels® designers and executives, the designs were unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on October 30th, 2007. The Hot Wheels® Designer’s Challenge™ product line will be available in stores in the spring of 2008.

Filed under: Tuners, Coupes, Supercars, Mercedes Benz

 Project Kahn’s SLR.

There isn’t much left to do with a supercar. That’s why they’re called “super.” Tuners of late, thankfully, seemed to be restraining themselves from going buck wild on them. On that note, with traditional British understatement, the tuning house Project Kahn has taken the Mercedes McLaren SLR and done, well, not all that much to it.

The car gets Kahn’s trademark RS-X wheels, 20-inch up front and 21’s in the rear. It also gets a 60 HP power boost to 677, a lowered suspension and high-flow pipes. Kahn expands on the smattering of colors that Mercedes offers by providing custom leather upholstery and paint jobs. Sure, it’s not much, but at this level of the financial stratosphere, every little bit of individual luxury counts, no?

[Source: Motor Authority]