With the Mercedes SLC being scrapped, the SL will soon be the oldest model in the automaker's current line-up. The current generation was unveiled over seven years ago, so an update is certainly long overdue. Thankfully, an all-new Mercedes SL is being developed by AMG. Speaking to Autocar, AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed that prototypes of the next Mercedes-Benz SL will hit the road this year before launching by 2021.

Moers went on to say that the new SL-Class will be engineered alongside the next AMG GT. Both cars will share a new aluminium-intensive platform, known internally as the Modular Sports Architecture, to increase the economies of scale and overall profitability by reducing engineering costs. "We're bringing back the historic DNA of the SL," he said. The new SL will be "far sportier" according to Moers, and have "a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort because it's still kind of a cruiser too."

Like its predecessor, the eight-generation SL will only be offered as a roadster, but it will have a traditional fabric hood to make it lighter, faster, and more engaging to drive instead of the folding hard-top that has been used for the past two generations of the SL. The styling will also be inspired by the stunning 300 SL, arguably one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Engine options haven't been confirmed, but the new SL could pack a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder developing 365 hp and 430 hp. Both versions will also reportedly feature EQ Boost technology delivering an additional 22 hp.

The report also claims there will be up to three different models with a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, with the range-topping variant reportedly producing more than 600 hp. This seems possible since the GT 63 S has 630 hp on tap. Furthermore, the next-generation SL could also be offered with all-wheel drive and adopt a 2+2 seating arrangement to make it more practical and rival the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.