Daimler’s Design Director has some insight into the next Sport Leicht.

The original Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, considered the most beautiful car ever to carry the three-pointed star symbol, will be restored in the long-awaited replacement of the SL. The next-gen model won’t be revealed until 2021, despite us having been discussing it for almost four years. Gorden Wagener, Daimler’s design boss has shared some details with Autocar.

Although the new SL will not be a direct tribute to the 1954 model, it will retain some of its DNA. This includes the proportions and surface treatment. Wagener stated that the next-gen car will abandon the grand tourer theme it has used for decades and return to its sporty roots. AMG was directly involved in the development of the next AMGGT and SL.This doesn’t mean that the new roadster won’t be a variation on the second-generation AMG GT. Wagener promises we’ll see “clearly the differences” between these two cars. He believes the first SL was the most beautiful of the seven generations. While he doesn’t like the idea of revitalising a retro design, some cues will be used to create a modern-day version.Although the Mercedes design chief didn’t disclose the type of roof, it is generally believed that the heavy and cumbersome hardtop would be replaced with a fabric roof. It would reduce weight and make the car more practical as the folded roof takes up less space. The return of the legendary SL73 has also been considered.

Mercedes-AMG appears to be working on a new family of “73” models. All will feature an electrified twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8 with around 800 horsepower. The AMGGT 73 Four-Door Coupe will be the first vehicle to receive the hybrid powertrain. It is expected to arrive later in the year.