Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first details about its new SL which will go on sale in the UK in July next year.

The German brand claims the new model is true to its ‘sport lightweight’ SL moniker, being up to 140kg lighter than its predecessor.

The new car will be powered by a 429bhp 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 which will hit 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds.

There will also be a smaller 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 that can achieve over 40mpg and sprint to 62mph in 5.9 seconds. Start -stop technology and a seven-speed automatic will be fitted as standard.

Magic Sky Control – the panoramic glass roof already seen on the smaller SLK, also makes an appearance and switches from transparent to darkened glass at the touch of a button.

The new SL will hit showrooms in July 2012 and prices and full specification will be revealed closer to launch.

View a full gallery of images for the Mercedes-Benz SL (2012).

View spy footage of the new SL on test at the AM TV section of our website.