The facelifted Mercedes SL has been snapped during a shoot on location in Dubai, this exclusive photo, donated by a loyal WCF reader, revealing the new car's re-modelled nose and front end.

Mercedes' more pointed nose, as seen on the new C and CL-Classes, joins the SL range to provide a duly welcome sportier look. While with enough squinting and some tedious zooming, it appears that a redesigned headlamp cluster has also arrived, similar to that on the CLS and in the illustration we showed you just last week, with further spy shots confirming the update. It is unclear as to whether, like the C-Class, the grille will be offered in 'Elegance' or 'Sports' guises.

A sharper front skirt design complements the new nose, while flank vents forward and aft of the front wheels appear to feature, with the latter and large alloys suggesting this be an AMG version. Expect few changes at the rear bar new LED lamps, a revised underbelly bumper design and a minor exhaust pipe update.

Engines are likely to remain the same as the present SL, although rumours suggest a 354 hp replacement engine for the SL350. The SL will surface at Geneva and hit the market at the end of 2008, ahead of its next-generation replacement in 2012.