This weird, mysterious test mule using the body of a Mercedes-AMG E63 has been spied at the Nürburgring.

We believe it's actually a mule for the next-generation Mercedes SL roadster, as well as the next AMG GT.

The SL should debut next year as a 2021 model.

Usually when we get spy photos of a new test mule or a prototype car in camouflage, it's pretty easy to tell what it actually is. A modified body of a previous-gen car could be mounted on the next model's chassis, new styling cues for a facelift could be visible through the camo, and bigger air vents and wheels could portend a high-performance model. But this week, we got a set of photos of a Frankenstein's monster of a Mercedes-Benz test mule at the Nürburgring, and it's a lot harder to figure out.

Well, it would be hard to figure out if we hadn't been deciphering weird test mules like this for basically our whole lives. We're pretty sure that the chopped-up Mercedes-AMG E63 sedan that you're seeing here is actually a mule for the next-generation Mercedes SL roadster—and also the next-gen AMG GT. The cut-up wheelbase, wider track, aero aids like the front canards and rear spoiler, and the roll cage are all giveaways that this is actually a test bed for the new sports cars. The two cars are being developed alongside each other, with AMG leading development of both projects, and they will ride on the same all-new Modular Sports Architecture (MSA) platform. The current GT rides on an evolution of the SLS's platform, and the current SL is getting long in the tooth and also is on an old platform; starting from scratch will allow AMG to make the new cars lighter, better to drive, and even sportier, and sharing the platform will reduce development costs.

In addition to sharing a platform, the SL and the GT will have fairly similar engine lineups. The GT will be V-8 only, using hybridized versions of AMG's ubiquitous twin-turbo 4.0-liter engine; this will also be used in the high-up versions of the SL, like the range-topping AMG SL63. "Base" SLs will use Benz's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which also has a hybrid assist system, and an AMG SL53 using the same powertrain is likely. Sadly, AMG is done with the V-12, so don't keep your hopes up for a new SL65. Both cars will be rear-wheel drive and only come with an automatic transmission.

Thanks to the existence of the AMG GT roadster, which can take up the mantle of Mercedes's sporty two-seat roadster option, the SL's formula will be getting changed up, too. The SL will be positioned more as a luxurious grand tourer with elegant styling, despite its AMG development. Gone will be the folding-hardtop roof, which the SL has had for the past two generations; instead it will go back to using a cloth top. In a bigger, mostly un-SL-like shift, the new car will get a two-plus-two seat configuration. Aside from a special version of the classic Pagoda SL, the SLC coupe version of the R107 generation, and the European versions of the R129, this new car will be the first SL to come with four seats as standard. This will further differentiate the SL from the GT as well as allow the SL to somewhat take the place of the four-seat S-class cabriolet, which won't be getting a successor.

The next SL is shaping up to be a very different proposition from the current car, for better or for worse—we're just glad to be finally seeing real updates for the iconic model. The SL will likely make its debut next year as a 2021 model, with the next-gen GT following a year or two later. But are we the only ones that would drive this mule as is?

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