The Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230) is a luxurious convertible from Mercedes-Benz that entered produced in 2001. The R230 models of the SL line were retired in 2011 with the unveiling of the R231 generation that entered production in 2012. The R231 SL line has seen two design alterations in 2006 and 2008. The 2006 alterations included different engines for the SL 500 as well exterior changes such as new bumpers, larger cooling intakes, a new rear light, new fog lamps, new allow wheels, and a more pronounced V-shape.