| Mercedes-Benz SL | |
The automotive facelift (also known as mid-generational refresh, or minor model update) comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals[1] — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.
"Mid-cycle facelifts for cars are usually just cosmetic: a little nip here, a little tuck there, new lights and maybe a couple of different trim pieces to maintain interest in an aging vehicle for an extra couple of years before a full redesign."
A facelift retains the basic styling and platform of the car[3], with aesthetic alterations, e.g., changes to the front fascia (grille, headlights), taillights, bumpers, instrument panel and center console, and various body or interior trim accessories.
However, mid-generational refreshes may be more extensive, e.g., the 2006 Honda Accord or 2010 Ford Fusion. Mechanical changes may, or may not occur concurrently with the facelift, e.g., changes to the engine, suspension or transmission.
A facelift may also include a change to the vehicle's name, e.g., when Ford rebranded the Ford Five Hundred, Ford Windstar, and Ford Freestyle as the Ford Taurus, Ford Freestar and Ford Taurus X, respectively.