Gullwing loses its top as Mercedes unveils SLS AMG Roadster (updated)

UPDATE: Images added of the SLS AMG Roadster of its world premier at the Frankfurt motor Show, 13.09.2011

Mercedes-Benz is writing a new chapter on it's already very successful story of the SLS AMG by adding to the model range a roadster version. The SLS AMG Roadster has just been unveiled and although it has lost the gullwings, the convertible continues to feature the same purist design of the SLS AMG.

Technological highlights found on the SLS AMG Roadster include an aluminium spaceframe body, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 571hp and 650 newton metres of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones.

The hardtop has been substituted by a compact fabric soft top which Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated while drving at speeds up to 50 km/h.

About the new family member of the AMG model family Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars said: “The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. It its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.”

According to Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener the SLS AMG Roadster captures the attention of the crowd by its purist, athletic design and features memorable proportions: a long bonnet, the greenhouse positioned well to the rear and a short rear end.

The SLS AMG Roadster features some design reminiscences from the 300 SL Roadster, the classic dream-car from the 1950s, including the wide radiator grille with its large Mercedes star and the wing-shaped cross-fin, and also the fins on the bonnet and on the vehicle flanks.

While developing the SLS AMG Roadster, Mercedes focused to hand driving pleasure to its customers as well as outstanding performance. To do so the open top vehicle features an innovative body design with the chassis and body being made of aluminium. Thanks to it the SLS AMG Roadster is only 40 kilograms heavier than the Coupé.

Powering the SLS AMG Roadster is the same engine featured on the gullwing model: the 6.3-litre V8 with a peak output of 571hp at 6800 rpm. The engine makes the open-top SLS one of the most powerful sports cars in its segment and thanks to it the SLS AMG Roadster is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and to reach a top speed of 317km/h (electronically limited).

Besides offering the performance the SLS AMG Roadster delivers very ambitious fuel consumption for a model of this category. It consumes 13.2 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 308 grams per kilometre.

The production of the SLS AMG Roadster will take place at Mercedez-Benz production plant in Sindelfingen. As for the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine, it will come directly from the AMG engine workshop in Affalterbach, where it is hand-assembled according to the traditional "One man, one engine" philosophy. The market lanch of the SLS AMG Roadster will take place in autumn 2011, with a selling price of € 195,160 (incl. 19% VAT).