Even though we expected the roadster version of Mercedes‘ SLS AMG supercar to be revealed at the recent New York auto show, the German automaker took the decision to perform the world premiere of its flagship drop top model at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show this September.
Along with the announcement Mercedes also released the most revealing photos of the new SLS AMG Roadster so far, though the vehicle is not 100 percent exposed due to some discreet black adhesive foil covering parts of the headlights, taillights and the central parts of the grille and boot lid. As expected, the SLS AMG Roadster looks very similar to the coupe, with two notable exceptions: the soft-top roof and, as a consequence, the use of conventional- instead of gull wing- doors.
Like the coupe, the Roadster was developed independently by AMG and was in the works for around 3 years, with engineers paying particular attention to body rigidity, driving dynamics, the soft top and NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels.
The Roadster is fitted with the same AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering 571 horsepower and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque as the coupe and should post similar performance figures, as Mercedes says the car’s bodyshell weighs only 2 kilograms more than the coupe’s (241 kg), with extra weight due to structural reinforcements.
The roof mechanism opens with a touch of a button in 11 seconds and at speeds of up to 50 km/h (32 km/h). The company claims the three-layered fabric soft top is designed for speeds of up 317 km/h (197 mph). Mercedes says the car has been undergoing extensive testing in various environments, including 10,000 kilometers on the Nurburgring Nordschleife track and 10,000 kilometers in city traffic. Stay tuned to Carscoop as we will bring you more photos of the SLS AMG Roadster later on.
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