You don’t get the head-turning ‘gullwing’ doors, but you can get the sensation of feeling as free as a bird. Mercedes-Benz has released official pictures of the convertible version of its SLS AMG supercar, complete with a folding fabric roof that brings wind-in-the-hair motoring in 11 seconds.Apart from swapping roof-hinged doors for frameless, conventionally hinged doors, the SLS Roadster introduces other features not currently available on the coupe – including optional electronically adjustable suspension, a data-logging system and the Airscarf neck-warming technology from the smaller SLK roadster.
But as the lift-up doors are the talking point of the coupe, the soft-top is the centrepiece of the roadster. The three-layer fabric roof opens or closes automatically at the press of a button, and up to a speed of 50km/h. It nestles compactly behind the cabin, so the roadster loses only three litres of boot space to the coupe – for a figure of 173 litres.
Mercedes says the roadster also has comparable performance – 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 315km/h – because the open-seater was created in tandem with the coupe, sharing its light yet stiff aluminium spaceframe body.
Without the need for the typical structural reinforcements required for convertibles, only the roof with its magnesium/steel/aluminium construction and hydraulic operation system add weight – 40kg. The Roadster’s interior takes the Gullwing’s aircraft-inspired design a step further with a new gearlever the company says imitates a plane’s thrust lever.
Buyers can also tick options boxes for a firmer sports suspension, carbon brakes, blind-spot assist and a Bang & Olufsen audio. The audio is complemented by a ‘Performance Media’ system that can provide the driver with information such as g-forces, engine performance, lap times and acceleration figures.
The parallel development has helped to produce a clean look for the open-top SLS, whether the fabric roof – available in black, red or beige – is raised or lowered.
Stowing the roof is the best option, of course, for hearing the SLS’s sensational 6.2-litre V8, which continues with 420kW and 650Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia says the SLS Roadster will arrive in early 2012 with a price tag slightly north of the coupe’s $468,820 (plus costs).
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