It's no secret that Mercedes-Benz is working on an open-topped version of the SLS AMG. Back in October we were treated to a couple of official 'spy' shots caught and then in February we were given a glimpse of the new convertible in a video shown at the Superbowl. Here are the latest pictures from Mercedes-Benz itself and they're accompanied by a few choice bits of new information.
First up, the car will be called the SLS AMG Roadster. Its roof is a three-layer fabric design that folds in a Z shape behind the car's two seats. That operation takes just 11 seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Surprisingly few chassis alterations have been carried out to make up for the loss in rigidity that accompanies removing a fixed roof. Mercedes claims that the Roadster's body shell weighs in at 243kg, just 2kg more than the gullwing car's. We're not sure if that includes the new reinforcing cross member mounted behind the seats though. That houses the rollover protection system, along with the all-important 250-watt Bang&Olufsen subwoofer...
Performance-wise, there should be little to choose between the Roadster and coupé. The new car uses the same 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine and peak power has been confirmed at 570hp. It is believed that the top speed will be 'limited' to 317km/h, just as in the hard-top.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will make its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show on 13 September. Following that it'll go on sale before the end of the year. Expect to pay a modest premium over the gullwing coupé.