2010 Mercedes-AMG SLS Cabriolet spied

Unlike the hard-top version, the SLS Cabriolet will lose the gullwing door arrangement for obvious reason, replaced by a more traditional entry as well as an SLR-like powered soft-top.

The SLS Cabriolet will be powered by a finely-tuned version of AMG's 6.3-litre V8 engine producing peak power of 420kW and 650Nm.

This is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which has been mounted at the rear to improve weight distribution, connected to the engine with an ultra-light carbon-fibre shaft.

As is the case with many convertibles, it is likely to be slightly slower off the mark than its hard-top sibling which accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 315km/h.

The two new models will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010 to coincide with their debut, for a limited run of only two years.

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