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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster revealed

Mercedes-Benz has released some early preview images of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster - the fabric droptop version of the SLS Gullwing. Although some very minor patches remain over the badges and the head and taillights, the images pretty much reveal all.


As predicted, the roadster version looks absolutely stunning. The rear end flows elegantly, presenting a cohesive single-piece look, while the front end encompasses the original Gullwing design and Mercedes-Benz's current design language.

Apart from the obvious standard features carried over from its coupe brother, the Roadster will offer a fabric convertible roof which is said to be capable of being dropped down in just 11 seconds, at speeds up to 50km/h.

Mercedes-Benz says the lightweight roof is made from special three-layer fabric and is supported by a magnesium, aluminium and steel folding mechanism.

Mercedes-Benz has also admitted the hardtop Gullwing version was created with convertible potential in mind. This means the car has been engineered from the ground up incorporating structural integrity and torsional rigidity required for convertible models.

The car will feature the same 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 as seen in the Gullwing, producing 420kW of power and 650Nm of torque.

Acceleration figures are yet to be announced but it is highly likely the Roadster will possess near-identical performance to the Gullwing - especially as it will weigh just 2kg more than the coupe.

The weight saved from removing the roof and those iconic Gullwing doors has been accounted for though. Some additional supports have been incorporated between the fabric roof and the fuel tank, as well as strut braces added between the windscreen frame and centre tunnel.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS Roadster is set to make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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