2012 Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Mercedes has unveiled the new 2012 SLS AMG Roadster, which will have its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, this year. The sports car will combine superb performance and wind in the hair. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in Fall 2011.

The roof is fully automatic and features a glass rear window, and can be folded or raised at speeds up to 31 mph (50 km/h). Furthermore, it doesn't take any boot space, which is decent for such type of car – 173 liters.

"The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one. In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz.", commented Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"Systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure - the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation.", Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH added.

2012 SLS AMG Roadster is powered by the famous 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 with staggering 571PS (420 kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports gearbox, which shifts in as little as 100 milliseconds. There are also four  different driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) or "M" (Manual). As you may suggest, the acceleration is brutal – 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 317 km/h (197 mph). Despite the heavy weight – 1661 kg (3661 lbs), the car acts just super.

The interior matches the exterior – leather upholstery, mettalic accents and nice AMG sports seats with AIRSCARF. The options list includes a Bang & Olufsen audio system and an AMG Performance Media system.

Key functions:

• Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature
• Real-time display of engine output, torque and accelerator position
• Real-time display of individual tire pressures
• Real-time display of acceleration time from 0-60 mph (alternatively: quarter-mile)
• Real-time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking performance and accelerator position, including memory function

SLS AMG Roadster stands on enormous 19" rims at the front fitted with 265/35 ZR19 ultra-performance tires and 20" rims at the rear wrapped in 295/30 ZR20. The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic paint finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-sheen rim flange, are available as new optional extras.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will hit the market in Fall 2011. Price list is not announced, yet.

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster (2012)

Source: Mercedes-Benz