X

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster (photos)

Mercedes released photos of a barely disguised Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster undergoing track testing in Stuttgart, Germany.

Liane Yvkoff
Liane Yvkoff is a freelance writer who blogs about cars for CNET Car Tech. E-mail Liane.
Liane Yvkoff
SLS_Roadster_Testing_1_2.jpg
1 of 8 Mercedes

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster banking

Mercedes released photos of its upcoming convertible SLS AMG Roadster undergoing testing in Stuttgart, Germany. Barely disguised with black adhesive foil at the front, rear, and along the sides, the Roadster appears to have the same body proportions as its coupe sibling that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt International Automobile Show, but sans gull wings and a fixed roof.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_3_2.jpg
2 of 8 Mercedes

Uneven pavement test

The Roadster will be equipped with a 6.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 563 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_8_2.jpg
3 of 8 Mercedes

Interior

Chopping off the top of the SLS required a few structural changes. To create driving dynamics that are identical to the coupe model, Mercedes designed more-robust side skirts, added supporting struts at the windshield frame and center tunnel, and stiffened the rear axle using a structure between the soft top and the tank. These changes should help dampen vibrations without adding a lot of weight.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_4_2.jpg
4 of 8 Mercedes

Extreme acceleration test

Even with electrohydraulic equipment that lets the driver close the soft top in 11 seconds while driving up to 31 mph, the Roadster's 536-pound body shell is only 5 pounds heavier than the coupe.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_6_2.jpg
5 of 8 Mercedes

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster pulling Gs

The SLS AMG Roadster is expected to have its world premier at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show in September. Before then, it will undergo extensive testing before it goes to market.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_5_2.jpg
6 of 8 Mercedes

Tail light

For one of its practical trials, the Roadster will also travel to Laredo, Texas, to see how well the convertible's seals keep out the area's notoriously fine dust that permeates practically all barriers.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_7_2.jpg
7 of 8 Mercedes

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster

Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster's top speed is electronically limited to 197 mph.
SLS_Roadster_Testing_2_2.jpg
8 of 8 Mercedes

Front

Probably the most crucial of the standard tests will be the "Sindelfingen rain test," which is actually a series of 16 tests that will validate the SLS AMG Roadster's watertightness. Among other trials, the SLS AMG Roadster will have its flap seals sprayed with a water hose, experience continuous overnight rain, withstand swirl and high-pressure test, and for the final stage of the gauntlet, run through an automatic car wash.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos