2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster has been finally unveiled. The supercar is still in the testing phase, but it can be seen that the gullwing doors and fixed roof are now both gone. Traditional doors and a folding cloth soft top replaced those gullwings. A more refined version will be shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Mercedes-Benz team has put a lot of effort in this new roadster and it will take some time before it hits the showrooms as there are things that still need to be done.

In an attempt to beef up the overall rigidness, the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have added stronger side skirts and additional bracing to the window frames and transmission tunnel. The SLS AMG Roadster bodyshell is surprisingly just 5 pounds heavier than the SLS AMG Coupe, even after all those strengthening and rigidness modifications.

Three layers of fabric, magnesium, steel and aluminum comprises the convertible top, making it sturdy and lightweight. It can be opened and closed if running at 31 mph and below. Just like the SLS AMG Coupe, the top speed of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is an electronically controlled 197 mph.

Photos: autoblog.com