Mercedes SLC Roadster

Mercedes’ SLC supercar has blown its top!

These are the world’s first pictures of the convertible version of the gullwing coupé, spied hot weather testing in the USA.

The open topped two-seater goes on sale in 2011, around 12 months after the official unveiling of the coupe. Expected at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

As you can see from these pictures, the convertible version keeps the coupe’s long bonnet and short tail, mixing this with modern detailing including bold xenon headlights.

The canvas roof follows a similar profile as the coupe – though is expected to finish a little shorter. The all electric arrangement will include a glass rear screen, and fold neatly under the rear deck.

Performance, meanwhile, will be identical to the hard topped edition.

Developing around 570bhp at 6800rpm, Mercedes claims the 6.3-litre V8 SLS will sprint from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds while top speed is electronically limited to 196mph. Drivers will get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission while the engine is dry-sumped in order to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible.

Sales start next summer with models costing from £150,000.