Mercedes SLS Roadster Spied

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Automedia

28th March 2011

It's Mercedes' worst-kept secret! We're yet to see official pictures of the SLS Roadster, but already it's been spied several times, as well as being teased in Merc's Superbowl TV commercial. And now our team of photographers have caught it again, wearing zero camouflage besides black tape on the light clusters and badges.

Unlike the complicated folding hardtop fitted to the SL-Class, the SLS will use a fabric roof to keep weight to a minimum. It also means space needed to store the hood is reduced - maintaining the coupe's dramatic silhouette.

With no roof to mount the hinges, the gullwing doors have been swapped for more conventional units, but from the A-Pillar forwards the roadster is undistinguishable from the coupe. There's the same stretched-out bonnet, vertical light clusters and upright grille that give the SLS its distinctive looks. 

Under the bonnet will be the same storming 563bhp 6.2-litre V8, sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

It had been rumoured that Mercedes was ready to debut this car at the New York Motor Show next month, but it's been confirmed that it won't be offically revealed until July, with sales starting soon afterwards.