Mercedes SLS AMG Cabrio Caught during Hot Weather Testing

Mercedes SLS AMG Cabrio / Copyright S.B. Medien

By Thami Masemola
August 19, 2009 3:11 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos

Looks like Mercedes-Benz is planning a whole range of models for its upcoming SLS AMG supercar. The petrol coupe has been somewhat detailed and a confirmed electric drive version is in the works. Now the convertible has been caught testing in the heat of the California desert.

Spies saw clues of a retractable roof despite the heavy camouflage and doors that look like they are conventional. That means the SLS convertible will lose its "gullwing" status if these remain as they are on the spied prototype. The normal door handles are further pointers to a standard ingress and egress system, as opposed to the coupe's low-mounted ones.

Mercedes-Benz has engineered the SLS to counter its perceived lack of grunt - 420kW/ 571hp which isn't exactly a mind-blowing supercar figure, by minimising weight gains. The coupe is said to accelerate from 0 - 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and top off at 315km/h. Convertibles are normally a little slower than their hard-top counterparts so the same is expected of this one.

The SLS should be making an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in just over a month.

 

Comments

Prince_Ash
August 19, 2009 3:37 PM
hardtops are definatly better imo.

Bristol411S3
August 19, 2009 3:50 PM
Of course it will lose it's gullwing status. How can you hinge thin air?!

JackJack
August 19, 2009 5:42 PM
I prefer the Gullwing, but the Cabriolet doesn't seem too bad. Will both the Gullwing & The cabriolet be at Frankfurt next month? I had the opportunity to see an original 1956 300SL Roadster (Mint condition) in the flesh a few weeks ago at a show. What an awesome car!!! The owner was offered $1 Million for it but refused. He barely drives the thing, drags it everywhere on a flatbed trailor. Can't wait to see the new SLS Gullwing!! If 420 KW's and 650 NM is not Supercar territory then what is??? The Lamborghini Gallardo: 382 KW & 510 NM - Murcielago: 471 KW & 660 NM - Supercars??? - Ferrari 430: 360Kw & 465 NM. Ferrari 612: 403 KW & 588 NM - Ferrari 599: 456Kw & 608 nm - Supercars??? Porsche 911 Turbo: 353 Kw & 620 NM???? Supercar?? What is a supercar? What power output will justify a SUPERCAR???? All these cars have similar KW's or Torque.

BENZian
August 19, 2009 6:09 PM
I agree with you Jack, well said

chris25
August 19, 2009 6:34 PM
The question is this car will the mclaren slr but its under power, anyways with no gull wings on the cabrio it actually looks better than the coupe.

benzboy
August 19, 2009 8:38 PM
Or this car could be the 2013 SL!!! food for thought discuss

carbonsigma
August 20, 2009 3:31 AM
It is obviously an SLS.

vertigobike
August 19, 2009 9:20 PM
@ Bristol411S3: precisely! How can you possibly put Gullwing doors on a convertible? This IS the cabrio version of the Gullwing and like the original Gullwing without the roof is gonna have regular doors - Benz style! Obrigado

GRAVE
August 19, 2009 9:53 PM
Imagine if Brabus or Carlsson put their hands on the SLS!

McNamara68
August 19, 2009 10:51 PM
a brabus sls will be the ultimate, i can't even begin to comprehend how good this car would look/drive after they've worked their magic.

benzboy
August 20, 2009 10:47 AM
let the entire world pray that Lorinser doesnt get there hands on one Please thankya Jesus!!!!

EH?
August 20, 2009 12:06 AM
the whole point of the gullwing isfor the flashy doors

benzboy
August 21, 2009 9:50 AM
hate to tell you but I truly think its the new SL for 2013. Bash me oh well either way its going be beautiful

BENZian
August 25, 2009 5:26 AM
You are wrong. This is not the regular SL

View Comment Rules

Add Comment

You are modifying your comment

Exisiting User

Username
Password
remember me

New Users

Username
Email
Password
Comment

Your account

username
password

Other links