2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
The 563-horsepower SLS AMG Coupe has gone topless to lets the sun shine in. The top goes up or down in 11 seconds and can even be operated at speeds up to 31 mph, so you don't have to block traffic when the sun comes out all of a sudden.
Mercedes-Benz has updated its brand topping SLS AMG Roadster with a host of new performance, safety and appearance options.
Motivated by AMG's 6.2-liter 32-valve V-8, which makes 563 hp at 6800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm, the SLS coupe is promised to reach 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and accelerate up to a governed top speed of 196 mph. Those figures likely won't change much for the roadster, placing it right in the middle of a super-droptop dogfight that includes the Ferrari F430 Spider and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder. Power will be transmitted to the rear wheels by means of a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle gearbox. Unknown is whether Mercedes will offer a droptop version of the recently confirmed, all-electric SLS eDrive variant due in 2013.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
The most significant change arrives in the form of the new AMG Ride Control sports suspension, which utilizes electronically controlled dampers to allow the driver a choice of three different suspension settings.
The first setting, "Comfort" mode, as one would expect, is a relatively soft setting for long distance cruising or traveling over bumpy roads. "Sport" tightens up the shock absorbers to cut down on body roll and is billed by AMG as the best balance between responsiveness and comfort. Finally, "Sport Plus" is reportedly optimized to yield the quickest times while bombing around on a race course, should SLS AMG owners be so inclined.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
AMG says the optional system is controlled by electromagnetically actuated valves in the shock absorbers control the oil flow between the lower and upper chamber. U.S.
Other new options include lightweight AMG 10-spoke forged wheels with matte black finish, red-painted brake calipers and several new exterior and interior colors. The newly available Blind Spot Assist system is a good choice for those who don’t want their limited-visibility SLS AMG to participate in a merger of equals with another car when changing lanes.
Boasting an AMG-designed chassis, body and powertrain, the SLS Roadster is officially considered the second car to be independently developed by AMG. The SLS Roadster is, obviously, based very heavily on its gullwing sibling - sans the iconic gullwing doors that give its coupe counterpart such a unique appeal.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Under the roof, things are mostly standard SLS AMG. That’s to say that the car draws inspiration from the original 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, a legendary racing and road car that is highly valued by collectors today. The dashboard is retro-modern, with all the latest Mercedes-Benz luxuries and high-grade materials and trim that can be tailored to an individual buyer’s tastes.
Its dashboard is aircraft-inspired, as well, thanks to the jet engine-resembling vent nozzles and the aircraft thrust control-shaped E-Select gear lever.
That lever helps fire up the AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed automatic. With four modes – comfort, sport, sport+ and manual – the automatic can fire off shifts faster than any driver could. A Race Start function optimizes the car’s sophisticated traction control system and mechanical differential lock for optimal launches.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Designed to handle
Like the coupe, the SLS AMG Roadster is more than just an acceleration machine. A low-mounted engine with a dry sump system helps ensure optimal weight distribution and a nearly ground-level center of gravity.
The engine is front-mid mounted, meaning it lies as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, which helps AMG achieve a 47/53 weight distribution. A broad track – 66.2 inches up front and 65.1 inches out back – improves grip and control.
All four wheels hit the ground thanks to double wishbone suspensions with a track road, a Formula 1-derived technology.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
Buyers can select either the standard sport-oriented suspension or a new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension with three modes (comfort, sport and sport+). Each mode features its own shock tuning to alter the ride quality based on the type of driving desired.
The rear-wheel-drive roadster also offers optional ceramic brakes for optimal fade-free braking under extreme conditions.
There are more competent sports cars that could negotiate a racetrack faster than this and provide more immediate, direct feedback to your sitzplatz, but the SLS Roadster is a car that you could live with spending a summer crisscrossing every pass in the Alps just as easily as crossing every intersection in Paris (or Peoria
Of course, it isn’t cheap. Mercedes says pricing will be "under $200,000" when cars begin arriving in dealerships in early November.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
