Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
CAR / NEWS
March 3, 2015

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster | Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster


Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster|
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster


The AMG Super Sports Car with a Soft Top


Mercedes-Benzhas unveiled the roadster version of the "SLS AMG," developed entirely by AMG.


Text by OPENERS




Retaining the Coupe's Design and Thrilling Drive


The SLS AMG was known not only for its high performance as a super sports car but also for its styling, inspired by the legendary "300 SL" of the 1950s. Now, an open-top version has been added, featuring a soft top, much like the roadster variant that was also part of the 300 SL lineup.

As Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche stated, "We have pursued the ideal of an open-top sports car while retaining the iconic design and excitement of the SLS AMG." The classic sports car proportions—long nose, short tail, and short overhangs—along with its dynamic and robust design, have been preserved.

The wheels are the same type as those on the coupe. With relatively large 19-inch wheels at the front and 20-inch at the rear, the chassis also gives a powerful impression. These 10-spoke wheels are typically finished in "AMG Sepang Brown," but can be optionally changed to matte black. The soft top, made of fabric, can be opened or closed in 11 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h.




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Power-to-Weight Ratio of 2.9 kg/hp!


The engine is the same as in the coupe: a 6.3-liter V8 that produces a maximum output of 420 kW (571 hp) at 6,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4,750 rpm. For comparison with other open-top sports cars,Porschethe 911 Turbo S Cabriolet has a maximum output of 390 kW (530 hp) and a maximum torque of 700 Nm, while the Ferrari California, equipped with a V8 engine, has a maximum output of 338 kW and a maximum torque of 485 Nm. In terms of acceleration, it reaches 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 317 km/h. By extensively using aluminum for the chassis and body, the vehicle weight is kept down to 1,660 kg, resulting in an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 2.9 kg/hp.




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Starting from €195,160 (approx. ¥22.8 million)


In terms of environmental performance, it records a fuel consumption of 13.2 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of 308 g/km according to the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) measurement. For comparison, the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet achieves 11.5 L/100 km and 270 g/km of CO2 emissions, while the Ferrari California records 13.1 L/100 km and 299 g/km of CO2 emissions. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, with its smaller displacement engine, holds a slight advantage in environmental performance.

A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is available. Similar to the gullwing model and the CLS AMG, it features the "AMG Drive Unit System," allowing drivers to adjust the shift program, ESP intervention timing, and suspension stiffness using dials and buttons located next to the shift lever.

Furthermore, the soft top can be chosen from three colors: black, red, and beige. With nine exterior colors and eight interior color options, the wide range of color variations is also a significant appeal.

This truly dream-like car, allowing one to enjoy the SLS AMG's performance in an open-top configuration, began accepting orders in its home country on June 1, 2011, with a planned launch around the autumn of 2011. While the coupe is priced at €183,000 in its home market (¥24.3 million in Japan), this model will carry a price tag of €195,160. It is likely to be sold in Japan for around ¥25 million.

You can see the car in action in the following video provided by Mercedes.