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02/06/2011
REVIEW by EWAN KENNEDY
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It has been an open secret for some time that Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been working on a roadster version of the stunning SLS Gullwing.
The nickname ‘Gullwing’ has obviously been removed because the stunning upward-opening doors that gave the Gullwing its nickname have been replaced by conventional units. Yet the just released official images show the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster looks just as good as the closed coupe. Well, almost as good, because there really is something magic in opening the doors of a Gullwing and watching the surprise on the faces of passers-by.
Heritage has been maintained with this new SLS Roadster. Back in 1954 Mercedes introduced a road going version of the 300SL that was based on an existing racing car. It soon became known as the ‘Gullwing’ and three years later followed by a roadster variant.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster uses the same mechanical components as the SLS Gullwing, that is a 560 horsepower, 420 kW, V8 engine producing up to 650 Newton metres of torque. The engine sits completely behind the front wheels, so the Roadster should be called mid-engined rather than front-engined.
Mounting the components like this puts most of the weight within the wheelbase and gives the big Roadster optimal balance in corners.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a race-type dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission with full manual overrides.
The rearward mounting of the engine is one reason for the extra long bonnet, though we suspect the stylists had even more to say in this than the engineers!
Weight of the new Roadster has risen by only 40 kilograms over that of the SLS closed coupe. An impressively low number when you consider underfloor strengthening had to be added to replace the structural rigidity lost by removing the roof. The extra weight should have only a very small effect on the performance of the Roadster, something we will comment on when get to drive one. Can’t wait...
Again in the traditional manner, the big Mercedes AMG uses a folding soft-top rather than one of those new-fangled folding hardtops. Not only does this add to the sporting character, but also keeps the centre of gravity low. The smaller space needed in the back of the car by the soft-top means boot space in the Roadster is almost identical to that of the Gullwing, 173 litres compared with closed coupe’s 176 litres.
New Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be unveiled to the public at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. First Australian imports will land here in the early months of 2012. |
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