Power to Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster comes from the 6.3L V8 front-mid engine makes 563-hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission and a sport suspension with aluminum double wishbones. When it comes to 0 to 60 mph times expect SLS AMG Roadster to be just a tad bit slower than 3.7 seconds left in the coupe.
Adaptive AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled damping are available as an option and allows the damping characteristics to be changed at the touch of a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is able to choose between three different suspension modes including Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
"The systematic lightweight construction, excellent performance and a stunning design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure – the new SLS AMG Roadster perfectly expresses the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship," says Ola Källenius, president of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "The gullwing model has already enthusiastic sports fans worldwide, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation."
Most importantly for all you fans convertible, Mercedes-Benz says that the substance soft-top in 2012 SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just 11 seconds and can be operated on the move with a speed of up to 31 km / h.
Prices for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be announced closer to launch date.
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster:
Press Release:
Open sensuality: roadster performance in its perfect form
May 28, 2011 – Montvale, NJ
AMG presents a new dream car: The 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster. This super sports car excitement with a perfect combination of open-top driving pleasure, excellent driving dynamics and sophisticated lightweight construction. In 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will make its U.S. debut in autumn 2011.
The technological highlights of the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster includes an aluminum space frame body, an AMG 6.3-liter V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication develop a peak output of 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, a seven-step dual-clutch transaxle transmission and a sport suspension with aluminum double wishbones – all of which will raise the pulse of sports car enthusiasts while providing excellent driving dynamics and driving pleasure.
The compact structure of soft top of SLS AMG Roadster opens and closes in just eleven seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 31 km / h. The new Adaptive AMG sports suspension with electronically controlled damping are available as an attractive option. This allows damping is changed by pressing a button. Using the AMG DRIVE UNIT, the driver of the SLS AMG Roadster is therefore able to choose its own suspension setup. Three modes are available: "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sports Plus".
"AMG Performance Media" is a unique new feature: this innovative, racing-inspired multimedia system offers an unbeatable combination of many telemetry displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, different engines, data and lap times on a racetrack.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and very desirable dream car in one member. In his characteristic mthey are continuing series of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz. "
Pure roadster design with perfect proportions
The new Roadster adds another exciting dream car to SLS AMG family. Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz, Gorden Wagener: "As in gullwing model, the clean, athletic design instantly catches the eye open. Whether the roof or closed, SLS AMG Roadster is an impressive visual treat" The perfect proportions are particularly memorable!. a long hood, the greenhouse is well positioned to the rear and a short tail Plus automatically extending rear wing, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs – in short, the convertible SLS AMG exudes effortless performance and an authentic charisma, the distinctive shoulder sections recalls tense muscles and propose to clean power in combination with the large wheels -. 265/35 ZR 19 (front) and 295 / 30 ZR 20 (rear). The attractive AMG Sepang brown metallic finish and weight-optimized forged wheels in a 10-spoke design, painted in matte black with a high-gloss rim flange is available as new enhancements.
Features reminiscent of the 300 SL roadster, the classic dream car from the 1950s, includes not only the wide grille with its big Mercedes star and wing-shaped cross-fin, but also fins on the hood and the vehicle's sides. Like SLS AMG Roadster, seemed 300 SL roadster a little later than the original gullwing 300 SL, but unlike SL's both AMG dream cars are available at the same time.
Interior atmosphere of a plane cockpit
The interior continues the breathtaking idiom of the exterior, and evocative of an aircraft cockpit: prominent features include the dashboard in the form of a wing and air valves with adjustable cross-shaped nozzles similar to jet engines. The expanded center console of dull, solid metal and the new E-SELECT lever in the form of an aircraft thrust control are also design elements adopted from the world of aviation. Another subtle, fine detail is embossed AMG badge on the leather-lined selector lever.
AMG DRIVE UNIT – who, like many other interior features are available in real carbon fiber – is the central control unit in the center console: It allows the driver to select a personal vehicle setup, including adjustment of the optional Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension. AMG Performance steering wheel with its high quality premium leather lining and flattened rim section provides perfect control of the vehicles. The shift paddles and lower wheel casing is made of solid metal.
Fully automatic, weight-optimized soft top
The sensual experience in 2012MY SLS AMG Roadster is further enhanced when the soft top is open, and the powerful, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with 563 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque are true, and makes the heart beat faster with his characteristic AMG eight-cylinder sound. Fabric hood can be opened or closed while on the move at speeds up to 31 km / h, the fully automatic opening / closing process takes only eleven seconds. The driver needs only to operate the roof control unit conveniently integrated on the front of the center armrest. When open, the soft top is space-saving recessed behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration. Three soft top colors – black, red and beige – are available to suit the nine outer and inner eight colors.
The three layer fabric hood is a weight-optimized magnesium / steel / aluminum construction, and contributes significantly to the car's low center of gravity. The soft top has a perfect bound heated rear window of single layer safety glass. A flush, gap-free transition between the outer roof skin and keeps the rear window wind noise low. A coherent, flexible water pockets running under the soft top catches rainwater and directs it to the chassis via two openings on each side. The trunk capacity is 6.1 cubic feet with the roof either open or closed, and therefore roughly equal to the SLS AMG Coupe (6.2 cubic feet).
Excellent material quality and finish
The finest leather, matte-finish solid metal or voluntary, genuine carbon-fiber trim create an exclusive atmosphere and corresponds with the authentic feeling of the cockpit. Precisely executed decorative and contrast stitching enhances the visual impact of increases handcrafted look and reflects the attention to detail that are hallmarks of Mercedes design.
The standard appointments of SLS AMG Roadster include black designo leather, heated AMG sport seats, a removable glass wind stops, COMAND with Navigation and DVD Player, anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior monitor, dual-zone automatic climate control and KEYLESSGO start function. Standard AIRSCARF ® system exclusive to Mercedes-Benz works as an invisible scarf heating of hoved and neck areas of the residents. It is integrated in the backrests of the AMG sports seats and blows warm air from vents in the headrests. Airflow can be adjusted for different occupant sizes using adjustable louvers, and the degree of heat can be selected in three stages at the touch of a button.
Leather-lined roll bars medintegreret mask in a "Silver Shadow" look is available in conjunction with designo Exclusive leather to reduce turbulence in the cockpit. Ambient lighting is integrated into the electric folding side mirrors. Single-tone or two-tone designo leather in espresso brown is available as a new interior color – this dark shade of brown is perfectly suited to new metallic paint finishes AMG Sepang brown.
AMG Performance Media and Bang & Olufsen optional highlights
In addition to the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG surround sound system, a second volunteer entertainment highlight is the AMG Performance Media. In an unprecedented way, combines this racing-inspired numerous telemetric system displays such as engine data, lateral and linear acceleration and lap times on a racetrack. AMG Performance Media is activated by pressing the key AMG AMG DRIVE UNIT, and operated by COMAND controller. Key Features at a glance:
Real-time display of engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid temperature real-time display of engine power, torque and throttle position Real-time display of individual tire Real-time display of the acceleration time from 0-60 mph (alternatively: quarter-mile) Real -time display of lateral and linear acceleration combined with braking and throttle position, including memory function hosted by individual lap times on a closed racetrack, with sector times and memory function Integrating DRIVE UNIT features to store configuration data into memory and initiate RACE START
The various features AMG Performance Media is shown by the color display integrated into the dashboard. Three displays will appear at a time, with the main data center placed. Digitally simulated dial instruments with red needles ensure outstanding legibility.
Concrete reinforced aluminum space frame, low weight
In addition to maximum comfort are the key factor in driving pleasure in the new SLS AMG Roadster an excellent performance. The basis for this is the innovative body design: chassis and body is made of aluminum, a design that combines intelligent lightweight construction with high strength. With a curb weight of 3,661 pounds (estimated), the Roadster only 88 pounds heavier than the Coupé. The result is a remarkable power to weight ratio of 6.5 pounds per horsepower.
To achieve the same level of driving dynamics – without a fixed roof, SLS AMG Roadster includes several features specifically designed to strengthen the body, including side skirts with larger wall thickness and further divisions. The dashboard cross member is supported against the windshield frame and center console with additional struts, and a curved strut between the soft top and tank forces the rear axle. The lack of a roof Gullwing doors means that the open top SLS AMG has a potentiating Crossmember rear seats to support the fixed roll-over protection system. This also responds to the 250 watt subwoofer Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system.
All this prevents unwanted vibrations from the outset, making it unnecessary to spend the extra weight increased vibration, often found in open-top sports cars. The weight-optimized aluminum space frame weighs 536 pounds, tipping the scales at just 4.5 pounds more than the Gullwing model.
Intelligent material mix and low center of gravity
50 percent of intelligent design, weight-optimized aluminum space frame is made of aluminum, 26 percent of aluminum plates, 18 percent of cast aluminum and 6 percent of steel. Maximum occupant safety requires the use of ultra-high strength, heat-formed steel in the A-pillars.
The whole vehicle is designed to achieve the lowest possible center of gravity. This applies to both the lower connection points in powertrain and axles, and the fitting of the rigid body structure that has been kept as low as possible. Examples include the rigid flexural and torsional connections between the front and rear, and passenger safety cell that is designed to use power paths that are as low as possible.
