SPIED: Mercedes-Benz' SLS AMG Roadster Loses the Top and Gullwing Doors

Mercedes-Benz is nearing the end of the development process of its forthcoming open-top SLS AMG Roadster, which will join the coupe model when it enters the market late next year. Apart from dropping the metal top in favor of an electrically operated fabric roof, as you can see from the location of the door handles in these latest spy pictures, the SLS AMG's famous Gullwing-style doors have made way for more conventional items.

The Roadster model will also gain a pair of partially hidden roll bars located behind the front passengers, which will deploy higher in the event of a rollover crash. The firm's Airscarf neck-heating system will most likely be offered on the standard list.

Under the elongated hood, the SLS AMG Roadster won't differ mechanically from its tin-top twin featuring the same 6.3-litre V8 powerplant with 571HP and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle the delivery to the rear wheels. However, buyers should expect some minor losses in performance because of the added weight of the body-strengthening measures, which compensate for the removal of the rooftop.

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Kicherer Unveils Mercedes-Benz SLS 63 AMG Supersport with 610HP

In Jeremy Clarkson's latest special, The Italian Job, the Top Gear host said that his new favorite car in the world is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While we’re not sure if he would like a souped up version of the German supercar, fact is more and more tuners are turning their attention towards the Stuttgart's Gullwing model. Less than a week after Brabus unveiled the SLS Widestar, another German tuner, Kicherer, took the wraps off its take on the SLS.

Exterior appointments on Kicherer's SLS 63 Supersport are relatively discrete and comprise of carbon fiber front spoiler lip and rear diffuser, stainless steel pipe covers and a set of Kicherer RS-1 multi-part forged wheels. There’s no information about the size of the alloys – though they do appear to be at least 19-inch in diameter. Kicherer only mentions that the rims are “hand-made”. Interior modifications have also been kept to a minimum with a few carbon fiber decorative parts.

The SLS AMG's suspension has received an upgrade as Kicherer partnered up with suspension specialist KW Automotive to create a lift up system, which raises ride height by 30 millimeters at the push of a button. This means that high curbs or poorly designed parking garages don’t represent a threat anymore. According to the Germans, the new suspension also improves handling, without making the car uncomfortable.

Last but not least, the V8 engine went through a performance optimization and now delivers 610 hp and 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque. Full specs and pricing haven’t been released yet.

By Csaba Daradics

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2010 Essen Motor Show: Brabus Mercedes SLS AMG Widestar

For most people, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 'Gullwing' looks just fine in factory tune. But not for Brabus. The German tuning house chose this week's Essen Motor Show to present its "wide-body" take on the Gullwing model.

The aero package is called Widestar and it encompasses a front spoiler, a rear apron with a new diffuser, blistered rear wheel arches with air inlets and outlets, and a boot lid spoiler. Engineers also sculpted the rocker panels, optimizing airflow between axles, and added bigger air outlets for the front fenders.

All components are made from carbon fiber and have been tested in the firm's wind tunnel. Clients can choose between a matte or glossy clear-coated finish for the body parts. If that's not their thing, optionally, the company can paint them in the body's color or in a contrasting tone.

To complement the SLS' new look, the ride height was lowered by 30 mm and a new, height-adjustable suspension was developed in collaboration with Bilstein. The driver can adjust the suspension's height with the touch of a button to make the car sportier or more comfortable than the stock SLS. Stiffer sway bars are also on the [optional] menu.

There's no Brabus without a proper set of wheels and the Widestar SLS is no exception. The Germans offer custom tailored ultra-light 20- and 21-inch front and rear Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, wrapped around in 275/30 ZR20 and 295/25 ZR21 Yokohama rubber. The new rims are bigger and lighter reducing unsprung weight and, thus, improving handling, the tuner claims.

Under the bonnet you'll find the same 6.2-liter V8 engine, albeit fitted with a high-performance and lighter (-12 kg or -26 lbs.) titanium exhaust system with sound management, which increases power by 10 hp.

As for the interior, Brabus offers a plethora of custom options, ranging from carbon fiber inlays in any desired color to an ergonomically shaped steering wheel. Premium upholstery is also offered, made from the fine leather and Alcantara.

By Csaba Daradics

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