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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VIDEO: F1 Star Nico Rosberg gets a Taste of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster

There’s nothing wrong with using your assets, so we don’t blame Mercedes-Benz for trying to build some hype around the upcoming 2012 SLK by inviting Formula 1 pilot Nico Rosberg to take the hardtop roadster for a spin. However, the entire happening feels much too scripted, from the way the camera ducks just when the front fascia is almost revealed to what Rosberg says. Luckily, we already know what the German roadster looks like, so we won’t shed unnecessary tears. The highlight of the video is clearly the demonstration of how the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof works. Hit the jump to watch the clip.

By Csaba Daradicsa

Via: WFC

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AutoLeaks: 2012 Mercedes SLK Revealed Ahead of Time through Video, Over 60 Photos

WikiLeaks and Julian Assange aren't the only ones spilling documents and data all over the net. Today, an official promotional video of the all-new third-generation 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster showed up on Youtube. Not surprisingly, the French language film was pulled off Youtube pretty quickly, but not before we managed to get these screenshots and all the valuable information it contained.

Looking at the video, we can tell that, even though the new SLK's silhouette remains familiar, there are plenty of new details and a crisper styling for the body which brings to mind the larger SL model. Notable changes include the new CLS-inspired front grille and the air vents on the front fenders.

At the rear, the new SLK has retained many design cues seen on the current generation with some alterations. For instance, the boot lid has a "swoopier" styling, while the tail lamps “bite” further into the fenders with their shape reminding those found on the C-Class.

The car featured in the video appears to have been loaded with extras judging by the bodykit with front and rear spoiler lips plus a rear diffuser, and larger AMG alloys.

Mercedes has kept the two-piece folding hardtop, however the company will offer a €2,000 or so glass roof option with the so-called Magic Sky Control system that can darken the glass pane with a touch of a button.

As for the interior, we find an SLS AMG-inspired center console and sport seats with Merc's Air-Scarf system.

The 2012 SLK will showcase many technologies, such as adaptive lights, intelligent cruise control linked to Pre-Safe, direct injection, adaptive suspension, Stop/Start function, and according to the video, a new, innovative draft-stopping system.

Mercedes also promises premium materials, enhanced handling and more advanced 7G-Tronic Plus transmissions. Engine choices should include a variety of four-cylinder and V6 gasoline units, and if the rumors turn out to be true, a diesel option may very well be on the menu for the first time in the SLK's history.

With the production model set to go on sale in March of 2011, the official presentation of the third-generation SLK can't be far away so we'll keep an eye open for any new developments.

By Csaba Daradics

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