Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SLS Roadster revealed

Spy pics confirm the existence of a soft-top Merc SLS and give clues to its specification

Confirmation, if it were needed, that Mercedes is working on a drop-top version of its SLS supercar. Caught almost free from disguise, these shots provide us with the best clues yet about what form the SLS roadster will take.

See previous spy shots

Clearly the gullwing doors will disappear, at a stroke removing the SLS's most unique feature. The pictures show a red fabric roof tucked away neatly on the rear deck, and we expect that to compensate for the loss of rigidity, extra strengthening will be added, boosting weight slightly and knocking the edge off the SLS's straight-line speed.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We anticipate that the 6.2-litre 563bhp normally aspirated V8 will remain unchanged, though, so expect a top end of around 190mph and 0-60mph in 4sec flat. The price will probably climb at least £10,000 from the coupe's £157,500 cost.   

Henry drives an SLS around San Francisco

Chris Harris drives an SLS on track in Dubai

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta
Ford Puma
In-depth reviews

Ford Puma review – the best-seller that’s still no patch on the Fiesta

The Ford Puma melds some of the Fiesta’s charm with big-selling crossover form factor, but we still miss a proper small Ford hatch
21 Aug 2026
Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars
Lotus factory
Features

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars

The Emira will live on and there's an Esprit supercar on the way, but Lotus has another plan to keep Hethel active
18 Aug 2026
Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money
Lotus Exige S V6
In-depth reviews

Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money

For the S3 generation the Lotus Exige got a lot brawnier, trading the four-cylinder engines it had hitherto utilised for a supercharged Toyota V6
21 Aug 2026