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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Revelation: stable even without gullwings

After the gullwing version, the open-top variant is the second car to be independently developed by AMG. The Coupé and Roadster concepts were created in parallel – which brought decisive advantages during the development process. During this approx. 3-year period for the SLS AMG Roadster, the engineers devoted particular attention to the aspects of bodyshell rigidity, driving dynamics, the soft top and NVH.

Greater Stuttgart area, spring 2011: the new SLS AMG Roadsters are slightly disguised as they cover their test routes. Easily identified by those in the know, others only see these two-seaters with a fabric soft top as some prototype or other: there are no Mercedes stars or model designations to be seen, just black adhesive foil at the front, rear and along the sides. The proportions speak for themselves, however: a long bonnet, large wheels and a short rear end indicate that this is a sports car of breathtaking design. There are still several months to go before the world premiere at the International Automobile Show in Frankfurt/Main in September 2011. Enough time to verify the maturity of the new SLS AMG Roadster.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGThe personnel responsible at AMG have already completed most of the work involved, as the Coupé and Roadster were created in parallel. The development and testing of a new AMG high-performance car is based on the digital prototype (DPT). Extensive investigations help to achieve specific objectives. Whether these concern the bodyshell design, weight distribution, engine position, centre of gravity or axle design, or of course the handling dynamics, aerodynamics, ergonomics, crash behaviour and production process – the very latest simulation programmes allow the very realistic representation of a vehicle and all its characteristics. The digital prototype is therefore a complete, virtual automobile.