Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster blows the bloody doors off, drops its top

Mercedes-Benz has done the unthinkable and created a version of the SLS AMG with doors that open normally. It's not all bad news, though, the company has also amputated the car's roof, creating the hugely impressive SLS AMG Roadster.

Usually, when cars have their rooves amputated, they lose rigidity. This forces manufacturers to add strengthening materials that increase a car's weight in the process. Remarkably, though, the Roadster's reinforcements -- which consists of a beam across the dashboard, thicker sills and a strut between the soft top and the fuel tank -- adds a mere 40Kg, less than half a passenger's-worth of lard.

As a result, the car's performance is still sufficiently terrifying. Its sultry 571hp V8 engine still helps it achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 3.8 seconds and it'll keep going until the car's onboard limiter kicks in at 196mph.

The Roadster's three-layer soft top doesn't occupy much rear space when retracted, which is just as well because the SLS AMG didn't have an awful lot of space back there to begin with. Boot space is reduced by a mere 3 litres and the lid, which sports a lightweight, 3-layer construction, can be deployed at up to 30mph.

The SLS AMG roadster is available to buy for a not inconsiderable £180,00. Deliveries are expected to commence this November. Have a gander through our photo gallery above to get better acquainted and let us know if you think the lack of gullwing doors has affected its appeal.