Mercedes-Benz Cars

With a much-anticipated debut, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster – true to the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship – presents a new dream; a super sports car that combines open-top driving pleasure and dynamics with a sophisticated lightweight construction.

The way to enjoy owning the new 2012 SLS AMG Mercedes-Benz Roadster, is to simply drive it; take it for a spin – around town or north along the coast, take pleasure in the charisma and performance of the German moniker’s newest addition. The return on investment will not disappoint.

"The SLS Roadster is a super sports car, cruiser and highly desirable dream-car all in one," notes Dr. Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "In its distinctive way, it continues the succession of iconic and exciting sports cars from Mercedes-Benz."

Gone are the gullwing doors, replaced by a new soft drop-top that can be raised or lowered in a matter of 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. Retained are the great expectations of anything and everything Mercedes-Benz. For 2012, a new electronically controlled Adaptive AMG Sports Suspension will enhance driving pleasure and handling in any condition one might encounter. And with an electronically limited speed of up to 197 mph, the experience is still sheer exhilaration – top up or down.

With features reminiscent of the 300 SL Roadster – the classic dream-car from the 1950s, what else can be expected? To start, the power is still from the awesome AMG-designed, carbon-fiber driveshaft, 6.2-liter, 563 HPV-8 engine that delivers 479 ft pounds of torque at 4750 rpm. Cross-drilled and vented disc brakes are standard, with an optional two-piece carbon-ceramic disc if desired. Using the AMG Drive Unit, the driver is able to choose individual suspension setup, available in three modes: "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport plus."

The interior offers a programmable display for navigation and a climate control audio system. The 2012 model has eight airbags, which translates into four per person, including bags for extremities, head, and knees. "AMG Performance Media" is a unique addition as well; this innovative, motorsport-inspired multimedia system offers an unrivaled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack

And according to Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, the new SLS AMG Roadster features "systematic lightweight construction, outstanding performance and a breathtaking design combined with sensuous open-air driving pleasure, which perfectly embodies the AMG philosophy of German engineering and craftsmanship. The gullwing model has already thrilled sports car fans all over the world, and now the convertible version is bound to cause a sensation."

Both Mercedes-Benz of San Diego and Mercedes-Benz of Escondido expect the newest addition to arrive early September. A waitlist, however, has already ensued with orders carrying a lead time of about a year.