MERCEDES BENZ SLS AMG Roadster (C197) 2011-2012 Photos, engines & full specs

While the original Mercedes-Benz SL was the fastest car in the world when it appeared, the SLS wasn't. But it was very fast and in the roadster version, the driver could hear the sound of the mighty V8 under that long hood much better.

What use of a big, loud, engine, that could scare the whole neighborhood if the driver cannot hear it properly? This, and maybe the roadster frenzy, made AMG build the SLS Roadster. Even if there are Mercedes-Benz badges on the wide grille and on the steering wheel, the car's name is Mercedes-AMG, not Mercedes-Benz. The German car manufacturer had decided to transform AMG in a separate sub-brand to compete in Porsche's segment, not with other premium cars like the old friend/foe BMW.

The outside look is purely a roadster. A very long hood, a short cabin and a little bit of trunk with short front and rear overhangs. The long hood was needed because the engine is midship installed, entirely behind the front axle. That made the car more balanced. The soft-top could open and close in just 11 seconds, close to the 11.5 seconds needed for the car to do a quarter-mile drag race.

Inside, the classic look of the instrument cluster is nicely done with two big round analog dials. The dashboard design is inspired by an airplane wing and the air-vents cruciform nozzles were reminiscent of jet engines. The infotainment system is placed on top of the center console and could be controlled via a rotary knob next to the armrest.

And yes, the most important part is the 571 hp, naturally aspirated engine that roars with a powerful note from the rear exhausts, which couldn't be heard as clearly in the coupe version from the driver's seat.