SPY PICS: Soft-sell for Benz SLS

Mercedes-Benz has made no secret it is planning a soft-top convertible version of its SLS AMG supercar.

The fabric-roofed variant is expected to join the "gullwing" SLS some time before the 2011 Geneva motor show.

These Carparazzi shots were snapped in frigid conditions in Lapland, well into the Arctic Circle, and show that the overall profile is similar to the "regular" Gullwing SLS, despite the convertible roof. Also clear is the drop-top SLS won't be a metal roof coupe-cabriolet -- nor was it expected to be, given the shortage of available space behind the cabin.

The SLS convertible is expected to employ the same technology seen on the Gullwing version, including 420kW/650Nm 6.2-litre V8, Speedshift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, torque tube structure and rear transaxle

AMG has already confirmed that there'll also be an E-Drive all-electric version of the exotic Benz joining the range this year, to create a three-model strategy, allowing the company to think in terms of relatively high production volumes.

In a recent interview with AMG board member and Director of Operations Kai Marten, the Carsales Network was told production of SLS Gullwing, convertible and E-Drive versions could end up totalling something like 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles annually.

First shipments of the Gullwing SLS are expected to arrive in Australia in June this year.

-- with Carparazzi

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