Key Points: Paint Protection Film (PPF), Carbon Fibre Interior Package, Carbon Fibre Exterior Mirrors.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a two-seat grand tourer, developed with the assistance of former Formula One driver David Coulthard. The car is the successor to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and was described by Mercedes-Benz as a spiritual successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s. 

The first Mercedes-Benz designed and built solely by AMG, it was introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show with a 563hp 6.2-litre ‘M159’ V8, which according to its manufacturer, was the most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine ever produced at the time of its release. It drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with selectable driving modes, including ‘C’ (Controlled Efficiency), ‘S’ (Sport), ‘S+’ (Sport plus) or ‘M’ (Manual, requiring the driver to change gears via the shift paddles).

The Roadster is the SLS AMG’s convertible variant, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show with significant lighter conventional doors as opposed to the coupe’s gullwings, and a three-layered fabric soft top roof with a magnesium, steel and aluminium frame, which opens and closes in 11 seconds, and can be operated on the move at up to 31 mph. When stowed, the upper part of the roof remains exposed, allowing the SLS roadster to retain an impressive 173 litres of luggage capacity, just three litres less than the coupe. Other changes include new door trims, fixed rollover hoops, altered rear fenders and a new boot lid that incorporates a third brake light.

It is powered by the same 6.2-litre V8 as the coupe and completed the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.8 seconds, while the top speed is 197 mph.