Benz Confirms SLR Convertible


Vision SLR to become a reality, finally.

by Richard Yarrow (2007-02-15)




Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR concept



Mercedes has confirmed it will unveil a convertible version of the McLaren SLR this summer. It will be one of the world's fastest convertibles, with a 0-60 mph time of around four seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.

No details or official images have been released, but it's expected the styling will borrow heavily from the original Vision SLR cabrio concept. It debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1999, nine months after the coupe prototype was unveiled inDetroit.

The concept convertible featured a fabric roof rather than a folding metal hard top, and insiders say it's highly like the canvas option will be carried over to the production version. That's because it's lightweight and fits better with the SLR's performance image.

Under the long hood will be the same supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 that's in the coupé. But it's unclear whether it will offer the 626 hp of the standard car or the 650 hp of the 722 special edition recently unveiled.

There's no word on pricing, but it's likely the car will follow the Mercedes tradition of being slightly more expensive than the equivalent coupé, which is currently £315,000 ($470,000).