Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey
by Damon Lavrinc on Aug 21st 2009 at 7:28PM 
Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery
With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.
According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.
Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.
In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
homunculus 7:34PM (8/21/2009)
not a single interior shot. a shame.
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In2uition 10:32PM (8/22/2009)
You can see pictures of the interior here:
http://www.carsuk.net/mercedes-sls-amg-now-its-the-interior/
Ray 7:41PM (8/21/2009)
Not that I can tell much but it seems to be an exaggerated S2000 in the side view. I'll like it if the grille doesn't end up looking like a Dodge product.
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dinnercoat 7:54PM (8/21/2009)
I was going to say that too, maybe its just when the front grille emblem is covered, but otherwise it screams Dodge to me.
Will 7:57PM (8/21/2009)
"...it seems to be an exaggerated S2000 in the side view..."
Not really bad thing. The S2000 has the perfect classic sports car proportions.
Phil Perman 8:10PM (8/21/2009)
That is a dodge grill. Merc have been running this car in Viper bodywork to hide what it really looks like. When it gets unveiled you'll probably find it has a nice Mercedes grill on the front.
Mike 2:51PM (8/22/2009)
Call me crazy but it looks like a stylistically toned down Viper. Maybe they're regretting their sale of Chrysler?
Bounce 1:12PM (8/23/2009)
"Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline."
according to your pics the door handles look like they are in same place as most cars.
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Miguel 3:56AM (8/24/2009)
http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-amg-sls-convertible/#11
Mark Arnold 8:04PM (8/21/2009)
"the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline."
That's only on the coupe, the conv has more traditional door handles. The coupe is that way because it is has Gullwing doors. If they'd been placed along the beltline, you wouldn't have much leverage for opening the door.
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Mark 8:11PM (8/21/2009)
"Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline."
That appears to be historical. The original 300SL had a very similar door handle in roughly the same spot. If anything, I'd say the door handles design looks to be a riff on the original 300SL door handle, not Aston Martin.
I'd guess the door handle is positioned lower to help pull up the door when you try to open it, but that's just idle speculation on my part.
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Mark Arnold 4:21PM (8/22/2009)
Are you my secret twin? Where have you been all my life?
vespid82 8:29PM (8/21/2009)
This car looks SO uninspired to me. ESPECIALLY following in the footsteps of the SLR.
Fail.
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vespid82 8:40PM (8/21/2009)
Hey Mercedes, you want to know how to build a stunning, world class, limited production supercar? Take some notes from this-> http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/aston-martin-one-77-at-galpin-motors/full/
Hell, just hire Marek Reichman if that's what it takes, lol!
James 12:43AM (8/22/2009)
Ditto.
No me gusta.
If anyone needs me, I'll be at the BMW dealership.
Visnick 8:51PM (8/21/2009)
Go unwrap your Christmas present!
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JDM Life 9:11PM (8/21/2009)
If this is the best they can do for the car, it was better of left alone. The model its replacing looks better,,,
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RED_ 9:32PM (8/21/2009)
That better not be their idea of a gullwing or is that a different project that will be born from this? All they've done is add ford GT doors so that means its harder to get into.
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Kaveh 9:41PM (8/21/2009)
Some serious brakes, the capliars say Carbon something.
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JJBattoe 9:51PM (8/21/2009)
Are you attempting to refer to the carbon ceramic brake calipers? Most supercars have those nowadays... hell, they're an option on many sub $100,000 cars.