Autoblog

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We've seen it in spy shots, but now we get to officially see the newest hotness from Mercedes Benz: the SLR McLaren Roadster.

In an effort to inject some more life into the slow-selling Mercedes/McLaren halo, engineers lopped off the roof to make one of the fastest open-air motoring experiences this side of a sportbike. Naturally, they just didn't whip out the sawsall and go to town. Instead, the new roof is made from that most delectable of materials – carbon fiber. The retractable roof isn't the only thing that gets the C.F. reinforced plastic treatment, as all but two of the body frames, made of aluminum, utilize the exotic compound. Lightweight and untwistable strength are the features du jour.

As for motivation, the SLR Roadster doesn't benefit from the 722's 650 HP V8. Instead, it has to make due with the standard SLR's 617 HP supercharged mill, allowing the drop top to hit its velocity climax of 207 MPH – blow drying has never been made easier, or more fun.

Those willing to drop the coin on the McMerc convertible will be able to choose from three different roof colors, and according to Mercedes, two passengers can have a comfortable conversation at 125 MPH with the top down. Before doing so, the occupants will have to manually (for shame!) unlatch the roof, push upwards, then let the motor bring the roof down into its home – and underneath an aluminum cover – in a scant 10 seconds.

Only 1,000 of the roof deprived, a-pillar reinforced, and rollover hoop equipped SLR Roadsters will be available and customers will begin taking delivery this September. Pricing: £350 large.

The press release is available after the jump and be sure to check out our gallery below.

Click to enlarge

That's what the British magazine Auto Express is reporting.

According to them, the Woking, Surrey-built droptop will be unveiled within the next six months.

Based on the Vision SLR Roadster concept car (above), the supposed production version will share its coupe sibling's power and performance credentials. Prospective customers should expect to have their wallets lightened by around £350,000 ($667K USD).

Assuming the information is accurate, it's a welcome development. By the time the ragtop appears, at least three years will have passed since the production coupe's launch, and save for the recent 722 variant, nothing has really changed. A convertible SLR should have sex appeal to spare and will re-energize the motoring press, enthusiasts, and the well-heeled jet-setters who find themselves in the enviable position to buy one. Stay tuned.

Thanks for the tip, Omar!

[Source: Auto Express}