Images of the new Mercedes SLS supercar have leaked onto the web ahead of the car's official Frankfurt motor show launch.
Unveiled for the first time it's clear that the dramatic £155k gullwing-doored SLS is a homage to the classic Mercedes 300SL from the 1950s. But although the grille and overall proportions are clearly inspired by the iconic supercar, there are a few visual links to modern Mercs, such as the SLR-esque tail lights. Inside, the cabin is festooned with leather, aluminium and carbon fibre (not to mention eight airbags).
Underneath that long bonnet is the familiar 6.2-litre AMG V8, this time producing around 563bhp and 479lb ft of torque. That's coupled to a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox - Mercedes' first dual-clutch transmission.
The sprint to 62mph should take just 3.8 seconds, with 124mph (200kph) despatched in less than 10 seconds. Top speed is 197mph, while carbon-ceramic discs should bring the SLS to a halt in pretty short order.
Call us cynical, but it does strike us as odd that these images have been 'leaked' on the very same day as McLaren has revealed its new MP4-12C supercar. After all, it's well known that there is less than no love lost between McLaren and Merc's AMG wing - which has been responsible for the development of the SLS. Whatever the reason for the wraps coming off the SLS today, it's good to see it unveiled, and we'll have full technical details for you when the car is officially unveiled in Frankfurt next week.