New Pics And Tech Specs For SLS Roadster

Rigidity is the watchword for Frankfurt show debutante

By Chris-R / Thursday, 5 May 2011 / Loading comments

With several months to go before its world premiere at the Frankfurt show in September 2011, AMG has released new images and details of the SLS Roadster's development programme.

Without the Gullwing's hard top, one of the key focuses has been bodyshell stiffness. "Without bodyshell rigidity there are no handling dynamics, and neither can the close fit of the soft top be guaranteed," says Tobias Moers, head of overall development at AMG.

Owing to the omission of a fixed roof and gullwing doors, a more robust side sill has been employed. This is not to meet the legal requirements in the event of a crash - we're told that the Roadster would also manage this with the side sills of the Coupé - but because studies and test drives revealed the driving dynamics would be improved with greater sill wall thicknesses and chambers.

In order to achieve handling dynamics identical to those of the Coupé, the Roadster has two additional features designed to increase the rigidity of the bodyshell: the cross-member carrying the dashboard has additional supporting struts at the windscreen frame and at the centre tunnel, and a strut mounting stay between the soft top and the fuel tank makes the rear axle even more rigid.

These features prevent unwanted vibrations from the start, and make the use of additional, weight-increasing vibration dampers such as those often employed by competitors unnecessary, says AMG.

The bodyshell of the Roadster tips the scales at only 243 kilograms, just 2kgs more than the Gullwing and a difference that could easily be outweighed by a decent PH lunch...