2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Exclusive Spy Video and Photos

Now that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe has been officially unveiled, the roadster version can't be too far behind. Seen here testing in Death Valley, California, earlier this month, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster abandons the iconic gullwing doors of the coupe in favor of a more traditional front-hinged door setup more appropriate for a convertible.

Camouflage over the retractable roof section doesn't hide the fact that this SLS AMG will most likely get a folding soft top. Purists will be happy the SLS's performance credentials will be uncompromised by a lot of additional weight, while less dedicated buyers might wonder why they shouldn't just get an SL with its fully retractable hardtop.

Other than the obvious switch to more conventional door hinges, the SLS roadster looks exactly like its coupe counterpart. That means a long wheelbase, giant 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and a 571-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. A dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual transmission will send the power to the rear wheels, while a fully independent suspension with dual-wishbone control arms both front and rear will support the all-aluminum chassis.

With sales of the SLS AMG coupe expected to begin by the middle of next year, we wouldn't be surprised to see the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster by late 2010. We also wouldn't be surprised to see the SLS roadster outsell the coupe, no matter how cool gullwing doors might seem.