Less than a week after unveiling the gullwing SLS AMG to the world at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz trotted this prototype of the SLS AMG roadster onto the roads around the Nurburgring, though according to our spy photographer, it didn't go on the 'Ring itself.
Aside from the requisite chassis reinforcements to make up for the loss of a fixed roof, the roadster is not expected to be mechanically different from the coupe (though the extra weight might add a tenth or two to its test times). As for the top, it's not certain if Benz will be going soft or hard -– given how it extends all the way down to the trunk lid and rear quarter panels, the canvas top on this prototype could very well be a ruse.
Expect the SLS roadster to show up during the 2009/2010 auto show season, possibly in always-sunny Los Angeles, though Benz might wait until the spring to show off the drop top.