Mercedes-Benz and McClaren joined together in late 2003 to launch a super high-performance sports/touring coupe aimed at the supercar market. For the 2008 model year, Mercedes chopped the top off of the SLR to create a Roadster in hopes to drum up sales.

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Powered by the same supercharged 5.5 liter V8 as the coupe, the SLR roadster pumps out 617 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 575 lb-ft. of torque at 3,250 RPM. The V8 is actually produced and developed by Mercedes' in-house tuner, AMG, though AMG badging is absent from the SLR. A five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters puts the power to the rear wheels and helps the SLR hit 60 miles per hour in a handful of ticks over three seconds.

Huge brakes and a trunklid-mounted airbrake help stop the SLR roadster with the same authority as its closed-top brother.

The SLR Roadster's styling is nearly identical to the coupe's, including a long hood and overhang and a tapered tail, though rather than a fixed roof, there's an ultra light-weight cloth roof (available in three colors). The SLR Roadster's body - like the coupe's - is composed of carbon fiber. Mercedes-Benz claims that conversation levels are normal at standard highway speeds, though voices probably need to be raised as the SLR Roadster approaches its 207-mile-per-hour top speed.

Open the scissor doors - borrowed from the coupe - and things are luxurious and typical Mercedes. Much of the switchgear is identical to other Mercedes-Benz vehicles of the early 21st century, including the COMAND system. Premium leather covers everything, including the firm seats. Befitting its sporting nature, the SLR Roadster eschews wood trim for sporty carbon fiber throughout.