Is an SLS really an SLS without those awe-inspiring gullwing doors?
Well, for those wanting to experience this sports car in a hairstyle-destroying format will have to live without them if they opt for the Roadster version that's just been revealed, sans any disguises.
And rather than opt for a folding metal roof like the SLK has, AMG engineers decided to go the more traditional, weight-saving soft-top route for the SLS.
The fabric roof is rather functional though and according the Mercedes, it'll open or close in just 11 seconds and can be operated on the move at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Given the blissful aural growl of the AMG V8 beneath the bonnet, we reckon it's a good idea to keep that roof down in all but the coldest of blizzards (the AirScarf heating system as per the SLK is also in place to keep your noggin warm).
Once retracted, the soft top (which is available in black, red or beige) fits behind the seats in a folded Z-configuration and best of all, boot space remains the same as it does in the tin-top gullwing SLS.
Luckily, the same is likely to apply to the driving experience. Despite several stiffening measures having been employed to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, the SLS Roadster's aluminium spaceframe weighs just 4.5kg more than that of the gullwing.
Of course, the heart that beats beneath the bonnet is the same AMG 6.3-litre front-mid-mounted V8 that provides pleasure in the gullwing, the motor good for 420kW at 6800rpm and 650Nm at 4750rpm.
Drive is to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and claimed performance times are nearly identical to the tin-top, with Mercedes claiming a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 317km/h.
Inside you'll also find the familiar aircraft-inspired cockpit with its wing-shaped dashboard and air vents designed to look like jet engines. The Roadster also gets a new motorsport-inspired multimedia system said to have an unrivalled combination of telemetric displays (such as lateral and linear acceleration) as well as various engine data and lap time displays.