Mercedes->ke187 unveiled the SLS AMG Roadster at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and just one year later, Mercedes offered an improved GT variant. This GT included an additional 20 horsepower under the hood, a revised 7-speed sports transmission and a revised AMG Adaptive Performance Suspension. The strange thing is that the GT updates are offered to both the coupe and roadster versions, so the spy shots we received today had us a little confused.

The spy shots make it pretty clear that Mercedes is set to reveal a small facelift for the SLS AMG->ke2504 Roadster, but we are stuck wondering why?

The prototype caught testing wears minor camouflage on the front section, meaning that this will actually be just a minor nose jot, not a full facelift. We are not 100 percent sure on this, but we expect to see some updates on the interior, likely on the safety and infotainment systems.

Expect the revised Mercedes SLS AMG GT Roadster to arrive in time for the 2014 model year.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes SLS AMG GT Roadster.

2014 Mercedes SLS AMG GT Roadster

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes SLS AMG GT Roadster
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 591 @ 6800
  • Torque: 479 @ 6800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Spy shots

The prototype we caught testing today wears camouflage on the front section, meaning that most of the updates will be made here. We expect to see a new bumper and a slightly revised grille.

However, you shouldn't be surprised to see a revised set of headlamps and taillights later on.

Competitors

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante

Announced earlier today, the Vanquish Volante is powered by an AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers a total of 565 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 457 pound-feet at 5,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. This beast will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and to a top speed of 183 mph.

The model is priced at about $297,995.

2014 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

The future of the 458 Italia is still uncertain, but we think it’ll last at least a few more years before Ferrari makes any changes. With its 570-horsepower, 4.5-liter V-8 engine, the Italia launches to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Additionally, the Italia is far more exotic than the SLS GT Roadster. Along with the exotic classification, however, also comes a hefty price tag.

Mercedes SLS History

The Mercedes SLS was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show with and was put on sale in January 2010. The model was initially launched in a coupe version, with a roadster arriving at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

At launch, both coupe and roadster versions were offered with a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine that delivered a total of 571 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 479 pound-feet of torque at 4,750rpm.

In 2012 the SLS AMG received its first update. Next to a GT nomenclature, the new version added an extra 20 horsepower under the hood, plus a revised seven-speed sports transmission. These changes were applied to both coupe and roadster versions.