The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster may not be flying off the showroom floors quite as quickly as Mercedes-Benz were hoping, but that’s even more incentive for German tuners Vath to fiddle with it by adding a breathing apparatus. Yes, the all black exterior might be subtle enough by tuning standards, but the AMG boffins won’t be pleased that their normally aspirated masterpiece has been tarnished. Vath have done this type of thing before with the C63 AMG Black Series, CLS AMG and SLS AMG Coupe.
The fitment of a supercharger with an air box for increased induction means the output of the AMG 6.2-litre V8 is now 523 kW and 850 Nm of torque. The car also receives an individualised ECU tune-up thanks to a ‘V-max 2’ chip. Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h is done and dusted in 3.6 seconds and the top speed is a claimed 330 km/h. The new speedometer goes as high as 400 km/h. Those are an impressive set of numbers, presuming the SLS AMG Roadster can put all that power down onto the road. This is something which the 420 kW and 650 Nm standard car already struggles with if we’re honest.
The Vath makeover includes enlarged gearbox oil cooler; 405 mm brakes discs with steel flax lines; stainless steel exhaust system with a sports catalyst; and Vath design 20-inch wheels with 265/30 ZR20 tyres at the front and 315/25 ZR20 tyres at the rear. You can option a new suspension with threaded sports springs if the SLS in question is fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s very clever AMG Ride Control; these allow lowering of between 20 to 45 mm.
When it comes to the aerodynamics, the Vath SLS AMG features a naked carbon fibre front spoiler; boot spoiler; side skirts and extra brake ventilation. Several interior options are available ranging from leather, carbon fibre or fine polished woods. The total cost for the package is the equivalent of around R900 000 including VAT and excluding individualised parts.
