Autoblog UK

Spyshots have emerged of a convertible version of the Mercedes SLS AMG.

Our US-based sister site, Autoblog.com, has snapped the not-so-heavily-disguised drop-top out testing in a snowy location.

Mercedes has heavily hinted that a convertible version of the SLS will follow the hardtop into production, but has yet to confirm it officially. These pictures are a clear indication that the hints are set to become reality.

The pictures suggest that the SLS has a soft-top rather than a folding hard roof, and since Mercedes will have designed the SLS as both a convertible and a hard top from the start, this is unlikely to cause structural rigidity problems. The reduced bulk of the soft roof should allow the car to retain the same amount of boot space, too.

Although it's unlikely that the SLS will make it to customers until 2011, we expect and hope to see a finished version at a motorshow some time in 2010.

Gallery: Porsche Boxster roadster

With the Veritas RS III, Vermot AG are trying to recreate the looks and feel of a sports car from the 40s or 50s. The prototype caused quite a stir when it was unveiled last year. At the Salon Privé show in London, it effortlessly won the Best Super Car of 2009 award. Now, as this super sports model goes into series production, Vermot have released new photos of the Veritas RS III Roadster.

As you would expect of a super car, this will be a relatively small-scale production run. At the company's headquarters in Gelsdorf (Rhineland Palatinate), they expect to have sold out of the complete edition of 30 vehicles by the end of the year. Deliveries to the first batch of customers will then commence in January 2010. Vermot will be charging a basic price of 345,000 euros (£310,000). For this princely sum, customers can expect a racer that sprints from 0 to 62mph in under 3.2 seconds. Maximum speed is claimed to be 214mph (347 km/h). The 15-strong workforce operates in three teams: chassis, bodywork and cabin interior. Each Veritas takes eight weeks to assemble, and at any one time, three will be in production. The RS III has a 1+1 layout with a covered passenger seat available only as and when required. The whole production process is conducted according to the strictest quality norms and the final result fully complies with homologated EU standards. A couple of days ago, a test drive was staged at Brands Hatch (Kent) in the context of the Trackdays event. Potential purchasers who went for a spin in the demo model were thoroughly impressed.

The Wiesmann MF5 Roadster has been well received by visitors to the IAA in Frankfurt. This little beauty is powered by a 5-litre V10 BMW engine pumping out 507bhp. The 4.2-metre-long two-seater will sprint from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is around 195mph (310kph). As Wiesmann intends building only 55 models of the MF5, exclusivity is guaranteed. If required, the MF5 is available in right-hand drive form. It costs in the region of 189,500 euros (£173,500).