Mercedes' SLS Roadster is actually 40kgs heavier than the fixed-top version, but potential owners shouldn't worry; just think of it as another crate of Dom Perignon stuffed into the tiny trunk out back.
The extra bulk certainly doesn't affect the performance. Select either 'Sport +' or 'Manual' mode on the AMG Drive unit that's accessible via this little rotary dial by the auto gearstick and it'll help the big, bullet-proof 571bhp 6.2-litre V8 up-front storm to 62mph from rest in just 3.8s, a solid rush of power that'll keep coming until a line of software stops the fun at 197mph.
All part of an old-school approach to the supercar segment. No fancy turbos, four-wheel drive or adaptive suspension.
Just rear wheel drive, ordinary steel coil suspension and lots – and lots – of power. The result is an experience to remember.
Of course, in driving such a car, you don't always want an experience to remember.
After all, a supercar is often at its worst when you're merely collecting your dry cleaning.
And here? Well, it's true that an SLS is built for brutal acceleration, sideways tyre squealing and midnight three-figure runs on autobahns.
But it's also been created to flatter you when you're just parading along.
But then the road opens up, you plant the throttle pedal, the engine roars and you suddenly find yourself having to think and act really quickly.
And as your heart begins to pump, you start to realise that perhaps this car might be a bit better at the whole going fast business than you are.
It's an addictive experience and, at £180,000, an exclusive one.
