The Gullwing doors, hinged at the roof, have been carried over from the 300SL, making this the first European series production car to feature them since the DeLorean DMC-12.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the latest victim of the power of the Internet, because the release of official images of it had to be brought forward following the leak of a handful of low-resolution images. Whether it diminishes the impact of its Frankfurt launch remains to be seen, but the simultaneous release of the new McLaren MP4/12C can't have helped...

The new car has been deliberately styled to evoke memories of the iconic 300SL Gullwing, one of the most beautiful cars of all time, and at first glance, the new car might be dramatic, but it certainly isn't pretty. However, the Gullwing doors, hinged at the roof, have been carried over, making this the first European series production car to feature them since the DeLorean DMC-12.

Under the bonnet, the performance promises to match its striking looks. It's powered by a 555bhp AMG 6.3-litre dry-sumped V8, and is claimed to top out at 197mph. Weight is kept in check by an aluminium spaceframe body, although at 1620kg, it's heavier than a Lamborghini Murcielago SV.