Spy shots of the 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG have been floating around for a while. The car is based on the iconic 300SL, a vintage gullwing coupe released in the 1950's. Yesterday images of the new production model were released.

The SLS is a startling vehicle. It sits just a few inches off the ground and has a very low, wide profile. The grille is adorned with a giant Merc logo and the body is cut up with some serious air vents and otherwise impressive metalwork.

The icing on the cake is of course the vertically-opened Gullwing doors. Under the hood the SLS has 563 horsepower (more than a Ferrari F430) and on the track has topped out just under 200 mph.

The vehicle goes on sale to the public this time next year with prices starting around a quarter million. In the meantime expect a handful of celebrities to get their hands on these early.

BAPE founder Nigo made news a few months ago for ordering a vintage Gullwing directly from the Mercedes AMG shop, having it fully restored with the interior and drivetrain of the 2010 SLS. True to form he finished the car with a BAPE camo paint job.