The long-awaited modern interpretation of Mercedes' 300 SL has arrived in the form of the stunning new Mercedes SLS.

Powered by an AMG 6.3-litre V8, Mercedes' new sports car boasts 571bhp and 479lb/ft of pulling power.

Mercedes claims this will power the car to an electronically limited top speed of 197mph, with a hair-raising 0-62mph time of 3.8 secomds.

Despite this dramatic performance, Mercedes reckons the SLS will offer class-leading fuel consumption of 21.4mph, thanks in part to its comparatively low weight (1,620kg).

Just as eye-catching as the performance figures is the retro styling of the SLS.

Its gullwing doors evoke memories of the classic 300 SL, as do the large radiator dominated by a huge three-pointed star.

The tall headlights continue the retro look but have thoroughly modern internals - a bi-xenon set-up with LED indicators and daytime running lights.

At the rear of the car split horizontal lights, a centre-mounted LED fog lamp, racing-style diffuser and chrome tail lights enhance the sporty look of the SLS.

The Mercedes SLS will go on sale in summer next year and will be shown to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday.

It has been officially revealed one day after McLaren debuted its new sports car, the MP4-12C. Mercedes and McLaren collaborated on the Mercedes SLR McLaren sports car and are partners in Formula 1, but have gone their separate ways on road car production.