Rumours, originating from MotorTrend, suggest that AMG will release a ‘baby’ SLS AMG by the end of the year. The information suggests that Mercedes will allow its performance subsidiary, AMG to produce a smaller sports car based on the SLS structure.
The rumours suggest that AMG will aim to compete with the third-generation Porsche Boxster and Cayman. The reports start getting a little thin from here. Information on the project still appears to be thin on the ground. In fact, it contradicts information that we’ve had before. Back in October, rumours were suggesting a sports car to take on the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar C-X16. If we search even further back into the archives, the suggestion last May was that it could grow inspiration from the historic 1928 Mercedes SSK!
If we take anything from these rumours it should be that AMG have something special in the works with the possibility that we could see it some time this year. We doubt it would be a Boxster or Cayman rival, a 911 or R8 rival sounds more likely. However, we also have to remember that the AMG variants of the SL and the SLK exist, both of which are competitors in the same two market segments.
In light of what we’ve said above, we’re going to stick with our prediction and reiterate the suggested specifications from October last year! It should have two seats and a front-mounted V8. This engine will most likely be the 5.5 liter twin-turbo which develops up to 500 horsepower. The power will be transferred to the rear wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Acceleration from standstill to 100km/h should take four seconds and the top speed will be almost 300km/h. The baby SLS is also likely to be highly efficient, boasting stop-start and other efficiency-boosting measures.
[Picture: Car]
Looks nice. New Audi R4 is coming, and R4 will compete with Porsche Boxter, Cayman and Jaguar C-X16.