Mercedes plans Porsche coupe rival
2011-05-25 07:44
SLS LITE: With its SLS supercar design team bored at work, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are partnering on a new, smaller performance coupe.
Mercedes-Benz is reported to be planning a new model, possibly called the SLC, which will be a baby version of the SLS Gullwing and will rival the likes of Porsche's 911.
According to Autocar magazine, Benz sources said the new sports car would be a two-seater with a front-mounted V8 and was being developed jointly with the automaker's AMG performance division.
The coupe will launch some time in 2014 and be followed by soft-top roadster in 2016.
BIG V8
AMG sources told British publication that Porsche's 911 Carrera S was serving as a benchmark for the car which would have a light aluminum structure similar to that of the SLS and its design would have a "contemporary retro" look echong the original SL.
The SLC could be powered - curiously - by a naturally aspirated version of Mercedes’ 5.5-litre V8 which should be able to produce 313kW/548Nm, driving the rear wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
One Mercedes-Benz insider apparently said: "It’s going to make the 911 seem old-fashioned.”
