MERCEDES-BENZ CONFIRMS SMALLER, CHEAPER SLS AMG

AutoExpress says during its interview with a Mercedes-Benz AMG executive, it was revealed that the Daimler performance division is working on a Porsche 911 killer. The baby SLS AMG, which might be called the SLC AMG, will also feature a V8 engine. Smaller and shorter than SLS, the thing is set to start a whole new line of sports cars from AMG.

AMG development director Christoph Jung told AE that there is space for a 911-type car at AMG. The only question is what kind of package it will carry. One answer to that is the V8, but exactly which one remains a mystery. We can hazard a guess and say it will be one of three, two of which are versions of the same motor, that stupendous 5.5-litre. In natural aspiration it heeds 310kW, while when strapped with two turbos a heady 420kW can be yielded. The second motor is the 4.7-litre twin turbo, also sometimes making around 320kW.

Other than that, the car will only have two seats, just like big brother SLS AMG, be rear-wheel-driven (RWD) and have its engine up front. It will likely feature a 7-speed double-clutch gearbox and spawn several other variants, including a roadster (convertible) and a Black Series model. Whether the same gullwing doors will be employed is yet unknown.

Starting prices in Europe may hover at about €60 000 (R640 000) when it launches around 2015.