Mercedes to launch AMG branded baby SLS

AMG badged baby SLS coming

Mercedes are to launch an AMG branded small sports car in 2012 based on a cut-down version of the Mercedes SLS.

We’ve thought for some time it was almost certain that Mercedes would build a smaller version of the SLS to take on cars like the Porsche 911 and Audi R8. And back in October we got confirmation from AMG’s Christoph Jung that Mercedes and AMG are indeed working on a new, smaller SLS.

It turns out that the smaller SLS is planned to be to the SLS what the SLK is to the SL – the same, but smaller – rather than, as we expected, an all new mid-engined Mercedes sports car. But now it seems there will be one other major difference - it won’t be badged Mercedes.

Motor Tend are reporting that the smaller SLS – which did have the code name SLV – will make an appearance at a major Motor Show later in 2012 – so we guess that will be Geneva in March or Paris in September – and that Mercedes plan to make the baby SLS the first AMG branded car.

It still looks like the AMG sports car will be based on a cut-down SLS platform – a good way to get more value from the SLS development – and come with a V8 up front. Where exactly the new AMG Sports Car will sit in price terms is still unclear; will AMG pitch the new car against the 911 and R8, or will it be a notch lower and go after the Boxster and SLK?

All of which begs the question: What other AMG branded cars are in the pipeline?

Source: Motor Trend

By Cars UK