Could a baby SLS be in Mercedes-Benz’s future? According to Autocar, the answer is yes.
The British publication claims a senior official at Mercedes-Benz says the company is developing a second sports car, sharing the SLS’ image but on a smaller scale.
“The second model will project a similarly exclusive image,” the source said, “but will be more accessible in terms of its pricing.”
Mercedes-Benz design chief Gordon Wagener told the magazine the new car -- possibly named SSK -- will look much more modern than the current SLS, and will likely come in both coupe and soft-top roadster forms. Sadly, don’t look for the gullwing doors on the hardtop model. To save costs, the car may use conventional hinged doors.
Autocar also claims the SSK could use a new 5.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that is currently being developed for the next-generation CLS55 AMG. The new engine is rumored to produce close to 500 hp, and will likely be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle lifted from the SLS.
If the car green is approved for production, expect the SSK to reach dealerships in 2013, slotting in just above the SLK55 AMG. Pricing should be comparable to a Porsche 911, and slightly below that of the Audi R8.
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