AMG performance division’s development director Christoph Jung confirmed that Mercedes is planning to release a baby version of its SLS model - likely to be renamed SLC - in order to to better compete with Porsche 911 and Jaguar C-X16. SLS’ considerable success (5000 units in 2009 alone) is prompting the German carmaker to produce a new front mounted engine two seats coupe. Engineers are currently working on weight reduction and the fitting of a yet undisclosed V8 engine under the bonnet, as “customers expect it“.

We believe that engine would eventually end up being an enhanced version of the 5.5-liter V8 which just made its debut on the SLK 55 AMG, or maybe its Twin-Turbo version. Regardless, overall performance is expected to be impressive, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of about 4 seconds and top speed of 300km/h, while price tag is expected to be around 80,000 €. Pressure is on AMG now as Jung said that “We need it to sound right and go right. It can’t just be the most powerful. It has to have the whole package.”

Fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission are part of the package too, and for this reason the car will be equipped with Start&Stop system and other measures in order to contain fuel consumption. The car is supposed to be ready within 3 years, and the possibility of a following Roadster version has not been ruled out.

via | AutoExpress

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