Mercedes-AMG considering Porsche 718 competitor – report
Potential new car will indirectly replace SLC, but layout yet to determined
The board of management of Daimler is currently considering a proposal to develop a new smaller and more affordable Mercedes-AMG model.
According to Autocar, the proposed new car will be targeted at the Porsche 718 range.
If given the go-ahead, the new model will have two seats, and be positioned below the AMG GT coupe and convertible in both size and price.
Naturally it will be priced to compete with the 718. Like the Porsche, the new car should be available as both a fixed-roof coupe, and a soft-top convertible.
It's unclear what type of layout the mooted new sports car will take. It could feature a front-engine, rear-wheel drive setup, with parts borrowed from the GT and the next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL.
Alternatively, it could be a more direct competitor for the 718 with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Should this prove to be the case, it's expected the new entry-level AMG model will be feature styling modelled along the lines of the upcoming production version of the Project One hypercar.
Either way, motivation is likely to come from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines being developed for the next-generation A35 and A45 models.
It's hoped a new smaller, more affordable model will bring new customers into the AMG fold, although approval for this project said to hinge on sales forecasts. It's unlikely, though, that this new car will have any internal competition, with the SLC not slated to enter a new generation.
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