Rumor mill: Mercedes-Benz working on production SLA roadster?

Mercedes-Benz is well on its way to becoming one of the most diverse automotive brands on the market, not an easy task given its need to remain as a premium and exclusive marque. Already in the pipeline are the next generation A and B-class line of cars, and now, Germany’s Auto Zeitung is reporting that there could be a new small roadster based on the same platform earmarked for the next A-class.

Mercedes will be bowing to public criticism surrounding its entry level A and B-class models, which have been labeled as too down-market and not in fitting with the profile of the types of vehicle that usually wear the three-pointed star. For the latest versions, developers will likely exploit economies of scale by possibly utilizing the same underpinnings as the recently revealed C-class saloon. This would mean a sportier chassis with a rear-wheel drivetrain and higher performance engines. Also, the design of the current A and B-class restricts the size of possible engines because of its east-west engine layout and high floor plan. Moving to the C-class architecture would enable a longitudinal engine configuration, which would mean Mercedes could expand the range with more powerful models. The new cars would also sit lower than the current models, improving handling and dynamics, but will resemble their predecessors by retaining a high roof line.

However, pricing issues may rule out the C-class option. Instead, Mercedes could possibly share just the engines and transmissions between the next A, B and current C-class models, saving development costs while still keeping the production cost of the A-class low. There are also suggestions that Mercedes might share components across the entire DaimlerChrysler Group, with the likely suspects being the next-gen Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber. Unfortunately, any spin-off of the Chrysler Group could jeopardize the possibility of parts sharing between the German and American sides and could end up pushing back release dates.

As for the roadster, Mercedes hinted at the possibility of such a model with its Vision SLA concept car (pictured) that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2000. Based on the first generation A-class, the concept car featured a similar design to the flagship SLR and was powered by the same 1.9L engine from the A190. The Vision SLA also featured extensive use of aluminum and plastic in its construction as well as premium accessories such as the carbon seats and xenon headlights.

Development work for the new A and B-class is still far from complete and the decision to go with the C-class’ rear-drive platform is yet to be finalized. But given the increased competition from its rivals and the bad light of previous quality and safety issues surrounding the first A-class, adopting the same running gear as used by the C-class would be a smart move.