2013 Audi A3

Mercedes-Benz SLA Roadster Back On The Table?

 
4 4,073 views Aug 29, 2011
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2000 Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA Concept

HI-RES GALLERY: 2000 Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA Concept
We know Mercedes-Benz is likely to launch four new models based around its latest generation small car platform, otherwise known as MFA (Mercedes Frontwheel Architecture).

The first of these new models has already been revealed in the form of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class, and will be followed shortly by the 2013 A-Class.

But beyond that we should also see the BLS four-door coupe, as well as the long-rumored BLK compact crossover.

However, since we first started reporting about Mercedes’ new small car family, there has been talk of a new ‘SLA’ roadster being launched to target the likes of the BMW 1-Series Convertible and Audi TT Roadster.

Australia’s GoAuto reports that the SLA will be launched in 2013 and will remain faithful to the original Vision SLA concept car shown more than a decade ago.

That means it will be a compact two-seat roadster with a soft-top roof and front-wheel drive layout.

The Vision SLA also featured extensive use of aluminum and plastic in its construction, as well as premium accessories such as carbon fiber seats and xenon headlights, any of which could feature in a production version.

However, unlike the concept, which featured a supercharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, the production SLA will likely go with Mercedes’ latest 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection and turbocharging technologies. A turbodiesel model is also possible.

As mentioned, drive will go to the front wheels, but via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. A six-speed manual, however, should remain as an option in certain markets.

Stay tuned for an update.

[GoAuto]



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Comments (4)

  1. By HECTOR Posted: 5/7/2007 6:12am PDT

    MB is already one of the most diverse auto makers in the market. It has a product range that tries to cater to everyone and therefore it has lost its roots as a builder of luxury cars. It used to be that being seen in an MB meant *I have arrived, I have the means to be driving the best car in the world*. Today it means *I don't have the taste to be driving something better looking* [which these days it's many things - MBs have become very ugly - column mounted gearshift anyone?]. For my money I'd rather be driving a Toyota.
     
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  2. By GIORGIO KARLOS Posted: 5/12/2007 1:22am PDT

    It looks great if mercedes will produce such a roaster as this fabulus new SLA.
    I think it will get much more customers than the SLK one because of the expensive price of the SLK compare to its competitors.
    We hope MB will produce this car in the near future retaining of course the F1 nose and a hard roof.
     
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  3. By Titus Posted: 5/22/2007 6:56am PDT

    This happened to the Smart Roadster?! On the other hand, it's a cute little car designed with a boomerang-like blade slammed into its bonnet. Next from MB will come something looking like a street-legal go-kart.
     
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  4. fb_756493434 avatar Brian Parker Posted: 8/29/2011 7:38pm PDT

    A FWD roadster didn't work for Ford/Mercury or Fiat when they tried to compete with Mazda's MX5 Miata - I daresay this won't be taken seriously either.
     
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