Many were sad to see the SLS AMG drive off into the sunset just five short years after its launch, once again leaving the Three-Pointed Star without a gullwing in its lineup. Previous Mercedes-AMG boss Ola Källenius offered some solace with news that a successor will be built, but only after some time has passed—though nothing like the 50-plus years between the demise of the 300SL and the arrival of the SLS AMG.
Now, current Mercedes-AMG chief Tobias Moers has offered some insight into the development of the new car. Speaking with Motor Trend, Moers explained that Mercedes-AMG is all about bringing race car technology to the street and that he wants to see the sports car skunk works elevated to the same heights as brands like Porsche.
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“We want to be seen by the public on the same level as the other sports car maker in Germany,” he said.
That means having a high-end supercar in its lineup, presumably one with hybrid technology. Mercedes-AMG has plenty of vehicle electrification know-how thanks to its links to the successful Mercedes AMG Formula One team as well as its previous work with the SLS AMG Electric Drive, and this know-how would almost certainly be employed for any new flagship model from the brand.
But what about the mid-engine layout? Moers explained that it would be difficult to do an all-wheel-drive car with Mercedes-AMG's current front engine, transaxle design, which Motor Trend is thinking could mean a new mid-engine layout is being looked at—especially if Mercedes-AMG wants to build an all-wheel-drive supercar like Porsche’s 918 Spyder.
As for the car’s internal combustion component, this would almost certainly be Mercedes-AMG’s new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8.
Of course, much of this remains speculation at this point, so take all of this with a grain of salt. As for when we might see a new gullwing? The current thinking is around the end of the decade.
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