Mercedes mulling sub-SLK “baby” roadster

Thanks to high-demand for green vehicles and more stringent fuel economy standards, Mercedes-Benz is once again contemplating an entry-level roadster. The new roadster would be based on the next-generation A-Class, and would give Mercedes a model to slot beneath the current SLK.

Mercedes-Benz has been mulling a small roadster since the 2000 debut of the SLA Vision concept, but the timing may finally be right for the launch of such a vehicle, according to Drive. Not only would the new model help Mercedes with upcoming fuel economy regulations, but it would also help the company branch out to a new class of buyers.


Although the next A-Class will retain its front-wheel drive layout, the road-going version of the SLA wouldn’t necessarily adopt FWD. Mercedes engineers have indicated the next A-Class’ platform will be extremely versatile, allowing for front-, all- or rear-wheel drive layouts. The baby roadster would likely use a more sporting rear-wheel drive setup.

Power for the small roadster would be sourced from a small four-cylinder, with an AMG model likely. However, unlike typical AMG models, the new roadster would rely more on technology rather than displacement for its added level of performance. Expect the AMG roadster to use a supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Mercedes has yet to green light the baby drop top, but it does get the thumbs up, expect it to hit the market in 2012 – just in time to do battle with BMW’s long-rumored Z2 small roadster.