Unveiled in 2009, the Mercedes SLS stands for Sport Leicht Super, but with competition in the sportscar segment being so fierce, none of those characteristics describe it any more. That's why the Germans are starting from scratch with a brand new model, built using aluminum and powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, also going into the next C 63 AMG.
Their goal is to deliver on that original "Leicht" promise and put a car that will rival the Porsche 911. For years, Porsche fans have stubbornly held onto a believe that if you want a 911, you but a 911. However, we're confident the new AMG sportscar will be the most amazing design in its class.
Ironically, the car Mercedes is building to fight the Porsche 911 has the setup of the 928, the stylish coupe from yesteryear that was supposed to replace the 911. Like the SLS, the engine is in the front and the power is going to the back. A long bonnet gives way to a fastback greenhouse with a hatchback and the driver placed very close to the rear tires, where the action is.
There will also be an entry level version of the AMG brute, but don't think of it along the lines of the Mazda Miata or Honda S2000. The lowest output we expect from the base model is somewhere in the 450-500 hp range, to ensure acceleration times are superior to the Carrera S. There will also be an S-Model version and ultimately a 600 hp Black Series to rival the Turbo.
Look for a debut of the new AMG GT sometime this year.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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