Geneva 2013: Mercedes-Benz targets Porsche 911 with new SLS replacement

By Nick Jaynes March 8, 2013

Mercedes SLS Black — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Porsche 911 is one of the best-selling sports cars of all time.

So it’s no surprise Porsche’s fellow German automaker rival Mercedes-Benz wants a piece of that sales success pie. In order to do that, however, Mercedes will have to prematurely end its SLS AMG sports car and replace it with something lighter, sportier, and more diverse. And that’s exactly what they plan to do.

Word has come from the floor of the Geneva Auto Show by way of Autocar that Mercedes will soon send its uproarious SLS out to pasture in place of a smaller rear-wheel drive coupe tentatively called the SLC AMG.

As it stands, the SLS is offered in two models: coupe and roadster. Both feature the same engine, transmission, and interior options. In order to take on the 911, however, the new Mercedes sports coupe would have to wear a few more hats.

Not only will the front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car need to be offered in hard top and convertible models, it’ll need higher and lower-end engine options so that it falls in the $80,000-$120,000 price range.

Before it can unveil – what Autocar reports – is “shaping up to be an “iconic” design for the Mercedes brand,” the German automaker will first need to debut the new S-Class and the new C-Class. The S should be along here in May and the C will make its global debut next year.

We love the latest offerings from Mercedes, most notably the CLA. If the rumored CLA 45 AMG’s 350 horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is any indication of what Mercedes can offer in a compact powerhouse, we can’t wait to see the SLC.

As soon as more is known about the fabled new 911 beater from Mercedes, we’ll be sure to update you.

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Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

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