And Now, the Baby Benz SLS

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Mercedes is reportedly contemplating a smaller SLS-derived, V6-engined coupe for 2014, codenamed SLV (the SLS is pictured). The V stands for variable bodystyles -- the car could be configured as a coupe, a convertible, a shooting brake, a roadster -- and the idea behind the program is to make the most of the SLS's aluminium spaceframe architecture.

The six-cylinder engine destined to power to new lightweight sports car is dubbed M276, and in its most powerful guise is reportedly good for 408 horsepower. The 60-degree twin-turbo, direct-injection, 24-valve V-6 will be mated to a brand-new nine-speed automatic transmission which features, just like the SLS, a fast-responding wet double-clutch unit instead of the conventional torque converter. Also rumored is a high-performance hybrid version which boasts a 75-horsepower electric motor integrated in the gearbox housing for a combined output of 483 horsepower.

A twin-turbo 2.2-liter four with 300 horsepower was studied, but despite better mpg and emission numbers, never made it beyond the discussion stage because of fears even a sophisticated four-cylinder sports car will never command the kind of profit margin one can expect from a V-6-engined model. Plus, the SLS architecture would have been too big, too heavy and too expensive for a downsized eco-oriented derivative.
To keep costs down, the engineers intend to carry over the firewall, the front-mid- engine layout, the transaxle configuration and most of the suspension from the SLS. Wheelbase, length, width and height are sufficiently flexible to create a smaller, lighter, more compact car. Like the SLS, the SLV is likely to be built as a joint effort between Magna Steyr (the Graz plant would be in charge of the aluminium spaceframe body assembly) and Mercedes AMG.