Mercedes is working on its own Porsche 911 rival, likely to be badged SLC and due on sale in 2016.
The new coupe will sit between the SLK and SL in size and is to use a development of the aluminium spaceframe from the SLS. It will also have the same front-engined and rear-wheel-drive layout.
Unlike the SLS which sells in relatively low numbers because of its price tag, the SLC will start from a 911 baiting figure.
Mercedes will drop the SLS’s gullwing doors and its 6.2 litre naturally aspirated V8 for the SLC, too. A variety of engine options is expected, including a new 4.0-litre turbo V8 that’s being developed for use in the next generation C63 AMG. It’ll produce around 480 bhp, giving 911 Carrera S rivalling pace.
A more powerful model using the same engine tuned to around 580bhp is also expected, while a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with around 350bhp will kick off the range. An extreme Black Series model is on the cards, too.