Mercedes may build roadster based on A-Class

Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA concept 2000

Mercedes is considering a compact roadster to compete with coming models from VW and BMW

By Alex Ricciuti
December 8, 2008 8:28 PM
Filed Under: Concept Car, Detroit Auto Show, German, Mercedes-Benz

Small cars are making a comeback and the current crisis can only help them state their case. So, it may not be surprising that Mercedes is considering a new roadster based on the A and B Class platform.

The new roadster would be based on the SLA Concept Mercedes unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show way back in 2000. It would be slotted beneath the SLK in the product lineup and is intended to compete with new models that are coming from VW and BMW. VW will be showing its new mid-engine roadster concept at the Detroit show in January, and BMW is working on a Z2 roadster based on the 1-series that will be smaller than the Z4.

The next generation A and B Class are expected as 2012 models and will get a new front-wheel drive platform, which they could potentially share with this new Mercedes compact roadster. The new A and B Class will also be getting two additional variants each - a coupe and an SUV version. Mercedes is investing over 1.5 billion euros on this new platform, including a new production plant in Hungary.

Source: Autoweek

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Comments

NOTAY

December 8, 2008 8:44 PM

iv seen better looking donkeys

afterace2

December 8, 2008 9:13 PM

While this concept was hideous, no doubt about it, the whole idea is rather wise for MB, they should turn the whole A-class into some handsome sleek A3 competitor instead of an egg on wheels. They could make coupe and convertible out of it.

Motor_Yakuza

December 8, 2008 9:19 PM

Next A class MUST be electric, or is useless.

BabyMilo

December 8, 2008 9:51 PM

that is so ugly, i would way rather have a 1 series coupe

Penner

December 8, 2008 10:25 PM

The back is simply amazing. The front sucks. Do it!

car-o-bar

December 8, 2008 11:14 PM

It rocks. Build it MB.

wjaprep

December 8, 2008 11:44 PM

Mercedes, stop. You have to many models. Personally I think they should stop the A and B class and introduce a smaller engined C class or something. Eitherweigh, I think Mercedes has enough models.

nendor

December 9, 2008 12:02 AM

very true they have all kind of models :P

Panamera

December 9, 2008 12:16 AM

it looks blind. it makes george bush look like a supermodel

alex_w115

December 9, 2008 4:46 AM

to all you who share their opinion on the looks: Do you really think MB is going to base their design on something they showed 8 years ago?

Anyway: Finally something affordable fun-car from MB. Too bad it will probably front wheel drive. I hope they go for a soft top to reduce price & weight.

blay

December 9, 2008 5:29 AM

whoever at Merc greenlit this should be fired. We all know how much concept models cost to design and build. Maybe that million dollars or so would've been better spent helping Chrysler out of the debt hole that they've fallen into.

benzboy

December 9, 2008 9:38 AM

I have to agree MB has enough models and this design is 8 years old. I will stick with my current slk and sl63 as this is kinda ugly , Love MB but you have to draw the line somewhere

abramo

December 9, 2008 5:37 PM

I am a current A Class owner and the concept of a complementary sports car based on the A Class makes sense to me, already for some time now. But this particular design is ugly in my eyes and also cheap-looking.

I find the current A Class elegant (in contrast to the vulgar B Class) and an elegant young-spirited roadster would be a welcome addition to the family. However, *not* something along the lines of "smart" (or Toyota!!).

If you desire a "smart" you buy a "smart" - a MB should be a different story altogether, should spell style and quality, even at the popular A Class level.

(methiks :)

alessandro

December 9, 2008 8:48 PM

Totally agree, current A-class is a beautiful car.

alessandro

December 9, 2008 8:45 PM

Oh I like it. Feels like somebody in MB got sober, with some hangover so far but awake.

RGL

December 9, 2008 8:54 PM

Shoulkd be ok if the make it right, looks gd goes well and is cheap and economical then they will have best seller

alessandro

December 9, 2008 9:13 PM

More over I think there will be a coupe for next and they already are in stage of building new contsepts (incl. B-class e.g. 4-seater) to compeat upcoming Renault Alpine or even to be first in this segment. That kind of approach is about to change car world, fans!

PotatoEater

December 10, 2008 11:35 AM

A class is for wannnabes. just like the 1 series.

alessandro

December 12, 2008 8:34 PM

People I know who have a A class or 1 series do not pay for badge a s*** but they like little European cars and not very fond of retro-stiled Mini kind of things. Oh'... one of them is about to add a new badge into the narrowed to 1 car variety of his family choices, its Lancia.

blay

December 12, 2008 3:58 PM

I wouldn't say that the A class is for wannabes. More like, why are you paying so much more for what is such a basic car? Sure you get an MB badge but...

...ok i admit, the Aclass and 1series is for wannabes :p

alessandro

December 12, 2008 8:15 PM

What somebody can want to be by driving €25.000 mid-engined car. Joke! Its rather a living pleasure thing I'd prefer it for R8 any time. If you have no fortune to buy a Ferrari - buy a car, simple as that.

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