Rumor mill: Mercedes-Benz working on production SLA roadster?

Mercedes-Benz is well on its way to becoming one of the most diverse automotive brands on the market, not an easy task given its need to remain a premium and exclusive marque. Already in the pipeline are the next generation A and B-class line of cars, and now there could be a new small roadster based on the same platform earmarked for the next A-class.

Mercedes will be bowing to the public criticism surrounding its entry level A and B-class models, which have been labeled as too down-market and not in fitting with the profile of the types of vehicle that usually wear the three-pointed star. For the latest versions, developers will likely exploit economies of scale by possibly utilizing the same underpinnings as the recently revealed C-class saloon.
Read Article

atomicbri - 5/7/2007 9:08:32 AM

+2 Boost

I wish Mercedes or BMW would build a bare bones roadster. I commented about this in another article similar to this one further up the news list, but again I would love to see a coupe or roadster with just essentials, heat/air, radio for the drives. A SIMPLE interior that is well put together yet clean. Like Lotus does with its Elise/Exige.

ExigeOwner - 5/7/2007 9:29:14 AM

+5 Boost

A big company like BMW or MB would never do a bare bones car like Lotus does because it would kill their reputation. I love my Exige but it does lack in creature comforts which is that BMW and MB prides themselves on. People buy BMW and MB site unseen because they know what to expect. I, even as an owner, would hardly call the Lotus interior "well put together." It is very spartan and utilitarian which gives Lotus it's charm but it's also it's biggest downfall as certain buyers (not me) expect more for the price. People already complain about the rattling and cheapness of the Lotus interior saying that they get far more from a Z4 for less money but they can't match the performance. There is a major trade-off for performance and some people can live with it, the typical BMW owner probably can't.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/7/2007 10:32:33 AM

-2 Boost

Ummm... Guys, this is MB we're talking about. These guys don't have a single manual in their stable.

They turn everything into a Luxury GT-ish thing. Even their A/B-class are 'Lexus-ish' i.e. too comfy.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/7/2007 7:54:19 PM

+1 Boost

I've heard rumors that Audi or VW (or both) will build a bare-bones car like the Elise. It would make sense, because VW might buy Proton, which owns Lotus.

ExigeOwner - 5/7/2007 1:34:05 PM

+1 Boost

Fabian, keep in mind that almost none of the models you listed are available in the US. Only the smaller motor SLK and smallest C class are available in manual on this side of the pond.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/7/2007 7:57:56 PM

+2 Boost

Hey, a manual is still a manual. Lexus only has one manual offering. Audi has seven- A3 2.0T, TT 2.0T Coupe and Roadster, A4 2.0T, A4 2.0T Avant, A4 2.0T Cabriolet, R8.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/7/2007 7:58:15 PM

+2 Boost

Oh, forgot BMW. They have a lot, too.