Roadster derived from A-Class considered by Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz may be building a new diminutive roadster based on the SLA concept from 2000. The popularity of premium-priced diminutives and the Smart car has encouraged Mercedes-Benz to contemplate on introducing the next generation of A- and B-class versions in North America. The small-car couple receives a remodeling for the 2012 model year with a fresh front-wheel-drive platform that comes with either a 4-cylinder gasoline or diesel powertain.

Information has reached AutoWeek that Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche is contemplating a proposal for a two-passenger roadster patterned on the A- and B-segment. The compact roadster equipped with front-wheel-drive brings back the idea at the back of the outstanding Vision SLA concept unveiled in 2000 at the Detroit auto show. The decision of Mercedes-Benz to visit the SLA again comes as Volkswagen plans to unveil a fresh mid-engine roadster concept in January at the auto show in Detroit, and is in keeping with the news that BMW is going forward with plans for a 1-series-based Z2 roadster placed under the Z4.
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dacosta70 - 12/5/2008 9:45:35 AM

+3 Boost

looks like a saturn sky.

t_bone - 12/5/2008 9:49:00 AM

+4 Boost

A roadster can't be FWD.

Bmw8ter - 12/5/2008 12:08:10 PM

+1 Boost

Don't forget the Buick Reatta.

Bmw8ter - 12/5/2008 12:10:02 PM

+1 Boost

Obviously much longer, put a pooper FWD roadster nonetheless.

Type707 - 12/5/2008 6:53:08 PM

+1 Boost

FUGLY...nuff said

KoruKinshi - 12/10/2008 12:28:04 PM

+1 Boost

I'd buy it. I wanted to buy it when it was first announced. I'm definitely for the metal grate type manual transmission, and I enjoy the general look of the car altogether.