Smaller V8 Coupe To Follow SLS AMG: Report

[caption id="attachment_42105" align="aligncenter" width="555" caption="AMG is reportedly considering more stand-alone models to follow the SLS AMG (above)."][/caption]

MERCEDES-BENZ' performance arm AMG is considering a smaller V8 coupe to rival the Porsche 911, if a report by British website PistonHeads is to be believed.

Speaking at the launch of the SLS AMG in California this week, AMG executives reportedly confirmed plans to expand the brand's standalone offerings in coming years.

According to the article, AMG has yet to take a proposal to Mercedes-Benz, but internal discussions have the business moving toward a more compact, more affordable model as the first follow-up to the rather exclusive SLS AMG.

The report goes on to say that the new model would be built on a shortened version of the SLS chassis, utilising the same front/mid-mounted V8-engined layout of its forebear.

A new V8 engine is expected (of course), with a capacity of around 5.8 to 6.2 litres and featuring new technologies such as direct injection and cylinder cut-off systems for greater efficiency at cruising speeds.

In the mean time, AMG must wait and see how its first standalone model, the SLS AMG, fares in the market.

AMG is expected to reveal a convertible version of the SLS AMG - recently spied testing - late in 2010 (view our speculative rendering), and a GT racer is scheduled to hit tracks in 2011.

[pistonheads]