Concept Car: Mercedes Vision SLA

A cheap Mercedes sports car? Well, if it were produced, the estimated price-tag is about £20,000. That puts it in a competitive position against the MX-5, MGF, Lotus Elise and so on.

Any clever tech tricks? The door handles fit flush to the body to help aerodynamics, but spring out to the touch. Apart from that, the Vision SLA's more about M-B heritage than technical tour-de-force. It's styled to be reminiscent of the legendary Mercedes Silver Arrows racers, as well as the SLR, though having said that, the Silver Arrows didn't have LED (light-emitting diode) indicators and tail-lights, nor a line-up of blinding xenon headlamps. It's a spiritual successor for the 21st century, not a retro pastiche. It also incorporates some neat, modern safety features from the A-Class, including the sliding floor that pushes the engine safely underneath in the event of a head-on collision.

Does it really have plastic bits? That doesn't sound appropriate for a Merc. The SLA has panel sections made from the latest high-strength, lightweight plastics, as well as the expected aluminium bits. That helps to keep weight right down, for that stripped-out sportster feeling. Any disquiet over the use of plastic is allayed by the state-of-the-art leather 'n' aluminium cockpit. And just in case you're worried about safety, the SLA has Brake Assist ABS anti-lock brakes and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), despite its budget credentials.

Is it just a soft-top, cut-down A-Class? Well, yes. It's based on the A-Class platform (though it has its own unique aluminium chassis components) and it borrows the A190's engine. But so what? It has a style all of its own. The plundering of the A-Class spares shelf just helps to keep costs down - it shouldn't make the SLA any less pure.

It all sounds good - I'll have an A-Class for everyday, and an SLA for weekends, all for less than the price of an SL. When can I get one? Mercedes-Benz isn't committing the SLA to production at the moment. It went down well at the recent Detroit Motor Show, though, so M-B may be persuaded the idea's a goer. Because of the shared A-Class bits, it would be quick to finish and easy to produce. However, it may be too close to the forthcoming Smart Roadster in size and price to make it worthwhile. Who knows? If it got the green light it could be on sale by 2003...

TECH SPEC:

Engine:
1898cc four
Max Power:
125 bhp
Top speed:
130 mph
0-60 mph acceleration:
7.9 seconds
Fuel consumption (estimated):
40 mpg
Transmission:
five-speed manual
Suspension, front:
MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension, rear:
Trailing arm, anti-roll bar
Weight:
950 kg
Length:
12 ft
Wheels:
19 in alloy

• Back to Features