Let’s hope AutoExpress is right about this one (they were wrong earlier this week with their Jaguar XE speculation). According to the publication, Mercedes-Benz is working on a smaller version of the upcoming SLC Gullwing supercar.
Known as the SLK Gullwing, the car will sit on the top of the SLK range, giving Mercedes-Benz a rival to the Porsche S and Audi TT RS. Heck, it may as well be a competitor to the Tesla Roadster and a Fisker Karma because AutoExpress says that the SLK Gullwing will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
The SLK Gullwing will supposedly carry lithium-ion battery packs hidden in the side sills that drive an electric motor. It will be able to go for 120 miles on battery power alone before it needs recharging. But if you’re too far from an outlet to recharge, a 3.5L V6 engine will kick in allowing for additional range and a fuel-economy of 40 mpg. Together, both systems will allow for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Tuning of the performance and handling will most likely be carried out by the AMG division.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC should arrive by the end of this year. AutoExpress says that the baby SLK Gullwing won’t arrive before 2012.
Source: AutoExpress
