The success of the Mercedes-Benz SLS, which has sold 5,000 units since its release and grown to include a Roadster version and has paved way for the automaker to release another AMG version. It will be a smaller, cheaper version of the SLS, poised to rival the Porsche 911.

According to Christoph Jung, development director of performance division AMG, "There is room for an AMG model below the SLS, targeting the Porsche 911. This is the next market for AMG, and we are considering what is the right package."

"It is important to work on our brand and grow it. Look at the Porsche 911 - it is a huge success. They have done a very good job in evolving it over the years. Now, thanks to the SLS, companies like Porsche see AMG as competition. Everyone recognises that AMG can produce super sports cars."

The car will be a two-seater and comes with a front-mounted V8 engine, most likely a development of the company's latest 5.5-litre twin-turbo. This engine would produce up to 500bhp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Expect zero to 100km/h in four seconds and a top speed of 297km/h.

The model will also showcase some highly efficient features such as stop-start technology. The new SLS model would have to start at around 80,000 Euros in order to be profitable. A coupe is a certainty, and a roadster could join it.

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