Now that Mercedes->ke187 has officially unveiled the SLS AMG Roadster, people have turned their attention to the long rumored baby SLS. In an interview with AutoExpress, Christoph Jung, Development Director of Performance Division AMG, said that a new AMG model is planned and will compete with models like the Porsche 911->ke282 and Jaguar C-X16: "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 recognizes that AMG can produce super sports cars."

Jung didn't offer any more details on the next sports car, but he did confirm that it will be a two-seater model powered by a V8 engine. We expect to see a 5.5 liter engine with a total output of 500 HP. Along with this new power, Mercedes will also focus on efficiency boosting measures such as a start/stop system.

The new model will be priced from about 80,000 euro, or about $105,000 at the current exchange rates.

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