The number of new car models coming from the design and engineering studios of Mercedes-Benz these days is astounding. But this must be part of the strategy that Mercedes is employing to once again establish its superiority over its other German car manufacturing rivals. On the heels of the announcement of the CLC is news of another little brother to a well-known Mercedes model.

Owing to the relatively healthy sales of the SLS AMG supercar, a baby SLS is now under gestation at Mercedes’ design and engineering facilities. There are no details yet as to what platform will underpin the car, but if it’s going to be a rival for the new 911, then the size should be near that benchmark sports car.  Like the SLS, the car will initially appear as a coupe version, with a cabriolet appearing down the line.

Power is expected to be provided by the 5.5-liter V8, although it’s not sure if the baby SLS will get the biturbo version too. There has to be some differentiation in terms of performance and the SLS AMG is supposed to be the pinnacle. At any rate, the naturally-aspirated engine is no slouch and if there is perceived lack of power, you can be sure that aftermarket tuners will be quick to address that matter. We can expect this baby SLS to have the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that seems to be the perfect partner for the high performance V8.

The baby SLS will reportedly hit the market in 2014 with a price tag of a little over $100,000.