December 7^th, 1999                                     

Vision SLA: pure roadster based on the A-class

Mercedes-Benz is after the hearts of fun-loving young drivers with a new and exciting roadster study.

Only 3.77 metres short, the Vision SLA offers fun on four wheels: a pure open-air experience, a fascinating design, a unique interior and innovative Mercedes technology.

On January 10, 2000 this two-seater debuts at the Detroit Motorshow.

"Vision SLA is a name with a symbolic character", says Jürgen Hubbert, the member of the Board with responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz car business.

"Firstly this combination of letters indicates the close relationship with the super-sportscar SLR, which will go into production in 2003, and secondly the name SLA unmistakably alludes to its technical base: the Mercedes-Benz A-class".

Pulse-quickening
Youthful and uncomplicated, in peak sporting condition and with stunning looks, the Vision SLA quickens the pulse, provokes spontaneous enthusiasm and transfers the grand tradition of the SL roadsters to the compact segment for the first time.

Powerfully swept fenders, a flat windshield angle, large doors and a gently sloping rear (in the style of the legendary Mercedes silver arrows) are the characteristic features of this roadster design. They join two particularly future-oriented attributes: the eye-catching front fender profile and the arrow-shaped hood of the study with a centrally mounted Mercedes star which the Vision SLA has adopted from the high-performance SLR sportscar.

A-class engine, suspension and safety
Sophisticated Mercedes technology is at work beneath the attractive bodywork. The engineers have remained completely true to the original roadster philosophy: "back-to-the-roots" driving enjoyment.

Like the suspension and safety concept, the roadster study has adopted the 1.9-litre engine with 92 kW from the Mercedes-Benz A-class A190. Innovative light clusters at the front and rear ends, as well as seat bases of carbon fibre, are further technical highlights.