What is it?
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA
What's special about it?
With its "transparent technology" design theme and arrow-inspired styling, the Vision SLA not only continues a tradition of sporty, distinctive drop tops bearing the three-pointed star but also cements elements of the wild Vision SLR concept (approved for production and arriving in 2003) in the Mercedes-Benz design vocabulary. Using the platform and several large chunks of hardware donated by the European A-Class people mover, Vision SLA boasts industrial bodywork rendered in plastic and aluminum. Weighing less than 2,100 pounds, the SLA is easily motivated by a spunky turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine routing 125 horsepower to 19-inch rear wheels through a gated five-speed manual transmission. Most intriguing about the design is the wing that runs across the front of the car and through the front fenders to form the turn signals, and the perforated aluminum panels comprising the hood on either side of the prominent spear running down the centerline of the car. With xenon headlights and LED taillamps and turn signals, it's even easier to notice the SLA from a distance. Inside, a minimalist approach was taken, and all surfaces are rendered in aluminum, metal, or saddle-quality leather that has been tanned using only vegetable matter. Two gauges patterned after chronometers used to time acceleration runs in the 1950s supply data regarding speed, engine temperature, engine revs and fuel level. Others appear as needed, and the odometer can be accessed using a small knob to the side. Seats are constructed of carbon fiber for weight savings, and tip the scales with 25 percent less mass than similarly outfitted versions using conventional materials. Power windows, locks and mirrors are standard, as is a stereo. Vision SLA also comes equipped with stability control, Brake Assist ABS and telematics (the latter loosely defined as the use of cellular technology and telecommunications to obtain information).
Why should I care?
Vision SLA proves that A.) Mercedes-Benz is still committed to building fun cars, B.) the Vision SLR wasn't a fluke, stylistically, and C.) wood trim is out, replaced on the cool-meter by aluminum detailing.
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLA
What's special about it?
With its "transparent technology" design theme and arrow-inspired styling, the Vision SLA not only continues a tradition of sporty, distinctive drop tops bearing the three-pointed star but also cements elements of the wild Vision SLR concept (approved for production and arriving in 2003) in the Mercedes-Benz design vocabulary. Using the platform and several large chunks of hardware donated by the European A-Class people mover, Vision SLA boasts industrial bodywork rendered in plastic and aluminum. Weighing less than 2,100 pounds, the SLA is easily motivated by a spunky turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine routing 125 horsepower to 19-inch rear wheels through a gated five-speed manual transmission. Most intriguing about the design is the wing that runs across the front of the car and through the front fenders to form the turn signals, and the perforated aluminum panels comprising the hood on either side of the prominent spear running down the centerline of the car. With xenon headlights and LED taillamps and turn signals, it's even easier to notice the SLA from a distance. Inside, a minimalist approach was taken, and all surfaces are rendered in aluminum, metal, or saddle-quality leather that has been tanned using only vegetable matter. Two gauges patterned after chronometers used to time acceleration runs in the 1950s supply data regarding speed, engine temperature, engine revs and fuel level. Others appear as needed, and the odometer can be accessed using a small knob to the side. Seats are constructed of carbon fiber for weight savings, and tip the scales with 25 percent less mass than similarly outfitted versions using conventional materials. Power windows, locks and mirrors are standard, as is a stereo. Vision SLA also comes equipped with stability control, Brake Assist ABS and telematics (the latter loosely defined as the use of cellular technology and telecommunications to obtain information).
Why should I care?
Vision SLA proves that A.) Mercedes-Benz is still committed to building fun cars, B.) the Vision SLR wasn't a fluke, stylistically, and C.) wood trim is out, replaced on the cool-meter by aluminum detailing.
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