While we’re still waiting for more news on the Mercedes SLC, it seems AMG is preparing a baby SLS for late 2012 debut.

While the SLC is said to be a rival for the Porsche 911, reports suggest this yet unnamed “Baby SLS” will be in the same class as the Cayman and the Boxster. That means it will be more focused on lightness, and handling, than brute force and raw power.

AMG’s two-seater sports car will almost certainly boast an all-aluminum body like the new SL-Class, and will be powered by a new, more fuel-efficient powertrain than the current AMG lineup.

And it will be branded AMG, not Mercedes Benz. The in-house tuner is apparently on its way to become an independent sub-brand, which means they will be developing their own cars without being burdened by Mercedes confinements.

The Baby SLS will be unveiled at a major auto show toward the end of the year, possibly the Frankfurt show.

source: MotorTrend