A cheaper version of the Mercedes SLS will be here in three years time to rival Porsche 911 and the upcoming Jaguar Coupe.

Allegedly called the Mercedes SLC, this discount version of the SLS will be smaller, much more affordable – about a 100,000 GBP less expensive, and of course less powerful.

That said, Mercedes and AMG will make sure the car is a proper rival for Porsche and Jag by giving it at least 500 hp, almost certainly from the new 5.5 liter biturbo V8. The SLC will also be one of the most efficient cars in its segment, utilizing stuff like start/stop and maybe even cylinder deactivation.

After seeing the Jaguar C-x16 at Frankfurt Motor Show Mercedes AMG officials are convinced they need this GT to keep up with the competition. A coupe is certain, and a roadster could follow it in a few years.

No date have been confirmed, but as mentioned it might not be sooner than 2014.

News source and rendering: AutoExpress