Vision SLA is the name of a roadster study with which Mercedes-Benz aimed to bring the driving sensation of its traditional SL models to the compact car class. Just 3.77 meters long and kitted out with the innovative technology of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the open-top two-seater meets one wish above all others of young, active people: pure driving pleasure.
The Vision SLA speaks perfect, simple driving enjoyment at first glance. With its curved lines, the design symbolizes the dynamics of the roadster, whose youthful spontaneity is infectious: get in, drive off and enjoy is the promise which the Vision SLA fulfills, both in terms of form and technology, every kilometer of the way.
Typical style features which highlights the sporty dynamics include the arrow-shaped front section with the central Mercedes star and the striking wing profile of the hood, adopted from the future Mercedes super sportscar SLR. Here the compact Vision SLA demonstrates that this design element also suits sporty Mercedes models of other vehicle classes. Behind the elliptical apertures in the wing profile of the hood are powerful xenon projection headlamps for low and high beam. As turn signal lights, the Mercedes engineers have used high-performance LEDs which can be found in the outer, transparent ends of the wing.
The design of the interior follows the classic roadster philosophy of concentrating on the essentials. Steering wheel, gearshift lever, two chronometer-design cockpit instruments and a few switches on the center console are all that the driver needs for the pure roadster experience. Primed metal surfaces, matt aluminium elements and transparent perforated metal structures reinforce the simplicity of the look. Naturally processed saddle leather, used to cover the carbon seats and as trim for parts of the instrument panel, the floor and the door panels, lend the interior a special, individual feel.
Two lightweight materials are used for the bodywork: aluminium and plastic. While the loadbearing parts of the body are manufactured from aluminium profiles, the outer bodyshell is largely high-quality plastic. Thanks to this innovative method of construction, the Vision SLA weighs only 950 kilograms.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
"Guys I don't uderstand what you have against Mercedes. You admire only concepts with more than 500ph and extreme design. SLA is just a prototype showing some hints about future Meredes Benz design which may never appear in any model. In fact o-100 km/h is not a bad achievemet for 120hp engine. In the future think for a while before calling MB prototypes"" a failure""."
failure
kennyknoxville 28-3-2003
first impression: MB should toss this concept in the bin. as far as design goes, ill just say i dont like it. same thing with the power. wheres the Vision SLR? now thats a concept thats headed in the right direction.
the worst concept they have ever created
motorhead 26-3-2003
This is the most utterly disgusting thing i have ever seen man. Just look at it. It looks totally hideos. Engine is also not that great. Its 1.8 but it only weighs 950kilos but it accelerates very slowly and what is the top speed!?!? Godness! Look at the lotus elise, brilliant engine, even better looks and the est of all the chassis. If merc is planning to put this ghost in the showroom(which they are must probably not)they better be prepared for what the hell happened to BMW when they launched the new E65 7.
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Vision SLA
Vision SLA is the name of a roadster study with which Mercedes-Benz aimed to bring the driving sensation of its traditional SL models to the compact car class. Just 3.77 meters long and kitted out with the innovative technology of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the open-top two-seater meets one wish above all others of young, active people: pure driving pleasure. 
