---
title: "Mercedes-AMG Is Preparing a Porsche 718 Rival, Report Says"
description: "The new AMG will succeed the SLC, get Project One styling, and may be mid-engined."
date: "2018-07-11"
modified: "2018-07-11"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/22079/mercedes-amg-is-preparing-a-porsche-718-rival-report-says"
categories:
  - "Mercedes-Benz News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "German Cars"
  - "Mercedes-AMG"
  - "porsche"
  - "sports cars"
---

# Mercedes-AMG Is Preparing a Porsche 718 Rival, Report Says

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/07/17c674_001-source-e1531271742684.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

According to an *[Autocar](<https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/mercedes-amg-launch-porsche-718-cayman-rival>)* report, Mercedes-AMG is preparing to build an [entry-level sports car to take on Porsche's 718 Cayman and Boxster](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/20092/mercedes-amg-may-build-a-bespoke-porsche-cayman-rival-report-says>). The car will apparently serve as an "indirect successor" to the SLC (formerly known as the SLK) roadster, look like a miniature Project One, and—just like that hypercar—possibly store its engine in the middle.

Sitting under the 911-baiting AMG GT range, the new car will come in both coupe and convertible flavors just like the 718 twins it sets out to battle. Engine-wise, *Autocar* says buyers will have a choice between the turbocharged 2.0-liter found in the company's next-generation [A45 hot hatch rumored to make more than 400 horsepower](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/15524/next-mercedes-amg-a45-could-have-more-than-400-horsepower>) or a less potent A35 motor good for around 300 horsepower. This would put the AMG right inside the Boxster/Cayman's ballpark with those two cars currently pumping out 300 horses apiece in base trim, 350 in S guise, or 365 ponies if one opts for the GTS versions.

Following in the footsteps of the SLS, GT, GT 4-Door Coupe, and Project One, the upcoming Porsche-fighter will be Mercedes-AMG's fifth bespoke creation. The company has previously ruled out building [its own crossover](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/19139/mercedes-amg-rules-out-a-bespoke-crossover>).

Quoting a senior Mercedes manager speaking to the British publication, "A lot of thought has gone into how Mercedes-AMG can better leverage its success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1 and endurance racing. One idea is a sports car that is relatively attainable financially and ideally suited to track day running."

Speaking on the possibility of mid-mounted power, an anonymous *Autocar* source said, "[Project One](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/14246/1000-horsepower-mercedes-amg-project-one-hypercar-unveiled>) represents the start of a new era for Mercedes-AMG, not only in terms of the electrified driveline but also the placement of it behind the cabin. Just how it will affect future models remains to be seen. However, a mid-rear layout is no longer taboo."

We've reached out to Mercedes-AMG for further comment and will update this story upon response.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)