Posted on Thursday 1 May 2008
Mercedes-Benz and its performance divisions AMG and HWA are planning to release several new models in the coming years including a high-performance coupe slotted between the outgoing SLR and the upcoming SL Black Series from AMG. Little is known about the new coupe - likely to be called the SLC - as prototypes have been running around in mock Dodge Viper panels.
This latest spy video of the car testing at the Nurburgring doesn’t give us any clues about the final styling, except that it will feature a long front-end and short rear decklid. We do, however, get to hear the sound from its throaty V8 for the first time. There are two trains of thought about what’s lying under the hood of this prototype. Rumor has it the supercharged V8 from the SLR could find a new home in the SLC but the more likely option will be the same 670hp version of AMG’s hand-built 6.2L V8 earmarked for the new SL Black Series.
Another key feature of the car will be a pair of gullwing doors – a throwback to the 1950’s 300 SL. Production numbers are expected to range between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year and first sales should start in mid 2010.
Sorry, I just don’t know…
The return of the Gullwing appeals to me - and I am usually VERY septical about those new cars copying past glories.
But the headlights and the hood are pure Porsche to me and the shape, though a LOT more pleasing than the new SL class, is kind of vanilla (though maybe that’s a good thing.
But the biggest thing I have against this car… does MB really need a new model? I mean, they must have about 50 of them out there. Why one more?
MB thinks they need competition for the new Alfa 8C’s, the Ferrari Dinos and Maserati’s.
if this car is overpriced and overweight like the SLR it’ll be a flop. Follow Audi and build a more light weight sports car like R8.
anyone else think it maybe a supercharged AMG63 engine?
A 670 bhp 6.2 V8?! I thought Mercedes said they were done with the horsepower wars?
Stephen - that was probably just to trick BMW and Audi.
they said they were done with the HP wars,… as soon as the current big guns run their life cycle.
personally I believe this is why they’re choosing to do a gullwing throwback at this exact moment in history. they have a decent architecture, and they may never have an engine quite as large and powerful as this. this is the last hoorah for cars like this.
after all, mercedes is making nothing but hydrogen cars as of 2015 right?
i lke but i prefer the Audi R8 or the Audi RS6
I’m spanish and in my town, now is 20.30 pm
it’s grate
That car in the video is a camo’d Dodge VIper.. It has identical taillights and front fender vents
HaHA just read the article……..
yeah matt; this car has been going through road testing for a while now,.. at least a year. always under viper skin. a lot of people started thinking the next gen viper would share the platform with the SL but then people realized that would be just plain rediculous.
I must admit, the idea of a merc viper is really interesting though.
dodge viper