The shots show a familiar Mercedes Benz steering wheel and a unique dash fitted with silver accented controls similar to that used in the current SLR supercar. Another interesting feature is the retro styled air-vents, which look similar to the units used by Mercedes Benz during the 1970s. The COMAND system knob located on the center console is also identical to the units used by other Mercedes models.
There are few other details known about the new car, which is thought to be called either the SLC or Gullwing, but one rumor that is quickly gaining credence is that it will be the first production model to be badged exclusively under AMG label.
The AMG SLC (or Gullwing) is expected to be shown in production trim at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, while a concept is expected to be shown at Frankfurt next year. A convertible variant, most likely sporting a cloth roof, is expected to be unveiled in 2011. The previous renderings give us a clue as to what the new car could look like, showing a vented bonnet and a new headlight design not seen on any previous Mercedes models.
The car’s exact dimensions have also been reported to be 4.65 meters long, 1.95 meters wide and just 1.25 meters tall, with a wheelbase of just 2.7 meters.
The decision to use only the AMG brand on the new car will also coincide with the release of the company’s first supercar since the end of its partnership with McLaren for the SLR.
Power will come from AMG’s familiar hand-built 6.2L V8 engine and is expected to top out at 580hp (433kW). The engine will be located up front but will be mounted behind the front axle for better weight distribution. Drive will be sent to the rear wheels via a newly developed dual-clutch transmission sitting in front of the rear axle. The SLC’s final kerb weight will be around 1,650kg, and with the V8 engine it should be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds and reach a top speed in excess of 300km/h.
The price of the car is expected to be roughly €150,000 (approximately $234,196), with production numbers likely to fall between 3,000 and 5,000 units per year.
Reader Comments
Thu May 1 2008 5:55 AM
HECTOR says
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?
Thu May 1 2008 9:23 AM
cirquo says
MB thinks they need competition for the new Alfa 8C's, the Ferrari Dinos and Maserati's.
Thu May 1 2008 9:28 AM
Alan says
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.
Thu May 1 2008 10:46 AM
DaveDav says
anyone else think it maybe a supercharged AMG63 engine?
Thu May 1 2008 10:47 AM
Stephen says
A 670 bhp 6.2 V8?! I thought Mercedes said they were done with the horsepower wars?
Thu May 1 2008 11:26 AM
admin says
Stephen - that was probably just to trick BMW and Audi. :)
Thu May 1 2008 11:37 AM
chris says
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?
Thu May 1 2008 1:33 PM
Ad says
i lke but i prefer the Audi R8 or the Audi RS6
Thu May 1 2008 1:35 PM
Ad says
I'm spanish and in my town, now is 20.30 pm
it's grate
Thu May 1 2008 2:08 PM
Matt says
That car in the video is a camo'd Dodge VIper.. It has identical taillights and front fender vents
Thu May 1 2008 2:09 PM
Matt says
HaHA just read the article........
Thu May 1 2008 2:58 PM
chris says
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.
Thu May 8 2008 4:53 PM
max abrams says
dodge viper
Thu Jun 26 2008 3:39 PM
Moises says
The car that is in the video is not a Merc SlC but the Dodge VIper
Wed Jul 30 2008 11:48 AM
Dandan says
deffinately sounds supercharged...
Thu Jul 31 2008 3:03 PM
Gus says
That door is interesting, but wouldn't you wind up hitting your head a lot?
Sat Aug 2 2008 7:43 PM
NaBUru38 says
Alan's point is fair. Here's a list of some sporty Mercedes' weights:
o- SLK 55 AMG: 1575kg
o- CLK 63 AMG Coupé: 1755kg
o- CLK 63 AMG Cabrio: 1875kg
o- SL 63 AMG: 1970kg
o- SL 65 AMG: 2120kg
o- CL 63 AMG: 2085kg
o- CL 65 AMG: 2240kg
o- SLR McLaren: 1825kg
Too much fat in every case. Mercedes, use lightweight materiales, please?
Thu Aug 7 2008 9:15 AM
Carlos says
Very nice retro design
Fri Aug 8 2008 12:34 AM
vaughan says
is it just me or has merc gone and built a dodge viper? check the rear and sides...... clever merc!
Fri Aug 8 2008 2:49 PM
Dandan says
what about the black edition CLK's? and the Black Edition SLK's? they're more high end light diggery sports cars for nutters.
Got to remember MB is probably trying to sell the Gullwing to rich people who probably have an S Class or a CL and want a play thing. They're keeping to their core competences which are luxury comfortable cars...even when they're sports cars.
Tue Aug 19 2008 8:08 PM
Gus says
How would the convertible and gullwing doors work?
Tue Aug 19 2008 8:22 PM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Gus- Same way as they did on the old one. A very short door with a very tall sill.
http://www.silverstarrestorations.com/300SL.htm
Tue Aug 19 2008 9:18 PM
Gus says
That is a cool link, but I still don't understand how that would work in a modern car?
Wed Aug 20 2008 1:51 AM
www.mywheelsonwalls.com says
Gus- Maybe this will help. Although a different problem its still the same solution, that being you will need a stiff structure since there is no roof. In other words they use a much deeper sill to add strength and in this case to hide the doors. http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/vehicles/road/cars/bmw_z1.html
I would assume that the new Gullwing will have a monocoque/tub style chassis in stead of tubes/metal frame. So all they will do is use larger sills and cenventional hinged doors instead of gullwinged doors. The reason being they will already have large sills due to the fact that cutting into the roof for the gull wing doors creates a need to add strength else where. Ever wonder why the sills on the Ford GT are as big as they are?
Wed Aug 20 2008 10:04 AM
Gus says
That makes sense now.
So the cabrio won't have special doors.
I always thought the doors on the Z1 were cool, but tough on safety...
Tue Sep 9 2008 1:24 PM
CK says
To me this car still looks like a Viper with gullwing doors. Maybe they have taken the chassis form the Viper to adapt and modify it for a new car. The dimensions seem to fit this idea. At least they would have a chassis that can handle the power.
Wed Sep 10 2008 7:57 AM
Marco says
580bhp only = =
Wed Sep 10 2008 8:54 AM
Oil Slick Rick says
580 is alot but in recent times you can get that in an estate car 'only' is something you could use when talking about a 6.2.V8 hand built by one of the best builders of engines.
I personally think they should bring use the SLR's 55AMG engine or supercharge this 63AMG for more power and lots of torque.
I do realise I'm rambling now but; the new renderings have an MB grill on them, what happened to this being AMG only?
Wed Sep 10 2008 9:17 AM
mlevere1992 says
Is it me or does the front end look a little like the Mazda RX8?
Wed Sep 10 2008 3:56 PM
james says
that rendering is fantastic! i wasn't a big fan of the previous renderings as they reminded me too much of porches but this is something to really get excited about! i'm impressed
Wed Sep 10 2008 10:00 PM
DiecastHobbyUSA.com says
I like the way the doors open up!
Thu Sep 11 2008 6:19 PM
Wizards Lore says
is it just me or does this look quite good ?
im really glad that the overal style is of cruiser as opposed to brute in your face sports car...
the kind of car that James Bond would drive to the Casino...but woudl leave in an Aston Martin...it just seems to ooze class !
1950's Grace Kelly class !
Mon Nov 17 2008 8:23 AM
Gus says
Somebody really knows their old Benz's, to spot that the air vents are right out of the 70's.
I remember them from my parent's 450SL...
Man, I'm getting old!
Sat Nov 22 2008 2:57 AM
rami says
did someone realize that i looks like a pontiac had a love child with an opel and was tagged mercedes benz AWFULL GERMANS WHERE'S UR MAGIC????!!!
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