Mercedes-Benz SLC*UPDATE 08/08/07*

[evoWalo]

If megatron comes back from the trench he must come back as a SLC. Anything less would be gay.

[ya55erm]

Here is a set of photos of a test mule for the Mercedes SLC, being prepared for desert testing by a group of AMG engineers. These partially-covered shots are the product of a 12-hour stakeout, in which the hoped-for test-drive never materialized. Instead, the engineers simply readied the prototype for testing, while taking great care to keep the test mule covered as much as possible. It wasn’t until late afternoon that the final steps required a quick peek under the hood, finally revealing the car’s front fascia and fenders.

Back in July, AMG had released a small statement which announced that Mercedes and McLaren had discontinued their cooperation on the development of a smaller mid-engined SLR follow up known as the McLaren F2, and Mercedes had instead chosen their own in-house performance branch AMG to build a different supercar, known as the SLC. However, since AMG doesn't manufacturer cars, they enlisted their partner in Deutsche Tourenwagon Masters (DTM) championship, HWA Racing, to help develop the SLC. HWA Racing was created by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht as Mercedes' official racing team. Therefore it comes as no surprise, the test team in the desert, consisting of AMG versions of the S- class, C-class, and G-class, appeared to be solely an AMG operation.

The proportions of this prototype would appear to put to rest any of the McLaren F2 mid-engine rumors that had been swirling around Mercedes’ next super car effort. The mule uses some Dodge Viper body panels at the rear, but any Viper similarities end there, as this SLC mule has a longer wheelbase right around 106-inches (measured right from the prototype as it was parked overnight). The wheelbase of this prototype closely matches that of the SLR, and it clearly displays a long hood and cab-rearward stance.

Everything appears in order for a proper test drive tomorrow, and we’ll be there cameras blazing whenever the cover finally comes off completely. Stay tuned!



Source:Copyright by KGP Photography




http://www.worldcarfans.com/6070808....-in-the-desert

[Z3uS]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas That's a very loooooong bonet!! :shock:

Impossible not notice that! really long! :shock:

[rave426]

Thats a batmobile. Got damn, whats under that damn bonnet.

[blue8]

^ Looks wicked!

Spy photographers have captured the first ever images of what appears to be a test mule for the next Mercedes-Benz supercar. Earlier, we brought you photos of the car under a cover, but after following the test team for two hundred miles deep into California canyon country, the AMG test group finally stopped and unloaded their Mercedes SLC mule for some test runs. A successor to the SLR, this new car is thought to be the product of a partnership between Mercedes/AMG and H.W.A., rather than McLaren. These partially-covered shots come after a 12-hour stakeout, in which the hoped-for test-drive never materialized. Instead, the engineers simply readied the prototype for testing, while taking great care to keep the test mule covered as much as possible. It wasn't until late afternoon that the final steps required a quick peek under the hood–finally revealing the car's front fascia and fenders. Although this first look at the SLC mule is by no means complete, it's a first step that confirms some rumors, and appears to put other rumors to rest. The test team–consisted of AMG versions of the S- class, C-class, and G-class–was solely AMG, so the presence of this radical mule in this company verifies AMG's sole role in Mercedes' SLR replacement now that McLaren is out of the picture. The mule uses some Dodge Viper body panels at the rear, but any Viper similarities end there, as this SLC mule has a longer wheelbase right around 106-inches (measured right from the prototype as it was parked overnight). The wheelbase of this prototype closely matches that of the SLR, and it clearly displays a long hood and cab-rearward stance. The roof's profile suggests it's probably a folding hardtop. Not an R8 clone The proportions of this prototype would appear to put to rest any rumors about a traditional mid-engine layout. Clearly, the engine will not sit behind the passengers as it does in the Audi R8. Previous reports indicated Mercedes would be building a direct rival to the R8 — a possibility that is still valid, despite the car's drastically different appearance. Like the SLR, this new car might have a "front-mid-engine" configuration, meaning the engine is positioned between the driver and front axle. The name "SLC" is mostly speculative, and could change before the new car hits showroom floors.

KGP’s desert rats note that the SLC’s dimensions are very similar to that of the already-in-production SLR, though the mule here would indicate that a more traditional exhaust treatment is likely. Once again, as mentioned earlier, this prototype makes liberal use of Dodge Viper body panels, but our spies have actually talked to the Mercedes-piloting engineers, one of whom rather candidly admitted that this is, in fact, the SLC.

[ya55erm]

The front wings and lights remind me of that new look Shelby cobra

[saadie]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas Looks like a Viper!!

this one's got what ... a 9 liter engine

[blue8]

Though nothing quite as epic as "The Lord of the Rings", the unmasking of the Mercedes SLC mule has become something of a trilogy. First came the partially covered prototype, then we caught the SLC uncovered when it finally hit the road for testing. Now, in our latest run-in with this SLC prototype, the AMG-based Mercedes test group has removed the mule's fake plastic nose piece, revealing more nuanced styling that just might give us a real taste of the SLC's future face. Some definite styling elements now appear visible, with a large central grille opening, flanked by two smaller air-intakes sitting below the headlights. An additional air slit runs the full width of the SLC's "chin". We now get the impression of a smartly chiseled front fascia, and pronounced front wheel arches. The initial test runs on the SLC were conducted over some tight canyon roads, in higher elevations where the temperatures were only in the low-eighties. The conditions were hardly suitable for hot- weather trials, but they seemed ideal for testing suspension settings. These newer shots were taken in Death Valley, where temperatures were hovering around 120-degrees. That may explain the need to remove the SLC's false nose, finally revealing something much closer to the car's true styling. Thus uncovered, the engineers could gather much more accurate engine-cooling data.

[blue8]

Mercedes working on a 300SL Successor (from Motor Authority)

Mercedes is working on a spiritual successor to the 300 SL Gullwing, one of the most revered cars in history. Priced between €140,000 and €200,000, the mega-Merc will be built on a shortened SL platform and is codenamed W198. Unlike the Mercedes-McLaren SLR, which was deemed to be a failure, the W198 will be built internally by Mercedes and AMG and the company expects to sell 3000-5000 units per year, according to a report from Germany’s Auto Motor Und Sport. It’s expected the venerable 6.2L AMG V8 will once again make an appearance, this time developing close to 620hp. Despite the platform being shared with the SL, it’s expected most other components will be different to allow for some differentiation and to make room for the distinctive gullwing doors. The new model will sit between the SL and SLR in terms of performance and price. Despite being a homage to the old 300 SL, don’t expect the W198 to be shamelessly retro. Apparently, the first drawings provided by the designers were too close to the original and they were sent back to create something more modern. It’s expected the W198 will hit the streets in 2010. In the meantime, Mercedes will be replacing the SL55 with the SL63, featuring the 6.2L V8. You can also expect to see a lightweight “superleggera” version of the SL weighing 100kg less than the standard model and developing up to 700hp.

... I'm confused! Are they talking about the SLC here? If I'm not mistaken the SLC will be built by Mercedes and HWA (not AMG) and it's meant to be slotted between the SL and SLR. The power figures are similar to those mentioned for the SLC. However, if it's based on the shortened SL platform then it's definitely not the SLC because that's supposed to have dimensions similar to the SLR (as in the Viper test mule seen above). R8 fighter perhaps?

The 'superleggera' SL must be the Black Series AMG.