Last week, we published a full-size scan from the cover of a recent issue of Germany’s AutoBild magazine showing an artist’s rendering of a rumored remake of the classic Mercedes 300SL ‘Gullwing.’ We’ve since had the chance to look at the accompanying article, and a few more details are available. According to the report, the 2010 model is expected to offer 750 horsepower via a 6.3-liter bi-turbo V8. The entire project is said to be under the direction of the automaker’s AMG group.
The car will have a front-mid-engine layout with 50:50 weight distribution, according to the report. Mercedes is not decided on what type of body construction to use, but the emphasis will be on light weight. So far, there’s no word on specific performance numbers, dimensions, or prices, but “there is a clear vision,” the magazine said.
The Leftlane Perspective: Could this be another collaboration between Mercedes and McLaren? In January, McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh said another road car could be in the works. “The level of interest in McLaren from Mercedes-Benz is higher than it has ever been,” Whitmarsh said. “There is a clear commitment to be in F1 in the long term and refreshed interest in road car activities. I think it is increasingly likely that there will be a range of sportscars designed in Woking in the future.”
One possibility to consider is that this model could be a replacement for the Mercedes SLR coupe, which is expected to give up the spotlight to the SLR roadster next year. According to Auto Motor und Sport SLR roadster sales are expected to exceed coupe sales. If SLR roadster has a folding hardtop like it’s SL- and SLK-Class siblings, it could theoretically replace the SLR coupe entirely.
Such a move would create space for a new super-coupe, such as this proposed Gullwing model.
05/12, 11:35 AM
posted by:
Hemidakota
SLR
GULLWING
VERT
VIPER
FIREPOWER
05/12, 11:41 AM
posted by:
conan
This gullwing AMG coupe is different from McLaren’s P8 mid-engined supercar project.
Both will use turbocharged versions of AMG’s new 6.3 litre engine. There are two versions of the turbocharged 6.3 litre, codenamed ‘Hammer’ and ‘Hammer II’.
The mild boost, ‘Hammer I’, has 571 bhp and 664 lb ft, is very likely to power the SL63 AMG and probably McLaren’s P8.
The high pressure version, ‘Hammer II’, has 707 bhp (or more) and 885 lb ft (reined in to 737 lb ft in first and second gears to save the gearbox). Could probably be used in this AMG’s SLR successor.
This front-mid-engined coupe from AMG will be the SLR’s replacement, but could be priced lower. Whereas the mid-engined McLaren P8 will go head-to-head with the facelifted, 550 bhp Gallardo (2007 or 2008) and the F430’s replacement (due end 2008 as MY 2009).
05/12, 1:06 PM
posted by:
JA
Can’t wait to see some real pictures of this car. It has my interest peaked. Too bad I’m not nor ever will be filthy rich.
05/12, 1:15 PM
posted by:
Scott
AMG’s new 63 V8 motor, for the last time, is 6.2 liters, not 6.3!, LOOK IT UP!!!
05/12, 1:18 PM
posted by:
Jon
Its 6208 cc’s, I guess MB just rounded up…a lot.
Jon.
05/12, 1:45 PM
posted by:
dan
be ticked at mb, not the website. Nomenclature doesn’t count for anything to manufacturers, just one more way to pull the heartstrings of buyers at the last minute. Who thought there was truth in advertising when the bmw 323 was a 2.5L just to keep sales from the appropriately named 328 from dipping? and wtf is a 335i when it has a 3.0L, regardless of whether it’s turboed. Call it the 330T or something. it’s not like bmw has a recent history of not labeling a turbocharged car distinctively, given the 330d labels, etc.
a new corvette is really a 428 ci, right, despite the 7.0L tag?
05/12, 2:00 PM
posted by:
Jon
BMW’s 3-series should be named as follows:
330i (3.0-liter I-6, 225 bhp)
330si (3.0-liter I-6, 255 bhp)
330ti (3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6, 300 bhp)
But, that’s never going to happen, instead they will keep with this ridiculous naming scheme that has nothing to do with the actual size of the engine.
Jon.
05/12, 2:11 PM
posted by:
Scott
My point being that a car enthusiast (website) shouldn’t post faulty data, and yes I don’t see the point of Merc using its “historical” 63 designation here, anyone who can keep track of Merc’s motors is a total genius.
Cheers!
05/12, 2:13 PM
posted by:
Sean
I guess MB just rounded up…a lot.
There’s historical significance to naming it the “63″ with all the 6.2 liter V8s AMG is making.
05/12, 3:09 PM
posted by:
Cartman
F1 pundits have described the relationship between McLaren and MB as anything less than cheery, especially with the current state of their 06 performances. If this is a McLaren collaboration I don’t think I’d get out my checkbook just yet….
05/12, 4:07 PM
posted by:
Jon
F1 is a difficult sport to tackle from all sides, especially when Ecclestone is riding up your ass.
Jon.
07/11, 5:08 PM
posted by:
Scudetto
Gordon Murray, the designer of the McLaren F1, left McLaren Cars over the SLR, saying it was too bloated and compromised a car to bear the name “McLaren.” Meanwhile, a number of years ago, Mercedes purcahsed a 40% stake in McLaren for not only the F1 partnership, but also with the intention that McLaren would build Mercedes’ niche cars. Indeed, McLaren built their new Paragon facility to accomodate that sort of road car production. The SLR ended up threatening that whole partnership and investment.
If this project does end up with McLaren, it will be more to make good on their mutual investments rather than an interest to make another McLaren-Mercedes road car. Worse, Gordon Murray will not be involved.
07/28, 12:15 AM
posted by:
phil jones
How much is the gullwing?