With the relationship that produced the SLR supercar ended, Mercedes-Benz and U.K.-based McLaren have gone their separate ways. But like a bitterly divorced couple, the partners-turned-competitors are said to be developing quite the rivalry. Although Daimler AG owns a large stake in McLaren, Mercedes-Benz is reportedly refusing to supply the British carmaker with engines for its successor to the McLaren F1.
Mercedes is also threatening to cease its financial backing of McLaren , according to a report by Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport. Although Daimler previously considered a buyout of McLaren, one must now wonder if the German auto giant is considering dumping its shares altogether.
The root of this newfound rivalry lies in the world of ultra-exclusive supercars. Mercedes is hard at work on its SLC über-coupe, and McLaren is in the early stages of developing its P11 — a successor to the famed F1.
If McLaren was banking on Mercedes providing the engine for the P11 (and ultra-performance P12 variant), the car could see some significant delays, unless another supplier is found soon. Rumors indicate the P11 was supposed to receive an AMG-sourced 6.3-liter V8 making 550 horsepower.
