They must have seen all the interest here! Here's a sketch...http://www.oursl.com/NewsLetter/NL0605/gullwing.htm
A New Gullwing?
Here's a teaser from the German publication Auto Bild. With many automakers looking to their past iconic designs for inspiration for new products, it seems rumors are flying that Mercedes-Benz may join the fray.
Chrysler has its Challenger concept car, Lamborghini has built an updated Muira and Toyota has resurrected the Land Cruiser name plate. Now we hear rumors from Germany implying that Mercedes is discussing a new 300SL Gullwing, possibly constructed by AMG.
Having just launched its first fully in house designed and constructed engine, the 510hp “6.3” V-8, perhaps AMG is now ready to design and construct its first proprietary super car. It all sounds logical to us.
While the specifications and design are pure speculation, some of the particulars could be intriguing; 750hp bi-turbo variant of the AMG's new 6.3 V-8, state of the art lightweight construction materials, and of course true Gullwing doors.
This all begs the question of what to do with the SLR which originally had a build run of 3500 units planned through 2011. With SLR sales sagging, I'm sure the 3500 unit production number will be trimmed and the car phased out prior to 2011. An enthusiastic response to the new Gullwing concept from Mercedes' elite buyers may hasten the SLR's demise. Perhaps the 21 st century “Gullwing” will restore Mercedes to the top of the super car heap, a position it unquestionably occupied with the introduction of the 300SL in 1954.
We'll keep you posted!
New 300sl Gullwing from MB
Posted - May 18 2006 : 12:16:02 PM
