Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz Gullwing
Thanks to the box-office success story that was Back To The Future, the De Lorean may be the most recognizable instance of the gull-wing door, but the most historically significant and the first model to truly popularize this unique portal was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Since then, the German automaker has continued experimenting with the gull-wing design, with the C111 and C112 concepts from the '60s and '70s. Apparently, the time has finally come for a return of the iconic design feature on a production supercar. We've already seen spy shots of what appears to be an odd mash-up of Dodge Viper parts with McLaren supercar bits tacked together, but the latest mule now appears to have the upwards-opening doors that could give the new model its name. Besides the doors, we can definitely see the long hood and short deck styling that echos the design of the current SLR. Rumor has it that the new supercar will wear the AMG badge and be powered by at least 550 horses from an undetermined powerplant hooked to a seven speed automatic transmission. More as we get it.[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joshua 8:31AM (9/25/2008)
pretty boring design
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The Noble Turd 9:07AM (9/25/2008)
troll
Jei 9:34AM (9/25/2008)
I need to have more info about this car. What is the platform really based on? The Viper, SL, SLR? They had been using the Viper body, though modified, and that's OK. If they're intent is just to re-create a modern 300SL, that's cool too..but a rear engine supercar would be better.
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carsteve 9:38AM (9/25/2008)
It would be cool if they brought the gullwing concept to an elegant touring vehicle, or to something south of $70K. A gullwing SLK coupe would be pretty neat.
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Carlos 9:42AM (9/25/2008)
Too bad its going to weigh more than 3500lbs.
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elprogramer 9:43AM (9/25/2008)
Ew...
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J M C 3 10:23AM (9/25/2008)
Mercedes needs a halo car like this to enhance their brand name and lure more people into their dealerships.
I don't think they should present it as a stand alone product.
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Steve C 10:49AM (9/25/2008)
I realize that it's probably based on the SLR chassis, but do they have to make the car so long in the front? Damn, you have to be far-sighted just to see the front end from the drivers seat.
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BGJ 11:28AM (9/25/2008)
Somebody explain the benefit of a gull-wing door? It's heavier, more expensive, and you can't operate it inside most garages.
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DS 4:38PM (9/25/2008)
They're cooler.
Nuff said
RITmusic2k 7:41PM (9/25/2008)
Not to mention you can squeeze your car into some *tight* parking spaces and enter/exit without a care.
zedster 3:14PM (9/25/2008)
Why do the delorean and the 300sl get all the love! Bricklin, the greatest gullwing car evar
//ends trolling
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IMF 11:21AM (9/26/2008)
DeLorean? I think when I think about gullwing cars, I think about a Countach, Diablo and SL300, seldom a DeLorean. But it might be just me.
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