Rendered Speculation: Next Mercedes SLK to spawn gullwing hybrid variant?
The Mercedes-Benz SL range is growing. For years just a solitary model, the mainstay roadster has since spawned the smaller SLK, the fixed-roof Black Series and the McLaren SLR (in its many iterations). Slated to be replaced by the SLC supercar and supplemented by a new baby SLA, new reports indicate that with the next SLK on its way, a compact roadster could gain a gullwing hybrid variant as well.While the two elements would seem unrelated, Mercedes engineers are reportedly set on using the classic SL door configuration as a space-saving, access-enabling solution. The battery packs for the electric motors are earmarked to sit in the door sills, leaving reduced space for entry and exit that could be alleviated by the use of the top-hinged gullwing doors that appeared on the original 300SL – the very same door type that is earmarked to appear on the new range-topping SLC.
The hybrid propulsion system – based on that of the Concept BlueZero E-Cell unveiled earlier this month in Detroit – will reportedly be supplemented by a gasoline-burning V6, an F1-derived kinetic braking system and start-stop engine management. Word is that the combination should be good for AMG levels of performance while returning exemplary gas mileage and low emissions. The next-generation SLK, which could itself include a folding glass roof mechanism, is expected to arrive by 2011, with the hybrid gullwing model following the year thereafter.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JZeke 11:46AM (1/28/2009)
Gullwings to the people!
Reply
P.V. 11:52AM (1/28/2009)
SAH-WEET! I would love to see a modern RWD gullwing roadster!
Reply
Coco 12:00PM (1/28/2009)
gullwings are where it's at... make everything it's attached to "sport"
if a prius had gullwings, it would be classified as sports car.
Reply
Torrent 12:08PM (1/28/2009)
ooh looks good.
Reply
MajorGeek 12:27PM (1/28/2009)
I dont know why we love them so much, but I am with you. Awesome.
Reply
Geekengineer 12:27PM (1/28/2009)
Meh.
The original SLK was pure of shape.... this is a bit overwrought, in my opinion.
The whole "we do Formula 1" bumper lip that apes the front wing of an F1 car is just too much.
Plus it has Camry taillights and Bentley rear fenders. Come on, use some originality.
Thank the FSM this mish-mash is just somebody's alcohol-induced dream.
Reply
Gomi 12:54PM (1/28/2009)
Damn, that's a cool looking concept. I say build it!
Reply
1231234 1:41PM (1/28/2009)
It's a 2002 toyota celica
Reply
Yaroukh 2:02PM (1/28/2009)
Yes! Somebody with a balls! :)
(I hoped reincarnated Ford GT could get these. I know doors are kinda GT40's trademark or part of heritage, but still I think they would suit the car perfectly.)
Reply
Kyle 2:46PM (1/28/2009)
Damn...that looks sexy. If MB put out a hybrid car like this and not its ugly A/B class cars they'd have no problem getting them off the showroom floor.
Reply
BoxerFanatic 2:57PM (1/28/2009)
I was on board until they mentioned batteries in the side sills.
Lithium based batteries are extremely volatile when exposed to atmosphere. A side impact on the car will likely rupture and ignite the battery array, right in your outboard thigh location.
Thanks, but no thanks. I didn't want a pile of batteries in my car before, I REALLY don't want them in that location.
Gull wings are nice, but I like the SLR McLaren or McLaren F1 style "butterfly" doors, that hinge at the top and base of the A-pillar. A gull wing would have weight right above your head, ready to come down, or for you to hit your head on, getting in and out. A butterfly door puts it's weight on the A-pillar structure, and moves further out of your way.
Reply
Kimura 3:00PM (1/28/2009)
If only the actual car would look as good as that render. :(
Reply
Quan 1:27AM (1/29/2009)
Sounds like a great car, but the rear end in that picture is very Toyota Camry.
Reply
Jeff Case 2:24AM (1/29/2009)
Build it! The front and rear lights do look like off-the-shelf Toyota parts, but I love the overall look. There's plenty of time to change the light design. If priced right, they will sell a lot of gullwing SLK's. I'm a guy - not usually attracted to SLK's - but the design and gullwing doors are a major selling point. I would buy this car.
Reply