German Car Zone

WOW!










Mercedes SLC Test Mule Spied in the Desert


Here is a set of photos of a test mule for the Mercedes SLC, being prepared for desert testing by a group of AMG engineers. These partially-covered shots are the product of a 12-hour stakeout, in which the hoped-for test-drive never materialized. Instead, the engineers simply readied the prototype for testing, while taking great care to keep the test mule covered as much as possible. It wasn’t until late afternoon that the final steps required a quick peek under the hood, finally revealing the car’s front fascia and fenders.

Back in July AMG had released a small statement which announced that Mercedes and McLaren had discontinued their cooperation on the development of a smaller mid-engined SLR follow up known as the McLaren F2, and Mercedes had instead chosen their own in-house performance branch AMG to build a different supercar, known as the SLC. However, since AMG doesn't manufacturer cars, they enlisted their partner in Deutsche Tourenwagon Masters (DTM) championship, HWA Racing, to help develop the SLC. HWA Racing was created by AMG co-founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht as Mercedes' official racing team. Therefore it comes as no surprise, the test team, consisting of AMG versions of the S- class, C-class, and G-class, appeared to be solely an AMG operation.

The proportions of this prototype would appear to put to rest any of the McLaren F2 mid-engine rumors that had been swirling around Mercedes’ next super car effort. The mule uses some Dodge Viper body panels at the rear, but any Viper similarities end there, as this SLC mule has a longer wheelbase right around 106-inches (measured right from the prototype as it was parked overnight). The wheelbase of this prototype closely matches that of the SLR, and it clearly displays a long hood and cab-rearward stance.

Everything appears in order for a proper test drive tomorrow, and we’ll be there cameras blazing whenever the cover finally comes off completely. Stay tuned!


Mercedes SLC Test Mule Spied in the Desert


All I can say is wow. Whatever this is, it sure is big and looks mean as hell. It looks as if it has the same front-mid-engine layout of the SLR, but my god look at how long that nose is! The front fenders look like a DTM car. I don't know what to make of this.

M

Holy sh*t, the game is on!!!! :








BTW: It seem like the engine is going to be located almost above the front axle like the 599GTB

Look at how long that damn wheelbase is! That is ridiculous.

M

Yeay Marcus. The hood seem to be as long as my bed. Very loooooooooong car though, it barely fits on the trailers.

That seriously looks WICKED! It's scaring the $h!t out of me already.

Thanks God SLC won't be a rear / mid - engined car!

^why whats wrong with rear or mid engine cars??

PS
God damn thats not the SLC its the batmobile

Odd proportions & weird shapes.

Also: a company should make cars that's fit their portfolio best & fitting know-how. Eg. I can't imagine Porsche front-engine supercar, or similar car from Lamborghini.

MB have more experiences with front-engined RWD cars (and so do BMW), and it's just right they are developing & offering such sports cars (and not some exotic models like mid-engined sports cars - which eg. fit better in Lamborghini, Porsche etc portfolio).

^gotcha

I think this car will have smaller overhangs than does the mule, or at least I hope it does!? In profile, the mule looks very SLR like, with very long front and rear overhangs, a feature of the SLR I have never been too fond of. I'm hoping this car will be the size of an SL, have the engine pushed as far back behind the front axle as possible, and an ultra nice exhuast system with R8 rivaling bodywork. Now that would nice!