Thread: new merc?????

Mystery Machine: Mercedes SLR? Maybach?

Filed Under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Super Cars, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Shots/Renderings, Future Vehicles August 8th, 2007 9:30 AM



We’re not normally in the habit of buying spy shots of vehicles that are almost completely hidden from view, but the unusual length and partially visible features of this prototype are so bizarre that we just couldn’t help ourselves.
According to our friends at KGP Photography, they believe this is a test mule for the Mercedes-Benz SLC super coupe. Our snappers staked out the Penske truck and the mule for 12 hours in hopes of landing some clean shots, but only managed to come away with these.
KGP indicates that the team of engineers swarming over the prototype were AMG employees, and the mule’s companions included a collection of S-class, C-class (as shown) and G-class vehicles.
The severely cab-backwards tester shown above makes use of some Dodge Viper body panels (presumably sourced before the DaimlerChrysler split), and although it doesn’t really look like it, our spotters say that the car’s wheelbase is close to that of the SLR (they were able to sneak over to the vehicle in the dark of night and measure it at 106-inches!).
Given its severe cab backward proportions, we can’t help but wonder if this isn’t an SLC as indicated, and perhaps something a bit more exotic… perhaps the long-rumored Maybach coupe? (think: Maybach Exelero). After all, this vehicle looks markedly different from what was believed to be an SL-based SLC mule which Hans Lehmann’s Hidden Image captured for us back in June.
In any case, we hope to bring you better (uncovered) shots of the mule in motion tomorrow, but for now, click on the thumbnails below to launch a high-resolution gallery, or on the jump below for KGP’s own thoughts.

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.
Although this first look at the SLC mule is by no means complete, it’s a first step that confirms some rumors, and appears to put other rumors to rest. The test team–consisted of AMG versions of the S- class, C-class, and G-class–was solely AMG, so the presence of this radical mule in this company verifies AMG’s sole role in Mercedes’
SLR replacement now that McLaren is out of the picture.
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. The proportions of this prototype would appear to put to rest any of the mid-engine rumors that had been swirling around Mercedes’ next super car effort.
Everything appears in order for a proper test drive tomorrow, and we’ll be there cameras blazing whenever the cover finally comes off completely.








its either a small trailer-- or the car is so low to the ground a tilt trailer is required,,,,

It's a Merc it's a waste of time.

It's German. It might put up a fight but it'll lose to the British in the end !!!!