Mercedes-Benz SLC prototype revealed

Earlier today, shots of a covered up Mercedes prototype surfaced showing an extremely low slung model with a long hood and small cabin sitting on the back of a trailer. Knowing the AMG officials on standby were preparing to test the car, spy photographers lay in wait for the first covers to come off. These are the first shots of the car uncovered revealing that Mercedes’ next super-sports car will have a front engine layout with similar proportions to the current SLR supercar.
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sewingmachine - 8/8/2007 10:41:42 PM

+2 Boost

it looks like a dodge viper.

jeffy210 - 8/8/2007 11:03:56 PM

+2 Boost

You aren't kidding, that is a viper alright... my question, do companies ever clad their test mules in other companies clothing? What would be the reason?

Need4Speed - 8/9/2007 12:11:12 AM

+1 Boost

I'm quite sure when the camo was thought up Mercedes and Chrysler/Dodge were still the same company. Considering that I'm quite sure that Chrysler will not contest Mercedes use of the Dodge Viper look.

minimalist - 8/9/2007 1:01:28 AM

+1 Boost

the mule has a very long wheelbase.

Matthew1 - 8/9/2007 3:20:09 AM

+1 Boost

I doubt the Viper mule would cause any real concern at Chrysler management.

I remember when Porsche used a BMW M5 mule when doing initial testing on the Panamera chassis.

Will_ - 8/9/2007 7:55:06 AM

+1 Boost

Looks like a TVR/Viper mix. BMW had a next-gen X5 mule that literally looked like an armored jewelry box. Test mules are only test mules...

dumpsty - 8/9/2007 10:31:43 AM

+1 Boost

I thought saw an article mentioning that DCX (at the time) was developing a "super" Viper-like vehicle. The company was using AMG engineers to up-the-ante on the Viper program. Of course, this may have been 100% speculation, but maybe there was some truth in it.

dumpsty - 8/9/2007 10:32:59 AM

+1 Boost

...and it's possible that M-B is testing a mule for weight and balancing of an upcoming R8 competitor.

dumpsty - 8/10/2007 10:00:27 AM

+1 Boost

It was rumored that DCX wanted AMG to work with the Viper program to study designs for a Benz uber-coupe. I'm sure they looked at the ME-412 and SLR may produce a rear-drive coupe that will use the best of both vehicles.