Merc’s SLC supercar wings in

Photos: www.eMercedesBenz.com

06th August 2008

Development of Mercedes’ new supercar is flying along! This prototype wears heavy camouflage, but there’s no disguising the gullwing doors – they’re inspired by Merc’s 300SL from the Fifties, and revealed for the first time in this leaked picture.

It shows the SLC, which is due to replace the SLR in 2010. Rather than work with the McLaren Formula One team as it did for that model, though, Mercedes has developed it in-house. It’s entrusting HWA, which runs its factory entries in the DTM German touring car series, to hone the supercoupé.

As a result, the newcomer is likely to have much in common with the company’s SL63 AMG. Under the bonnet, it is set to share the flagship SL’s 580bhp 6.2-litre direct-injection V8. However, the new car’s weight has been slashed – through the liberal use of carbon fibre body panels and an aluminium spaceframe chassis – to enhance performance. Carbon ceramic brakes provide huge stopping power, while an active rear wing aids stability by rising at speed and under braking. The SLC will cover 0-62mph in less than four seconds on its way to a top speed beyond 200mph.

Thanks to www.eMercedesBenz.com for the pictures.