New Merc Gullwing

Text: Marc Nichol / Photos: Auto Bild/Huckfeldt

26th September 2008

The Gullwing has taken flight! This is the Mercedes supercar that’s set to perch right at the top of the tree when it hits showrooms in 2010.

Our spies have captured a pre-production prototype of the Gullwing out testing in heavy disguise (below). However, its unique, cartoon-like proportions instantly gave its identity away! A long, exaggerated bonnet and set-back cabin make it obvious that this is the successor to the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

That model was widely criticised for being too expensive and dynamically bland, despite its astonishing performance. But Mercedes is determined this model won’t follow the same path. As a result, the German maker has turned to in-house tuning arm AMG to develop its latest supercar. It will ensure that the flagship will have sharp cornering ability to match its amazing looks. Sources suggest the newcomer, which is codenamed C197 internally, will have a unique name aimed to distinguish it as a flagship model, separating it from the SL range. The ‘SLC’ badge has been mooted for some time, although insiders suggest it may be too similar.

Whatever the outcome, production will last for only two years and be limited to around 6,000 cars per year to ensure exclusivity and prestige.

Power will come from either a turbocharged V8 or naturally aspirated V10 generating between 550bhp and 650bhp. This will be sent to the rear wheels via a revised version of the firm’s 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.