Mercedes SLR

A new ultimate Mercedes is on its way! Just weeks after production of the SLR Coupé was halted, our spy photographers have caught its successor on the road for the first time.

Engineers have been spotted put­ting a test mule for the forthcoming super-Merc – dubbed SLC – through its paces in the Californian desert.

Significantly, the brand is turning its back on McLaren – with which it developed the SLR – for the new car. Instead, the 700bhp two-door is being worked on exclusively by Mercedes’ in-house engineers. And when it hits dealers, the SLC will go head-to-head with an all-new supercar the Formula One giant is building on its own.

Our exclusive image (right) was created using inside information, and reveals how the hi-tech Merc could look when the wraps finally come off. As well as the new McLaren, it will take on the next generation of ultra-high-performance models from Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini.

Our spy shots show it will use a traditional front-engined layout – an elongated nose and compact cabin are clearly visible from the proportions of the menacing black prototype. This confirms that rumours the model will be mid-engined were incorrect. Instead, Mercedes will continue with the SLR’s layout, as we predicted in Issue 967.

Don’t be fooled by the Dodge Viper bodywork, either, because the disguised model still reveals a host of interesting details about the car. For example, the test mule rides on an extended wheel­base which is an exact match for that of the SLR.

However, unlike Mercedes’ current flagship, the newcomer won’t feature sporty side-exit exhausts; if you look closely, the holes in the sills are redun­dant. Instead, a pair of tailpipes pokes out from beneath the rear bumper.

The prototype’s sharply tailored roofline also suggests that the forthcoming Merc­edes could get a folding hard-top. But the production version is more likely to be offered in separate coupé and roadster bodystyles.

According to our sources, the new machine will be powered by a heavily tuned version of the brand’s 6.3-litre V8. The unit already features in a host of AMG models, but insiders claim a pair of turbochargers will boost output to the incredible 700bhp in the SLC. This, combined with the latest weight saving construction techniques – which include the extensive use of carbon fibre – should be enough to propel the two-seater from 0-100mph in only five seconds, and ensure a top speed of more than 200mph.

Yet the car’s immense pace will be matched by its stopping power, thanks to massive cross-drilled brake discs. A race-bred ceramic set-up is expected to be offered as an optional extra.

The big V8 clearly requires lots of cooling – the car in our picture gets four huge front grilles, adding to the aggressive look. Meanwhile, ducts in the front wing are designed to draw air through the engine bay at speed.

Even though McLaren is no longer involved in the Mercedes project, it is clearly keen to keep a presence in the supercar class. Our spies spotted its mid-engined prototype testing on UK roads, wearing a Ferrari body. The final model is set to cost around £130,000.