MB prototype? 563hp, 0-60 3.8sec

[Centurion]

nberry @ rennteam

I just attended a very private preview showing of

a new high performance sport car to be built by MB with likely introduction 2010-11. It was a proto-type.

"It looked like a smaller version of the SLR powered with 563hp engine and paddle shifters. The also show pictures of the same car as a roadster. It will have 480feet of torque and 0-60mph in 3.8sec.
They had the car in the same room as the 430, 997TT, Gallardo, AM and their own SL55. I was interviewed for almost three hours with a live microphone comparing the cars. They paid me for my time and thoughts.
They had a few other Ferrari owners also being interviewed and we were videotaped together giving our thoughts.
Great experience but based on my comments and what I heard other say, I am not sure the car will be built. By 2010 it will be underpowered and still looked unmistakenly MB."


"THe engine was behind the front axle but in front of the passenger cabin and the transmission on the rear axle. Sadly the face of the car had the appearance of a Ram charger or Dodge SRT. The backend looked like the SLR.
I suspect the price point will be close to 150,000 if not more. Neither Ferrari, Lambo or Porsche have anything to fear. But I must tell you of all the cars shown, the Porsche looked pretty stale and uninspiring compared to the rest.
Jim, they received some "strong opinions" from me. Example; the proto-type looked a like a chrysler from the front and its side view definitely like a gym shoe."

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What do you guys think?

 

[Zafiro]

I think its a long time to 2010-2011.

 

[PanterroR]

Only if that nberry guy is a very close relative of Dieter Z i'll believe him that he knows so many details... Otherwise - no!

Thanks anyways, Luw!

 

[Pagani]

By the specs Luwalira is quoting above, it looks like the it is the 6.3L V8 engine. Was the car a front or mid-engined set-up?

 

[PanterroR]

Was the car a front or mid-engined set-up?

"THe engine was behind the front axle but in front of the passenger cabin and the transmission on the rear axle.

 

[cawimmer430]

Interesting. Will be interesting to see what will develop out of this.

Anyone else think that there are too many high-performance cars coming out these days despite climate change warnings?

 

[DC_insider]

Based on the description it sounds like the McLaren P8.

 

[Centurion]

I'm happy that they are going with a front/mid engine set up with the transmission at the rear. 599 GTB has a similar set up. Any idea when this concept might be presented to the public?

 

[Merc1]

Not sure what to make of this???? If this is the 6.2L AMG V8 surely they'll wring more power from it by then, it can make 580hp now! As for the styling, oh my if it looks that bad it has to be changes between now and 2011.

M

 

[Centurion]

A pretty tight rendering:














Something for the next X-man movie, maybe?

 

[Mr. M]

Anyone else think that there are too many high-performance cars coming out these days despite climate change warnings?

Yes. But it's not going to stop anytime soon.

 

[wltsm]

What ever this is, at the moment it seems fast, I wonder what changes there will be by 2010 though in the Automotive industry!

 

[bmer]

I doubt we see that front light design in any future MB model.

 

[GTA45E]

I doubt we see that front light design in any future MB model.

I completely agree! no more round headlights for Mercedes.... thay might make a comback 15-20 years from now.