SLS (C197) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (spy shots & info)

[LaArtist]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

im amazed at the capability of you 2 to justify every single thing BMW does..
they just cant do wrong

Not a diss.. more like amazement..

If one did not know better..he would listen and really belive that a BMW supercar is the worst thing that can happen to BMW

 

[Centurion]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

What else?

Supercars are OK for the sports cars brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin etc - since such cars are natural extension of the existing model line of sports performance cars. Or for supercar brands like Pagani.

All the others are producing supercars :

a) to show the world they can do it (eg. Toyota, Nissan etc)
b) to improve/polish the broken image (eg. Mercedes-Benz)
c) to build an image of a performance brand (eg. Lexus, Audi, Acura)

Usually carmakers use an excuse of their supercar being a celebration of their Motorsport success / or only a celebration of participation in Motorsport.

Mind that R&D costs are usually enormous, and such cars are sold in small quantities, or even as limited editions. So they are not profitable, or very marginally profitable. Usually such cars are used as guinea pigs for new technologies ("tour-de-tech" cars), and more even important: for marketing reasons - as instant image boosters.

At this moment BMW do not need image boost - so they are saving supecar for emergency cases, for the times image boost will be needed. I hope this time will never come.

Like Scott said: all BMW focus is directed into Z8 & 8er successors - also as ultimate M versions. M GmbH is also occupied with CSL models, so ...

New "Z8" & new "8er" (CS Concept based coupe-sedan) will be potent enough, and will be more appropriate new models for BMW than a special supercar model. Also for aficionados there are CSL models. And there will be more of them in the future.

Yes, that's all true but like I said forget any type of justification and rationalizing and just build a super car like any other new model like the X4 and 1er coupe. The Z8 was kind of an super car and I would love to see a two door car in the 100k+ price range from BMW in the near future. Now that you mentioned it i'm glad that there will be new Z8.

The CSL versions don't really count because they are just "normal" bimmers with kick ass specs and aren't as specially as a genuine uber car like the R8 or AMV8

 

[EnI]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

im amazed at the capability of you 2 to justify every single thing BMW does..
they just cant do wrong

Not a diss.. more like amazement..

If one did not know better..he would listen and really belive that a BMW supercar is the worst thing that can happen to BMW

I have always looked at BMW moves from business point of view. I try to rationalize their moves from business angle.

Of, of course BMW can do mistakes. Eg. ditching "driver oriented" cockpit was a stupid idea IMO - at least in more sporty oriented models.

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

^I like your buisness thinking..how about posting profits along with sales numbers for each brand..
that would be great..
can you hook us up with that?

 

[EnI]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

^I like your buisness thinking..how about posting profits along with sales numbers for each brand..
that would be great..
can you hook us up with that?

Which brands? Be more specific.
For what period? 2006? 1st half 2007?

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

3 german brands.. Audi,BMW and MB..

Whatever type of nr´s that are availble.. if you have monthly post them along with sales .. if not go for quarterly...

would be nice with 06 yearly nr´s as an indication to where the brands stand..

 

[Merc1]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Boy oh boy a million and one excuses as to why BMW doesn't need or want a supercar right now! BMW supposedly the sportiest of the 3 German luxury brands doesn't need a supercar, but they need a jillion crossovers and suvs? Yet all these non-car models are supposed to fit in with their sporty image? Now Mercedes-Benz' image is broken which is their reason for building a supercar?

You BMW apologists are really sending the BS meter is into the red!

M

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Back to the topic...

i really hope to see a Concept of this car at geneva.. that would be kick ass

 

[Zafiro]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

I dont need BMW to build a supercar (although I want one) but I rather see multiply different CSL versions that people can afford. Like M3 CSL, M6 CSL and Z4 CSL and M1 CSL rather that than one supercar.

 

[EnI]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

I dont need BMW to build a supercar (although I want one) but I rather see multiply different CSL versions that people can afford. Like M3 CSL, M6 CSL and Z4 CSL and M1 CSL rather that than one supercar.

And people will get them. That's exactly product policy BMW are aiming for.

@ Merc1: tell me few rational arguments why MB are building supercar(s) - increase in sales & profit (business goals) are definitely not the reasons. So, IYO - what are the rational reasons for supercars.

@ The Artist: I'll do that in proper thread & section.

 

[Merc1]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

And people will get them. That's exactly product policy BMW are aiming for.

@ Merc1: tell me few rational arguments why MB are building supercar(s) - increase in sales & profit (business goals) are definitely not the reasons. So, IYO - what are the rational reasons for supercars.

@ The Artist: I'll do that in proper thread & section.

So what if they aren't, you make BMW sound as lame as Toyota with all this profit/sales jive. As long as the project is profitable and provides a proper lust object for the brand that is all you need. Everything doesn't need this stick-in-the-mud "rationale" to be done. If they can build one at a profit, then what is the problem?

MB is building one because they can and they want to expand the business. BMW's image wouldn't be hurt one bit if they built a supercar, it would only be helped and in the world of true sports cars (Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini) they need just as much of an image booster as Mercedes-Benz does since they have no standing there. A M3 won't cut it against that group and no amount of excuse making will change that. BMW is supposed to be the sportiest of the 3 German luxury car makes right? Then why not a supercar? This whole image argument doesn't hold water when I see folks glossing over how many suvs and crossovers BMW is going to develop. Those vehicles don't fit the image at all, no matter what the BMW marketing department comes up with.

What I can't get over here is that you seem to be the only one against BMW doing a supercar when its most ardent fans want to really see what BMW can do with a blank sheet of paper and a sports car brief on the table. I don't get that at all.

BMW + Supercar = natural IMO.

Isn't the M1 part of the Hold Grail at BMW?

Furthermore, BMW isn't Toyota. BMW runs a very tight (and profitable) ship like Toyota but that is where the similarities end. BMW is the enthusiasts brand, not some design by committee warehouse like Toyota. That is unless you're telling me the great BMW can't figure out how to build a supercar at a profit? Don't they sell enough 3-Series to fund any and everything else? J/K .

M

 

[LaArtist]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Lol it really is pathetic you must admit eni..
if the M1 is one of BMW's crown jewels..

No1 Premium car brand.. and a history of sports.. equalls Supercar..
no matter how you twist it..

PS
MB makes supercars..cause they always have..and its a part of their past present and future..

 

[EnI]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Again: currently there is no rational reason for supercar in BMW model portfolio. Yes, after Rover debacle BMW AG have become very rational company. When image bosst will be needed, I'm sure BMW management will consider building a supercar.

Usually supercars are built to increase brand recognition & awareness. BMW do not need that at this moment. Consider supercar as a marketing tool!

Note also that "supercars" are usually collector items, not used for racing or day-to-day driving. And BMW are aware of that. Putting tones of Euros in Supercar R&D, so the car then sits in eg. Jay Leno's garage.

BMW marketing activities are focused on other more important actions. Eg. there is a consensus to expand M model line, and offer additional CSL versions - more appropriate in marketing & financial point of view. Also what BMW needs now is an image boost in luxury segments: so a big roadster (new Z8) and new 8er (CS Concept based coupe-sedan) are a priority.

More in the other thread ...

 

[Merc1]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Broken record Eni. None of those reasons jive with BMW being an enthusiast company that can see the need for more SUVs and crossovers, but not a super/sports car. It doesn't make sense. As far as BMW not following or needing an image booster, the CS, a large CLS type car, makes them a follower and such a car is definitely an image booster. A new Z8 isn't going to all of sudden make a whole lot more money for BMW, but it will do wonders for their image among sports car fans, again the same thing a true sports or supercar would do. You're talking in circles Eni and contradicting the BMW rhetoric here.

M

 

[Centurion]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

New shots will less disguised front.

 

[Tarek]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

The front looks like AM and the side profile looks like a corvette!

 

[RICHBOY]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

That sure is a nice Corviper!

 

[Centurion]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

That sure is a nice Cobraviper!

 

[RICHBOY]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots


Even better!

 

[Merc1]

Re: Benz "SLC" prototype spy shots

Looks like a Viper, Corvette and Jaguar XK all wrapped into one. I'm starting to doubt if this is a Mercedes at all.

M