August, 2008
We noted the October 2008 cessation of SLR production in last month's newsletter with coverage of the final SLR iteration, the minimalist SLR Speedster. Photos of a faux Viper bodied AMG long-wheelbase test hack have been circulating for some months raising speculation as to just where this new car would slot into the Mercedes-AMG supercar lineup.
The recent release of the Black Series fixed roof SL65 clears up some of the mystery surrounding upcoming 6.3 liter based AMG hot rods and we now can report on the next piece of the ultra-high performance lineup from Affalterbach. The Viperesque hack seen during hot weather testing in Death Valley, Ca is indeed the much rumored Gullwing for the 21st century.
 |
| Look carefully at rear window/rounded rear deck peeking through disguise for actual Gullwing profile cues. |
Distilling the presumed specifications and renderings floating around the net reveal a mighty performer on a more compact platform than the SLR and, if renderings are correct, a drop-dead gorgeous design. The new Gullwing will feature aluminum space frame construction and coachwork comprised of carbon-fiber and aluminum. Keenly aware of the environmental impact of their historically heavy model lineup, these construction techniques will find their way into future MBZ platforms, beginning with the next generation SL due to arrive in 2012. The Gullwing's target weight will be 3,637 lbs, about 450 lbs lighter than the new SL65 Black Series.
 |
| Angular cladding likely hides gorgeous and voluptuous profile. |
Averaging the rumored power figures from an uprated, direct injection, AMG 63 powerplant places output somewhere between 550hp - 600hp and anticipated 0-100 km/hr times in the 3.8 second range. This latest development of the 6.3 engine will feature dry sump lubrication and be coupled to a newly designed double-clutch transmission driving through a mechanical-locking differential.
Suspension will be by way of double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension with variable damping and adjustable ride height. The car will continue the long nose/short rear overhang profile of the SLR and feature a wheelbase 5 inches longer and overall length about 3 longer than the current SL. Unlike the SLR's "swingwing" door articulation, the new Gullwing will in fact reprise the original Gullwing's door design and function.
 |
| Unlike SLR, door actuation mimics 1954 Gullwing. |
So it seems we will finally get our long awaited new Gullwing sometime in 2010 at a presumed price of $300k, to be followed in 2011 by a roadster. We can't wait. To order a new Gullwing, contact Tony Spencer @ 408-345-2255
 |
| Schulte Design renderings were spot-on predicting 2009 SL. Is this beautiful shape the new Gullwing? |
Roy Spencer,
editor www.ourSL.com
|
