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Mercedes developing mid-engined Audi R8 challenger

Mercedes-Benz have decided to work with a new partner to develop a replacement for the Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Racing partner H.W.A. are stepping up to the plate to co-develop an Audi R8 rival.

Sales of the uber-expensive Mercedes-McLaren SLR ($US455,000)


Mercedes-Benz have decided to work with a new partner to develop a replacement for the Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Racing partner H.W.A. are stepping up to the plate to co-develop an Audi R8 rival.

Sales of the uber-expensive Mercedes-McLaren SLR ($US455,000) have been slower than hoped for and the new partnership are looking to create a mid-engined sports car that will retail for around $US110,000 much like the Audi R8.

In our opinion the biggest issue with the Mercedes-McLaren SLR is simply that it uses the Mercedes-Benz SL as its base. While the basic look is about all they realistically have in common it would be heartbreaking for someone like Paris Hilton to have her half-million dollar car confused with the garden variety SL…a very real risk.

A (much) cheaper price and the no-compromise possibilities that a clean sheet design offer will no doubt be the makings of a successful mid-engined challenger to the Audi R8 and maybe even certain Lamborghini and Ferrari models.

Germanys Auto Motor has previously reported that Mercedes-Benz were preparing a rival to Audis R8 and rumour is the new mid-engined model will be called the ‘SLS’. Now all we need is a win in the US green card lottery so that mid-engined exotics can be ours for $110k or so rather than the $250k+ price tags they all seem to carry when they land in the sunburnt country.

You can read more about the Mercedes-McLaren SLR by clicking on the link:

Mercedes-McLaren SLR

Sources : Leftlanenews & Auto Motor

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