Mercedes-Benz SLR Successor is Supposedly On Once Again

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLAren (Credit: © Mercedes-Benz)

Since the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren went out of production a handful of years ago, buyers have been eagerly looking forward to its successor. Sure the SLS AMG was nearly that, but it lacked the all-out insanity that the SLR had. Many rumors have spread about a possible SLR successor, but they’ve all been shot down so far. Today, a new report has emerged from Autobild.de that kick starts the SLR successor rumor mill once again.

According to the report, this new hypercar will feature plenty of lightweight materials to keep its curb weight low. Look for composite construction that leans heavily on the use of carbon fiber. In addition to this lower weight, Mercedes will also create special ground effects to help keep lift to a minimum.

Speaking of go-fast bits, this successor to the SLR will supposedly be a gas-electric hybrid model. On the gasoline side of things will reportedly be a rear-mid-mounted supercharged V-8. This gasoline engine will pair with a duo of electric motors over the front axle that deliver 125 kW (168 horsepower) each. This would result in a total system output of around 1,050 PS (1,036 horsepower).

All of these specs would put this new hypercar right in line with the rest of the hybrid monsters on the market today, including the LaFerrari and the McLaren P1. With those models in mind, it is no surprise to learn that the estimated price tag is more than €1 million ($1.058 million) and that Mercedes will limit it to 500 to 750 units. Production is supposed to start sometime in 2018.

For now, this remains just a rumor, but it is plenty to get any Mercedes enthusiast’s blood rushing. Stay tuned for more details.