great styling in that render

 

Soon enough, the 911 wont have a manual either so the points about Mercedes not having a proper transmission in this car is rather absurd... As much as it pains me, the manual gearbox is soon to be forgotten in all but the most hardcore enthusiast cars. At least when it comes to the big brands.

 

The SLS AMG has all of the qualities that you listed, aside from having a manual transmission, although that would have definitely been an option that I would have wanted as well. The SLS is not an "Autobahn bomber" like all of the other high-horsepower cars Mercedes has released, with huge engines and automatic transmissions. It is their first actual sports car and I think they have done a phenomenal job on it. It does have a dual-clutch gearbox, but you must keep in mind that all of the new super sports cars have gone this route. Weighing in at around 3,600 lbs, it is heavy compared to some of the cars that it competes with, but I think Mercedes did a wonderful job on it considering that this is their first step into the sports car arena. I am not saying that the SLS is the ultimate track weapon by any means, but it is a true sports car (with GT qualities), and it does deserve some respect. I also think that this new SLC model will be yet another step in the right direction on behalf of Mercedes.

(I know the SLR is considered a supercar, although I have a hard time categorizing it as such because it is quite heavy and has an automatic transmission. These are two attributes that a supercar should obviously not have.)

 

STOPPIE- do you have any insight as to why MB does not offer the manual at all?


I know it is a dying breed. But there are those, including myself, who will only drive a manual.

 

I will be looking forward to the car. As MB are usually very heavy cars. I hope MB makes a very competitive with less weight to at least give Porsche a little push.

 

Unfortunately not the case. My guess is the VAST majority of new 997.2 turbos going out the door these days opt for PDK although a 6 speed is available if one so chooses.

Interesting you say this but your avatar is a PDK equipped Porsche

And aside from the transmission issue, how is this a competitor to the 911? When was the last time Mercedes made a relevant 'sports car'?

 

as fast a porsche, as comfortable and luxurious as a mercedes?

 

Lack of demand overall. However pretty soon, most cars will have versions of a double-clutch transmission. Best of both worlds, for 98% of the MB buyers.

 

Anyone remember the old SLC concept from a few year ago? I thought that was pretty cool looking..

Mercedes-Benz SLC - Car News - RoadandTrack.com

 

Why? PDK sales trump those from 6MT cars.