The Mercedes-Benz SLR Design
Study is a concept for a high-performance sports car that blends styling from the current Mercedes-Benz World Champion "Silver Arrow" Formula One racecar with design elements from the Mercedes SL sports cars
of the 1950s. Inspired by the Formula One racer, the arrow-shaped front features a new interpretation of the familiar Mercedes-Benz "face" highlighted by four oval headlights. The long chiseled hood, dynamic
fenders and unique doors recall the 1950s 300SL and its SLR racing version. (PR NewsFoto)[AS]
MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz will debut a striking concept for a
high-performance sports car on Monday, January 4 during press activities preceding the North American International Auto Show, January 9-17 at Detroit's Cobo Center. The January 4 press conference will be held at
10:00 a.m. in the Cobo Hall lobby atrium.
The new design study will blend futuristic styling from the current Formula One World Champion "Silver Arrow" race car with classic design
elements from the famous SL sports car and SLR racer of the 1950s. The evocative design of its arrow-shaped front end and advanced door concept is based on the Formula One race car which Mika Hakkinen drove to
victory in the 1998 World Championship. These race car design cues also appear in the cockpit and along the body.
The long chiseled hood, sweeping fender lines and unusual doors hearken back
to the 1950s 300SL sports car and its SLR racing version which legendary drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Rudolf Caracciola and Stirling Moss piloted to numerous victories.
The dramatic look of
the SLR design study incorporates a double spoiler across the front of the car and a new interpretation of the familiar Mercedes-Benz "face" featuring four oval headlights. The body is formed with
lightweight fiber-reinforced materials and aluminum.
While the Mercedes-Benz SLR design study is clearly a one-of-a-kind concept vehicle, some of its design elements and technology could appear in
future Mercedes production cars.
