Our thanks to WCF reader "Michael" for sending this one in. He spotted a Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing test car that had broken down near Affalterbach, Germany.
According to our tipster, the problems took place on 19 February, and were mainly due to some pretty bad issues with the electrics. Oh well; that's what testing is for, right?
This is the second roadside incident we've seen with test vehicles in the last week. Previously, we reported on the 2010 BMW X1 getting stuck in snow and having to be pulled out by a much-less-expensive Volkswagen Tiguan. The Gullwing probably might be a much bigger issue if the electrical problems are endemic across all of their test vehicles.
Anyway, the new Mercedes-Benz SLC Gullwing is expected to debut next year with a big twin-turbo V8. That engine will be responsible for generating between 550 and 600 horsepower, while delivering around 445 ft-lb of torque. The car is expected to get a 7-tronic automatic transmission.
Mercedes SLC Gullwing Spied Having Electrical Problems
Mercedes-Benz SLC prototype spy photos
By Zack Newmark
February 25, 2009 10:50 PM
Filed Under: German, Mercedes-Benz, Spy Photos
Comments
Joe_Limon
February 25, 2009 10:55 PM
any bets on the next manufacturer that's gonna have pics of a broken/crashed/stuck concept car?
GRAVE
February 25, 2009 11:46 PM
The car is expected to get a 7-tronic automatic transmission.
man, does this gear box have enough power to prevent it self from ripping apart!
gege4u
February 26, 2009 12:12 AM
well,, thats what tests for,,, BTW, why they dont use the V12 engin with that supercar,, !?? well,, they know their job much more than i do,, good luck merc
hitar_potar
February 26, 2009 12:49 AM
this v8 is proven for around 800hp - i think carlsson gave an ML63 AMG such a treatment for that kind of power. and if i'm not mistaken, it's lighter than the v12... and as far as i know, they still don't put the v12 together with the 7G-tronik, not to mention the 7G-tronic MCT double-clutch...
NauAudiS4
February 26, 2009 1:12 AM
Who ever took these shots should've snuck up and taken a few of the interior!
ShinyG
February 26, 2009 2:36 PM
Gearboxes are torque-limited, not power-limited! The 7G can take the torque of the new naturally aspired AMG V8 (the "63"), but would need to be revised to withstand the torque of the V12 (more than 1000Nm). Even the regular 5-speed automatic on the V12 has problems coping with that much torque so the V12 has to be slightly de-tuned to keep it's torque in bay!!!
hitar_potar
February 26, 2009 7:13 PM
i want to aoplogise for my first comment here - it wasn't carlsson who tuned the ml63 to 800hp, it was kleeman - http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071227.005/kleemann-ml63k-bi-turbo according to this topic "The ML 63 AMG gearbox (7G Speedshift) and 4-Matic drivetrain are up to the task and were left untouched."
miladjuckel
February 27, 2009 4:49 AM
i don't get it! what ever happened to 516 ft-lb of torque like on the 55 amg's. i realize they had superchargers, but com on we're talking twin turbo's here!!!!!!
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