HMC Hidalgo underpinned by Mercedes SLK - classic design fused with modern tech

HMC Hidalgo

Swiss niche automaker Helvetic Motor Company will be using a Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG as the base for their ucpoming car, the HMC Hidalgo. The classic-looking car has been designed by a host of engineers, some of whom claim F1 experience.

The Hidalgo will use a 355-horsepower (265-kW, 360-PS) V8 engine, though that could likely be upgraded for a price. It will come with a highly tuned suspension to ensure a ride as comfortable as the car looks.

Only six units of the Hidalgo will be produced annually, with a starting price of about €310,000. The blogosphere is buzzing that the cost is too much for what the engine you get with this car, but we at WCF would rather take a wait-and-see approach. As soon as we get more information about what the car has to offer, we will let you know.

Source: autoblog.nl

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B_M_Gearhead

It's not so much the engine as it is knowing that there is an SLK somewhere in there.

August 4, 2010 4:03 pm

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Bristol411S3

Or buy a Morgan Aeromax and know the job has been done properly. And have money left over for a Range Rover. Not a tough decision.,

August 4, 2010 4:16 pm

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Francois

Morgan Aeromax is a great car. But in this vechicle niche the decision of buying this car or not belongs to the very individual customer who wants it or not without comparing it to the different car. It's not a reasonable comparison between A4 Avant or C-Class Estate in case of power, consumption, space or standard equipment for a certain price. You buying this because you like it, not for a three to five years like estates, sometimes even for life. I think the person who thinks of buying it won't consider buying something else to have some money left on Range Rover-))) Look at the price. If you can afford it you can also afford to buy Range Rover anyway.

August 5, 2010 1:48 am

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Bristol411S3

True Francois. But there is a lot of things to temp you at this price level all the same. If you want one you'll buy it regardless. But who is going to really, really want it? There is along list of cars I'd want first and would choose to drive over this, even if I could afford 100 cars in my garage.

August 5, 2010 2:06 am

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Francois

You've just said: "I would want first ... ". that's the key to whole point. It's your personal choice. The same with the Hidalgo future owners. They would choose it instead of others. You buy this car with heart not in an accountant way: "It cost to much, I can buy something else and save some money, that I could buy more cars." You don't like so You don't want it. There will be people who buy it. Probably it will be smarter than buying in my opinion Mansory Panamera-))

August 5, 2010 5:33 am

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benzboy

This is a beautiful car. Love to see it in back and silver.Its cost prohibative, and money could be spent better elsewhere. But the body is beaustiful.

August 5, 2010 2:56 am

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Mikeado

I looked at that picture and immediately thought of Mitsuoka. I'm not sure wether that's a good thing... Although, no Mitsuoka comes with an AMG V8. If it's not powerful enough, just supercharge it. The 55 AMG engine came in supercharged form anyway (in the SL, S, CL and E, unless I'm mistaken), so it can't be a difficult conversion. Even ask them to do it.

August 5, 2010 3:38 am

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mikemikemike

Too retro, not enough modern.

August 6, 2010 2:31 pm

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bordeauxman1

i do not like the 2 colors . But for the rest : very good . Mercedes should be inspired by her , to make an slk more classic , more legendary . And to do not take too much risk in an slk too much modern .

August 22, 2010 5:25 am

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