Originally Posted by Merc1

I think the above is correct as to why we aren't going to see any more McMercs anytime soon, but I too hold out hope for a some future products.

I think a range of real sports cars would have done wonders for Mercedes' image, more so than trying to exploint every lower-priced niche in the market - which seems to be the current think at Mercedes. This trio of sports cars, a F430 fighter, 575M fighter and SLR replacement would have done wonders for Mercedes overall image. Much more so than the A and B-Classes. Mercedes should think and behave "premium" at all times. The hell with chasing BMW for volume in everything, just make better more exclusive (expensive) car.

The only thing is that now the genius behind Mclaren, including Gordan Murray has left.

Let me go a little further here. Mercedes should have let him and his team make another F1 in the SLR, not an automatic only GT car. Big mistake imo. It should have been close to the F1 in ability with an automatic trans option and a regular manual standard or some type of DSG type tranny. This is one instance where the regular Mercedes guidelines about ride comfort should have been compromised a little bit more, no make that a good deal more in order to make a true Ferrari beater. I like the SLR, but I think when all is said an done it will be seen as a great chance fumbled when it came to making a Ferrari beater.

To make a true Mercedes sports car it needs to be AMG on the engine, Mercedes on the quality/interior/styling and Mclaren on the chassis, tranny, engine tunning along with AMG supplying it. Thats how you make a Mercedes that Ferriari/Porsche/Lambo owners would salivate over. Arguably they don't do this over the SLR, as awesome a car it is.

Just think about the new AMG V8 tuned to 550 hp in a lightweight car like the F430 and styled by Brunno Sacco after he was given a directive to come up with something different and bold, but beatifully Mercedes. After all he is Italian! Then think about a V10 or V12 of large displacement that revs in a Enzo/CGT fighter with stunning styling. I know this could have been done, but now with the talent reportedly so thin at Mclaren it isn't going to happen.

M