New Mercedes and McLaren supercars

[A Y]

It just so happened that details of the new McLaren MP4-12C (AKA P11) and the M-B SLS (the SLR reboot) were released today. Both are a giant meh for me, but see what you think:

McLaren:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/m...mages-surface/

M-B:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/2...amg-leaks-out/

The McLaren looks like it was made from leftover ideas from the F1 road car, while the SLS has a cool grill, but gets worse as you go to the rear. That C pillar is horrible, and the back is busy curing insomnia.

I do like that the Mac has a flat-plane V8. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is far more exciting than either of these two cars.

--Andre

 

[cadillac37]

I prefer the Mclaren visually.

 

[gomestar]

the Mercedes reminds me of a Honda S2000 with a big Maseratti-style black hole in the front.


The McLaren is nice looking, but not in that dreadful acorn squash color.

 

[dave]

I'm of the opposite opinion. I think the SLS is a nice homage to the 300 and slr of old. I'm not sure i'm completely on board with the headlights and buttresses yet but i have a feeling they'll grow on me. even if not it's a VAST improvement on the recent SLR.

That McLaren however, is a bore. and the metallic pumpkin doesn't help.

either way though i agree that they are both somewhat meh.

 

[Roikins]

No centered driver's seat on the McLaren?

 

[hws]

Originally Posted by A Y

It just so happened that details of the new McLaren MP4-12C (AKA P11) and the M-B SLS (the SLR reboot) were released today. Both are a giant meh for me, but see what you think: McLaren:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/m...mages-surface/ M-B:

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/2...amg-leaks-out/ The McLaren looks like it was made from leftover ideas from the F1 road car, while the SLS has a cool grill, but gets worse as you go to the rear. That C pillar is horrible, and the back is busy curing insomnia. I do like that the Mac has a flat-plane V8. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is far more exciting than either of these two cars. --Andre
I have liked P11 since I first hear of it. It look like McLaren F1 mate with Ferrari 3xx. Also the SLS from the first time I hear of it I think the look is ok but not exceptional, similar of 300 mate with BMW Z8(which I did not like).

 

[clee1982]

new McLaren look like old McLaren in the back (as in McLaren F1 not SLR, especially those fins) with a generic Japanese front end.

 

[hypersonic]

Although the Merc is interesting ....I have an aversion to Retro designs -- you can't recreate the classic 300SL (Flügeltürer).

There is nothing pragmatic, philosophical, or academic about Retro design -- is is driven purely by the banality of middle-market taste.

Under Bruno Sacco, Mercedes Design was directed with principled objectives ... and was one of the most progressive in the industry; today, Mercedes design is purely about styling -- simply following popular taste trends instead of pursuing any genuine design culture or ideology. Retro design is a hangover from the American influence Chrysler brought to Mercedes design during their failed merger.

So, I like it
......but I like it in the way I like cotton candy -- and in terns of design culture, it has about as much substance as cotton candy too.

 

[Joffrey]

I like both.

 

[emmanuel]

I like the McLaren. The Mercedes isnt bad but still a little dissapointing. The original 300 sl was incredible. One of the only classics I like... that and the Aston Martin DB5

 

[hws]

Originally Posted by Roikins

No centered driver's seat on the McLaren?

More car should have driver seat in middle!

 

[aznwassabidude]

sickwiddit

 

[Roikins]

And did I read correctly that the McLaren is only $265k? I guess that's a bargain if it'll be faster than any of Ferrari's offerings. However, when I think about a McLaren, this is still the one that sets the bar for me... give me the stripped cockpit over a McLaren touchscreen and digital climate control any day:
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[A Y]

Originally Posted by Roikins

No centered driver's seat on the McLaren?

You need the T25. Not fast, but it's got the 1+2 seating.

This is also a great video series about the Big Mac's win at Le Mans:

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--Andre

 

[maomao1980]

I want to see the SLS in person before passing on judgement, to me it is an interesting car.

The McLaren has value to me as it reminds me of the NSX, which was probably the best driver's car I've driven. And I think if the technology is fully realized, it should drive very well.