MERCEDES-BENZ TO DEBUT SPORTS CAR CONCEPT AT DETROIT

MONTVALE, NJ - Mercedes-Benz will debut a striking concept for a high-performance sports car on Monday, January 4.

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 Fanglo, 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.