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#2
05-21-2003, 03:10 PM
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I believe I have read that he is involved in the SLR project. I don't think he has much to do with the race team any longer. I could be wrong on the second point though...
>8^) ER 
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#3
05-22-2003, 04:21 PM
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Everything that I have come across says that he his working for McLaren on this project. I found this on another forum and thought I would share:
This Vision SLR is the begining of a joint project between DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars Ltd. The two companies have invested over 200 million Euros to make a supercar that will rival the McLaren F1. The SLR will reflect the heritage, philosophies and styling of Mercedes-Benz and will be produced utilising the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques at the new TAG McLaren facilities currently under construction in Woking, England. Through the concept of the Mercedes-Benz SLR, DaimlerChrysler and McLaren intend to ensure the transfer of technology and image from their successful Formula 1 partnership to series production, while at the same time reviving the myth of the Silver Arrows with this super sports car. Prof. Jürgen Hubbert, the DaimlerChrysler board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars: By designing and producing the Mercedes-Benz SLR, we will once again underline our globally leading position in the field of technical innovations. The Mercedes-Benz SLR is an incomparable combination of the brand's characteristic design, future-oriented innovation and unparalleled safety, quality and performance - in this way, it will become the benchmark for 21st Century sports cars. McLaren is the ideal partner for us to develop and produce the Mercedes-Benz SLR in close cooperation. The fascinating bodywork design, clearly identifying the super sports car as a Mercedes-Benz, is characterised by the balanced integration of traditional and modern styling elements. The front section - with Mercedes' characteristic four-eye face-, arrow-shaped front and distinctive double wings at the lower tip of the front end - reflects the fascination of the current McLaren Mercedes Silver Arrow design. Story by Daimler Chrysler, edited by Supercars.net What is strange, to me anyway, is that after a flurry of initial hype and press over the SLR project is that it has since quieted down and fallen from the public's eye. I wonder if Mercedes missed the boat and by the time the car is on the road the supercar market will have shrunk again. But I'm no expert. Maybe XOTech can comment. - D. Drew Ingram
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#4
05-22-2003, 08:21 PM
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Can't remember where I read it, but there has been talk of the German and British teams not getting along. According to the article, "the Germans like to use hard numbers to arrive at all decisions, which doesn't sit well with the British team that like to work intuitively through a lot of issues." And Gordon Murray was in the thick of it.
All supercar manufacturers coming out with new models now have missed the peak of the market. Classic and collectible car prices are also deflated, for the most part. It always happens like this. Cars get designed at the peak of the economy, and by the time they roll out of the factory, the economy has gone bust. Interestingly, demand for the super super expensive cars, like the Veyron and Maybach, is fairly insensitive to the economic fluctuations. Only the extremely wealthy buy those cars, and their wealth is so immense that $500,000, $5 million, or perhaps $50 million even, is not significant. According to Warren Buffet, "The trick is to get to a point where you make more in interest and dividends than you spend. Then the wealth keeps accumulating, no matter what." This is much more evident in the very high-end boat, plane, artwork, and luxury house markets. There's always an active market for those, no matter what the economy. And most of those deals are for cash. Which is a pity, because loans to finance such large numbers would help stimulate the economy. If there is any good in all this, it's that used supercars will be cheaper and more plentiful than ever. Diablos, Gallardos, Murcielagos, Ferrari 360s, 355s, etc. are all coming down in price, and there's lots of them around, unlike the very limited production numbers of older supercars like the Lamborghini Miura or Ferrari 250. McLaren prices, while maybe not appreciating like before, still hover at the $1.2 million mark. Yet another testatment to the greatness and desirability of this car. I belive this car's price will continue to climb. The SLR is still on track, from all I have read and heard. Last edited by faisalkhan; 05-22-2003 at 10:46 PM.
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#5
05-23-2003, 02:14 AM
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SLR Progress
Sorry, I have been away for a while.
The SLR is coming together, albiet, very slowly. The information I am repeatedly told is that the two sides: McLaren and Mercedes are increasingly not agreeing with each other. Management on both sides are embittered by the other side. There have been some replacements of key management at McLaren to satisfy the dischord with regard to Mercedes, however, further to the disgust of McLaren, I am sure. At this point in the game, there is question as to whether or not the SLR will actually make it into production. That scenario has been suggested by several of those I have discussed with about the subject. In my personal opinion, the SLR will indeed be built. They are severely behind schedule. However, you all may have noticed that there are several test mules running about in both cold and hot weather testing. Those are indeed good signs, but are not an imminent indication of certain production. My promise of contracts is yet to be filled. All in due time.
__________________
Decide on the car of your dreams. Inquire of everyone else, then let me offer what I can do. Invest in your Passions. Offerings of the Ferrari F50, Enzo to the 250 GTO, Lamborghini 350GT to the Murcielago, Jaguar XJ220 and XJR-15 to the Mercedes CLK GTR, Porsche GT1 and Carrera GT, Bugatti EB110 and Veyron and everything in between. And of course, the McLaren F1. Anywhere worldwide. 
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#6
05-23-2003, 02:36 AM
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Interesting. Thanks for the update...I had no idea they were behind schedule. It does remind me of an article I read in AutoCar over a year ago that they were using a TVR Cerbera as a test mule. As you know, the TVR is one of my absolute favourite cars. And a TVR Griffith was used in early testing for the McLaren F1's development as well.
The Cerbera has a very large engine compartment, so it provides plenty of room for testing various supercharger configurations. Rgds, Faisal.
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#7
05-23-2003, 03:51 AM
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SLR Progress
I do have an interest in the SLR. It will no doubt change what people think of a "Luxury" car. It is hardly a Luxury car, but it will wear the Mercedes badge.
It it does successfully deliver on its promises, it will surely be a memorable and long-lived car.
__________________
Decide on the car of your dreams. Inquire of everyone else, then let me offer what I can do. Invest in your Passions. Offerings of the Ferrari F50, Enzo to the 250 GTO, Lamborghini 350GT to the Murcielago, Jaguar XJ220 and XJR-15 to the Mercedes CLK GTR, Porsche GT1 and Carrera GT, Bugatti EB110 and Veyron and everything in between. And of course, the McLaren F1. Anywhere worldwide.
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