Call me old-fashioned, but I'm big on carrying on tradition when it comes automobiles. Well, that is, to a degree... I'm usually at the head of the class when it comes to promoting new and innovative ideas--but I do have a soft spot when it comes to keeping certain iconic automotive symbols--symbols that are at the heart (essence!) of a specific brand or model. The Gullwing Mercedes is one of them.
Even as a kid growing up, I sensed that when the then next-generation SL "pagoda-roof" sports car models appeared, sans a gullwing version, I knew the world would be forever a bit off-kilter.
I still feel that way. I don't think--in all the years that have passed--that Mercedes has ever, in the minds of many, offered a car that truly replaced the original gullwing. That may be about to change, now that a new gullwing is in the works. Let's hope so.
Karl on Cars also did a story on the SL recently, and has touched on this subject as well:
Cars that Jumped the Shark: Mercede-Benz SL
Spy Image: Automedia
ateixeira says:
09:22 AM, 08/29/08
Sure looks nice, but...
I dunno, I'm too practical to like it. You're putting a lot of heavy structural reinforcements, hinges, and seams all way up high. I bet this adds a lot of weight and raises the center of gravity.
For all that compromise, you also lose headroom and have a car that is much harder to get into, because the door is just where you would like to be.
Just look at the bulky door in that spy pic - it's not exactly the slim door from the original.
firstwagon says:
08:22 PM, 08/29/08
The original gull wing doors were done to solve an engineering problem. In other words to make the car better.
If the new ones are just for style then the car will be just for posers