Skip to main content

The Mercedes SL GTR transcends mechanical design, enters the realm of the living

There are three things we like here at the Digital Trend Cars section: tech, power, and design. And while most things fire on at least one of those cylinders, few fire on all three. This car does, however.

It’s called the Mercedes-Benz SL GTR and we think it’s absolutely brilliant.

From the mind of Mark Holster, the slippery AMG is powered by a – of all things – Nissan derived 5.5-liter V8 ripped from the frame rails of the Nissan GTR GT1 racecar.

The rest, however, is all AMG. It has a racecar chassis, race suspension, and five-spoke magnesium wheels backed by carbon-ceramic brakes at all four corners.

The body – as you might be able to tell – was penned to look as if it had been shrink-wrapped over the mechanical components. To us, it looks like a living form. It doesn’t look like a husk containing clump mechanical components but rather a living, very angry-looking creature.

Yes, the car is only a rendering and doesn’t really exist, but that doesn’t matter. It’s a thing of beauty, a thing worthy of daydreams – and we like that.

If it had been up to us to spec the lustrous life form, we would have fitted it with tech taken from the 2014 Mercedes Formula 1 car: hybrid components and an ear-piercing 1.6-liter V6, which you can hear for yourself in the video below.

Imagine if the Mercedes brass were brash enough to shoehorn their F1 tech into a road-going car to take on the likes of the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 fame? It would be an incredible car for sure.

If they did build such a motorway monster, I’d hope they’d use the bodywork from Mr. Holster.

(Images and video courtesy of Mark Hostler)

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more