is this the right time to launch this car? SLR

20+ years without an F1 Championship, didn't hurt Ferrari's sales through much of the 80's and 90's.

Regards,

Jon P. Kofod
www.flatoutracing.net

 

Yes but in those 20+ years their cars did not do this every race. Absolutely wrong time to introduce a new car that states it has been developed from F1 technology. If the SLR's engine is anything like the Mercedes engine in F1, the first few buyers will be driving in a truck that is towing their new car.

 

Yup, Look at the amazing Ferraris produced in those lean years. 288GTO, F40, F50, testarossa series, 308/328 (70's design). All very desirable vehicles.

I expect the SLR to do well even with M-B problems in F1 .

 

Here's my question re. the SLR: Apparently $450K and 3500 units. If that is correct (?) don't you think that's far too many units for such an exclusive price? They're not all pre-sold are they? Or are they?

BTW - their current F1 problems won't affect the potential buyer in any way shape or form.

 

Not engine blowups, but one year (Berger was driving) they blew up their semi-automatic gearboxes in 9 of 15 races.

Let's be real, the SLR hasn't much in common with the F1 car. Sure they use some fo the same technology but it's not stressed to the limit like in an F1 car. An F1 engine is designed to last one race weekend.

Cheers,

Jon

 

I am not sure how it will effect the sales,
I was talking with my wife last night about this, She works at an MB dealer.
Remember the old saying,
Win on Sunday, sell on monday.

 

Saw an SLR in Monaco during race weekend and it was really quite unattractive in the flesh- awkward and ungainly if you ask me.

 

I can't believe McLaren built the SLR. I mean these are the same people that created the McLaren F1 and they come out with this car. A big heavy pig? This car is more tailord made for execs. who will never go over the speed limit!

What a shame!

 

Very true. Plus, Ferrari never "dabbled" in the sports car market. Like Porsche, that's all they've done over the years. Companies like Benz and BMW tend to come out with the occasional high-end sports car and then retreat back to what they do best--build quality sports sedans.

 

i don't see how the SLR's sales would be damaged because MB can't get their act together on the track. sure the SLR is "F1 inspired" but i don't think the cars are so closely related that i'll be puffing smoke at the end of a straight when i take it to the tracks for the first time.

 

I agree, I don't think F1 results would ever really damage sales directly, only help (if they are good). But come on, 450k per 3500 cars? Talk about drying up the hot supercar market.