I didn't know which forum to post this but I'm in here the most and you might find this interesting. In the September issue of CAR, there is an article describing plans for MB to take a controlling interest in McLaren and turn it into a Ferrari competitor. MB currently has a 40% stake with the remaining 60% belonging to Ron Dennis and the TAG Group. Potential start-date is 2007 producing a Ferrari-like 3500 cars per year. Three high performance road cars are planned all using V10 engines and carbon fiber composite chassis and body panels. The engine is likely a derivative of a new direct-injection 40-valve dohc V10 currently under development at MB. Forced induction likely to be avaoided for F1-style high revs and instant throttle response. Possible transmission is a direct-shift twin-clutch gearbox. Core values would be light weight, exceptional driving dynamics and active aerodynamics.

1. An entry-level mid-engined two-seat coupe/spyder aimed at the 360 Modena with approx 425bhp. Volume 2500, price 105000 British pounds.

2. A big 2+2 coupe similar to the 456GT with a front-mounted V10 with around 550bhp. Volume 750, price 140000 Br pounds.

3. A mid-engined high-performance supercar similar to the Enzo with a 650bhp V10 with a 10000 redline. Volume 250, price 525000 Br pounds.

This british magazine is fairly reputable I believe and I pray that what they are saying is true. Finally, MB is getting serious about the driving experience with natural aspiration, manual/semi-manual transmissions and light weight. I've loved Mercedes for as long as I can remember, but with the exception of recent AMG products, they've never come close to the total experience like BMW Motorsport, Porsche and Ferrari. And I like the idea of making it a whole separate brand. Interestingly, the SLR is not part of the plan. After it's 7-year life, it may be replaced with an AMG-badged coupe.