even though it's luxury I still don't get why they won't put manual in it. the SL500 is sweet, just lacks the fun of manual.

Someone mentioned it's because manual is outdated and old technology and MB has advanced technology in auto.

I still won't believe an auto is better then manual until I see someone make a auto that beats their manual models times.

Even cadillac makes manual cars.

BS G35C 6spd navi/aero/prem

 

Audi CVT?

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

Well, there were some comments about MB engineering and quality going downhill, that was the reason for my posting the pic and the reason I added the comment about the engineering......sorry you got confused.


<hr></blockquote>
Since you asked someone if they know what an SL500 actually looks like (somewhat condescending) and provided a picture of an SLR with the very next post I felt it needed some clarification. You know its funny how people with the same general opinion can argue with each other for basically nothing.

The only thing I'm confused about is why I actually respond to your meaningless rhetoric. Which is why I'm not going to repond to any of your posts any longer. I really don't feel the need to dignify your, sure to come, reponse with an answer. Confusion resolved! Have a nice day.

G35C Aero/Prem/6M

 

the audi CVT version of a car will beat it's manual version?

BS G35C 6spd navi/aero/prem

 

And NvrLose, to respond to your earlier comment, a fancy concept car doesn't mean the company has amazing engineering. Every car company worth a damn has a number of fancy concept cars that may have gimmicks like scissor doors...the fact that MB has one too doesn't invalidate claims that their quality and reliability have gone downhill.

I myself am an engineer, and one thing I have learned is that engineering is all about managing tradeoffs. If you can balance drop-dead good looks, excellent performance, AND stellar reliability like Nissan does, that is excellent engineering.

 

OvaYahead, it should at least match it. Or so C&D claims.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

And NvrLose, to respond to your earlier comment, a fancy concept car doesn't mean the company has amazing engineering. Every car company worth a damn has a number of fancy concept cars that may have gimmicks like scissor doors...the fact that MB has one too doesn't invalidate claims that their quality and reliability have gone downhill.

I myself am an engineer, and one thing I have learned is that engineering is all about managing tradeoffs. If you can balance drop-dead good looks, excellent performance, AND stellar reliability like Nissan does, that is excellent engineering

<hr></blockquote>
I concur.

G35C Aero/Prem/6M

 

In reply to your "I still won't believe an auto is better then manual until I see someone make a auto that beats their manual models times." I think that what MB is trying to say is...if you want a car to race by a Ferrari, the SL line is for those that want a top model luxury car that has the power when you need it but don't want the hassle of having to shift through stop and go traffic. cmon...this car was designed for those affluent people over 50 in their mid life crisis...I know it's a generalization but hell not many under 50 can afford it.


Red/Canadian

 

The SLR is not a concept car, it is going to production. If you want one, it will run about $750K+, and you thought paying sticker for a G35 sucked!

As far as ranking excellent engineering, I'm not sure that I agree with you definition. I'm sure that most would agree that the 360 Modena is a fine example of excellent engineering, but I doubt that it has stellar reliability. But, I won't mince words on this one.

 

Nvrlose, then I guess we differ on the definition. Being an engineer myself, I would say it would make my job a heck of a lot easier to have a humongous budget to work with, like the SLR engineers have. When you have that much of a budget, you can afford to just pick the best materials, the rarest parts, etc. which takes a lot of the engineering out of the equation. I have a much greater respect for a team that can deliver a car that exceeds in features, performance, looks, comfort, AND cost.

 

"When you have that much of a budget...takes a lot of the engineering out of the equation."

I don't want to argue with anyone, so this is my final post on this thread, but I had to address your statement. Here's a just a couple of projects where the priority of the project far outweighed the costs. Would you not consider these engineering feats?

Apollo 11
Manhattan Project
Hoover Dam

 

I had a prof in college who actually was one of the engineers on Apollo 13 (he was the guy in the movie that presented the solution the engineers had). But that is not really a valid comparison, because there, they had other budgets - available room, weight, etc. The other two you mentioned were similar. But I do not question that they are engineering feats.

Similarly I have never said that the SLR is well-engineered - I am merely saying that it takes a lot more engineering to balance cost on top of other factors in to make an awesome car. Would you not agree that the engineering team that has to balance performance, luxury, ascetics, AND cost has a tougher task ahead of them than the one who only has to balance the former 3?

I can guarantee you that the engineering team put on the G35 was much larger than the engineering team put in charge of the SLR.