Mercedes SLC mule blatant rip off of Dodge Viper?

[ojimmy87]

is it just me or does anyone else feel that the Mercedes SLC prototype is the biggest case of blatant theft you've ever seen in a car. apart from the front nose its IDENTICAL to the viper. rear bumper is the same, tail light positioned exactly the same, body size exactly the same, side exhaust exactly the same, hell even the scoop on the side of the body is identical. what the hell are they trying to pull.

See for yourself

Mercedes SLC Side Shot:
http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/MercedesSlc_01_01.jpg

Dodge Viper Side Shot:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j76/81401/cars/dodge/viper_srt-10-042107-2.jpg?t=1236658555

Mercedes SLC rear Shot:
http://carsspyphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/mercedes-slc-spy-shots.jpg

Dodge Viper rear shot:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Dodge-Viper-SRT10-rear.jpg

am i going nuts or is mercedes just straight up stealing the viper's sheet metal?

[RyanM]

The vehicle is a test mule, not a prototype. It's a genuine Dodge Viper, but it's powered by a Mercedes engine that they're planning on using in an upcoming vehicle. I believe '09 is the last year of the SLR: it'll be replaced soon by MB's own supercar, which will be powered by the engine that's in the test mule.

[chris2EM]

Use your brain.

1. That's just a Viper skin used for the testing .
2. They've had several different test skins for it.
3. It's not called the SLC.
4. You don't even have the newest images of it.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/mercedes-benz-sls-amg/1395482/
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/gullwing-returns-official-details-on-mercedes-benz-slc-amg/

[GIANTGLORY]

mercedes owns dodge......dodge is part of chryseler

[AndriyR]

Dude the SLC is based on the Viper. But you have to keep in mind that this is not the finale version.

[Core]

Yikes! A total rip off. But legally speaking - changing something by a mere 20% classifies it as a new product.

[Wings_008]

looks like the merc is copying to me
and no Chrysler isn't owned by Mercedes there group with called diamler Chrysler which isn't Mercedes

[Cornelius]

those are all vipers

[JPham]

It looks like a Viper because those are actually the Vipers sheet metal. They're just using the viper sheet metal as a testing shell for the engine and guts of the car. Trust me Mercedes is not going to make their new SLC look something like the Viper.

[psycjguy]

Aren't mercedes and chrysler connected. I thought Mercedes bought chrysler or joined forces with them or something. I think this is what saved Chrysler from bankruptcy like 15 years ago. Chryslers used to crumple like an according until Mercedes joined forces with them.