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28th of June 2010 | 16:02 GMT | Alex Oagana 
The SLS AMG is NOT Based on a Defunct Viper Project...
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was developed in-house by AMG
- We found out it has absolutely nothing in common with Dodge
..."I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who."
Rudyard Kipling
About a week ago, a rumor started by Edmund's Inside Line spread out all over the internet like an erratic fungus on crack. So many so-called automotive journalists/bloggers jumped on the bandwagon and covered this story as if it was undeniably true, without so much as a single editor to verify the facts. In short, Inside Line claims to have found out that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is actually based on a burried next-generation project for the Dodge Viper. Apparently, the project had been stolen by Daimler before the "de-merger".
Obviously, everyone assumed that since this information is coming from Edmund's itself - which is one of the most trusted auto-related publications on the internet – then they don't need to dig any further. It's like a higher power had given them all the facts and they weren't supposed to question any of it.
Apparently, this is how online automotive journalism works these days. If the original source for an article comes from a powerful entity like American Edmund's, Motor Trend, Car&Driver or European Autocar, Auto Express or even Auto, Motor&Sport, then the website/blog covering the story is exempted from adhering to regular journalism rules.
In other words, you can base entire so-called pieces of news on big fat lies and nobody will suspect anything. The added dose of credibility coming from heavy names is too much for anyone to question the truthfulness of the facts being stated.
The same thing happened with the aforementioned story from Edmund's Inside Line. Nobody even bothered to check an official source, or at least one which doesn't resemble a totally made-up piece of news. We try very hard not to be like that here at autoevolution, even though we're also far from being completely innocent in this matter.
So it happens I took the liberty of doing a small investigation into the matter, and the conclusion I arrived to was rather opposite to what some of you would probably expect. After having a small chat with each party involved in the rumor (Daimler AG and Chrysler, subsequently) I found out the following. First of all, it is true, the SLS AMG isn't a true Mercedes-Benz.
That is because it's an AMG, not a Dodge/Chrysler. The car was developed from scratch by AMG with the help of HWA, which some of you may know from the German DTM racing championship, while other hardcore fans might remember that HWA comes from Hans Werner Aufrecht. Yes, the "Aufrecht" in Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach. It is their first ever semi-independent car project, and apparently Mercedes-Benz as an entity was even less involved with it than it had been with the SLR McLaren.
Second of all, common sense would tell any wannabe car journo that the Dodge Viper is a rather cheap supercar, if it can even be called that, for to the amount of performance it provides. The 271 kilograms (597 pounds) aluminium space frame body of the SLS AMG has manufacturing and research costs about three times those of the steel body/chassis of a regular Viper. Also, the double clutch transaxle setup of the transmission in the modern Flügeltüren doesn't come very cheap either, compared to a torque-resistant six-speed manual in a Viper.
How on Earth would someone go from a "shed-built" super sports car with a V10 that originally came from a truck and then build its next generation using space age technology? Oh, and keeping its more than reasonable price, I should add, because I don't think there are that many clients for a $250,000 Dodge, no matter how technologically-advanced it is.
In the end, all I want to do is congratulate all the automotive e-zines who didn't cover the aforementioned "The Krauts stole our Viper! Those basterds!" story. Apart from being unfounded and simply based on a hunch which probably arose from those early SLS with Viper body parts spy-shots, the rumor is also a bit stupid. Last, but not least, I really do hope that in the future, small automotive websites and blogs will actually begin to rival the real professionals, who so far are still working in print media only. There are more journalistic rules than just the "five Ws"...
Read by 27,927 users | Add comment | Link to this article |
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who."
Rudyard Kipling
About a week ago, a rumor started by Edmund's Inside Line spread out all over the internet like an erratic fungus on crack. So many so-called automotive journalists/bloggers jumped on the bandwagon and covered this story as if it was undeniably true, without so much as a single editor to verify the facts. In short, Inside Line claims to have found out that the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is actually based on a burried next-generation project for the Dodge Viper. Apparently, the project had been stolen by Daimler before the "de-merger".
Obviously, everyone assumed that since this information is coming from Edmund's itself - which is one of the most trusted auto-related publications on the internet – then they don't need to dig any further. It's like a higher power had given them all the facts and they weren't supposed to question any of it.
Apparently, this is how online automotive journalism works these days. If the original source for an article comes from a powerful entity like American Edmund's, Motor Trend, Car&Driver or European Autocar, Auto Express or even Auto, Motor&Sport, then the website/blog covering the story is exempted from adhering to regular journalism rules.
In other words, you can base entire so-called pieces of news on big fat lies and nobody will suspect anything. The added dose of credibility coming from heavy names is too much for anyone to question the truthfulness of the facts being stated.
The same thing happened with the aforementioned story from Edmund's Inside Line. Nobody even bothered to check an official source, or at least one which doesn't resemble a totally made-up piece of news. We try very hard not to be like that here at autoevolution, even though we're also far from being completely innocent in this matter.
So it happens I took the liberty of doing a small investigation into the matter, and the conclusion I arrived to was rather opposite to what some of you would probably expect. After having a small chat with each party involved in the rumor (Daimler AG and Chrysler, subsequently) I found out the following. First of all, it is true, the SLS AMG isn't a true Mercedes-Benz.
That is because it's an AMG, not a Dodge/Chrysler. The car was developed from scratch by AMG with the help of HWA, which some of you may know from the German DTM racing championship, while other hardcore fans might remember that HWA comes from Hans Werner Aufrecht. Yes, the "Aufrecht" in Aufrecht Melcher Grossaspach. It is their first ever semi-independent car project, and apparently Mercedes-Benz as an entity was even less involved with it than it had been with the SLR McLaren.
Second of all, common sense would tell any wannabe car journo that the Dodge Viper is a rather cheap supercar, if it can even be called that, for to the amount of performance it provides. The 271 kilograms (597 pounds) aluminium space frame body of the SLS AMG has manufacturing and research costs about three times those of the steel body/chassis of a regular Viper. Also, the double clutch transaxle setup of the transmission in the modern Flügeltüren doesn't come very cheap either, compared to a torque-resistant six-speed manual in a Viper.
How on Earth would someone go from a "shed-built" super sports car with a V10 that originally came from a truck and then build its next generation using space age technology? Oh, and keeping its more than reasonable price, I should add, because I don't think there are that many clients for a $250,000 Dodge, no matter how technologically-advanced it is.
In the end, all I want to do is congratulate all the automotive e-zines who didn't cover the aforementioned "The Krauts stole our Viper! Those basterds!" story. Apart from being unfounded and simply based on a hunch which probably arose from those early SLS with Viper body parts spy-shots, the rumor is also a bit stupid. Last, but not least, I really do hope that in the future, small automotive websites and blogs will actually begin to rival the real professionals, who so far are still working in print media only. There are more journalistic rules than just the "five Ws"...
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29.06.2010 | 00:14 GMT
Very good article!
29.06.2010 | 13:19 GMT
Nice work. I had some suspicions, but i didn't investigate, nor did i publish the story.
02.07.2010 | 12:17 GMT
Good article, especially the steel body and truck engine part. Your technical prowess is second to none. Have you ever seen a Viper in person?
I'm not suggesting the SLS has anything in common with or shares any lineage with, the Viper. But when you say less than informed things it dings your credibility to some degree.
02.07.2010 | 12:43 GMT
Thanks for the comments everyone!
@Kma
I apologise, by "steel body" I actually meant chassis. In the SLS AMG the chassis includes the body (monocoque) and it's called an aluminium space frame. The Viper's chassis continues to use tubular steel, while what's left of the body (as in hoods, doors, etc.) is made from fiberglass panels - just like in pretty much any kit car that you can build in your backyard/garage.
As far as the truck engine affirmation goes, you have to be kidding. The V10's origins reside in the Chrysler LA engine family, and a version of it used to power the Ram. So yeah, it IS a truck engine that's been modified to deliver sportier credentials by using an aluminium block and heads with the help of Lamborghini engineers.
If you think that you know otherwise, please do share your insights.
02.07.2010 | 19:26 GMT
I might have put some weight into the author's views had he not come across so badly wanting to disparage the Viper period. "
"Cheap"not a "super car" etc. etc. Then he discusses the contruction of the "old Viper" as if this were the chassis that Chrylser had developed for the new Viper. Heads up! The new Viper had an entirely new chassis developed so the relevancy of his disparaging the old steel chassis does not exist.
If you want your words to be taken seriously please write from a better informed and neutral viewpoint.
05.07.2010 | 06:40 GMT
Is this true: Damn thing looks too much like an F-Mustang from the side. But then, my wheels are on a '07 Trailblazer -- never owned a nice car like this. When young, my dream was to own a Porsche 901 (911) and having a pretty girl in the passenger seat, on our way to Milan and points South. Never happened, life is cruel . .
07.07.2010 | 05:35 GMT
This just may the worst article I have ever read. More time was spent self glorifying by the author telling us how wonderful he is for picking up a phone and calling germany, than actually providing any FACTS or proof to his arguement. THis guy is a complete jackass for running his mouth about things he clearly has NO knowledge of. Wrong on nearly every account of the viper! Also, I would suggest that he has no understanding of the automotive world and how companies build cars. He is only right on one point of his article.... the viper does seem cheap, infact it is the cheapest car that can run head to head with just about every "super car" that costs 3-5 times as much. For my money the viper is still the best buy if you are going for the checkered flag!!!
07.07.2010 | 07:19 GMT
Hi Robert, thanks for your message. I get it, you're a die hard Viper fan and probably hate most imports.
First of all, you fail to comprehend the real point of the editorial above. To all the Viper/USA No 1/America f**k yeah! fans... no, this is not about Mercedes-Benz versus Dodge, SLS AMG versus Viper or Germany versus America. It's about how certain so-called online journalists are just copy-cat writers, without even a pinch of journalism integrity or ethics.
Second of all, if you can give me one single piece of evidence about the last generation Viper NOT using a reworked Chrysler LA engine or a steel tubular chassis, then I will retract everything I said about the car.
Keep in mind I never said the Viper is worse (or better) than the SLS AMG. This article is not about a comparison between the two.
08.07.2010 | 03:16 GMT
Alex,
you can't even comprehend the fact the Viper engine is NOT based on a truck block. The Viper engine has no correlation to the truck engine in anyway. Your lack of research skills along with your multiple failures to do your due diligence(read research) shows not only to your minimal jounalistic skills, but completely transparent hatred of the Viper.
And just for your own edification a "taste" of the background behind the Viper engine design coming from one who was involved from the begining:
"Lambo was very involved at the beginning. Since we did have an association with Lambo at the time we leveraged their aluminum engine expertise to help with the design and build of the early prototype engines see raticals note............"
Now get back to your homework young man...........................
08.07.2010 | 04:14 GMT
Since the Viper ACR is setting the highest speed records at all the road courses the world over (the ring, Laguna Seca, Race City, etc.) I think that perhaps the ACR is the SUPERESTCAR available at any price!. Yes, the Viper has a steel tube frame although it has specially designed custom shocks, Aluminium A arms, custom racing shocks Bremebo Brakes, etc. Thank God! as it is sooo much longer for lifetime use and bends instead of BREAKS. Truck engine? You're referring to an OLD Cast iron slug that was about 300bhp? No, none of the parts come from that engine. All aluminium block and heads improved from the W6 race LA heads V10. Lamborghini helped with the aluminium race engine block. 500# added weight and 40% intake restrictor plates so that the Porshces and Ferraris could keep up at Lemans and Grand PRix.
08.07.2010 | 04:23 GMT
You should investigate before publishing that the Viper is a figerglass car. You're confused with Corvette? The hood and doors are fibergalss, the roof (GTS/coupe/ACR) 1/4 panels, taillight panel, and front fascia are hightech plastic! The side sills are made of Aluminium. The ACR, Venom and older GTRs used Carbon Fiber Spoilers.
As far as cheap ... I think that the $100,000 Dodge is the perfect price and would never buy a POS Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes for quadruple the price and so much slower. When I talked to my buddy and found out that his Ferrari (and most other "exotic junk") only got 9-13mph (Imp) I couldn't believe it. 15,000miles between $18,000 "tuneups"? Absolute Garbage. I really like my 920bhp Dodge Vipers (both of them).
Ted
08.07.2010 | 05:02 GMT
Really...The Viper is such a pile of crap that it holds the lap record that famous..."ring in Germany"...bouncing off the rev limiter.
08.07.2010 | 09:27 GMT
Hi everyone,
I take it you all came from a Viper forum. :)
First of all I would suggest you re-read my two above comments, just so we can be clear about my so-called "Viper hatred" you mention. There isn't a single sentence from my part that would lead you to believe that I am against the Viper. In any way.
Second of all, by re-skimming through the very same comments and the article itself you can probably observe the fact that I mentioned Lamborghini's involvement in what essentially was a complete reworking of a truck engine. Of course the Viper V10 doesn't have any actual common parts with the old Chrysler LA engines, which weren't exactly friends with aluminium, but that doesn't mean its concept isn't based on them, more specifically on the 5.9-liter V8. These are facts, not just a figment of my "Viper hating" imagination guys.
Third of all, and for the last time, please, I beg of you, try to first acknowledge the actual subject of this editorial, and only then comment. This story is NOT about the Dodge Viper, NOR about the Mercedes SLS AMG, it's about bad automotive journalism on the internet and making up news when you don't have any sources.
08.07.2010 | 12:33 GMT
Well, I am glad all that was reported about the Viper was just a trick to rile us all up. If the SLS AMG doesn't set any lap records then I guess you were totally correct about it not being created for the Viper.
09.07.2010 | 13:41 GMT
Hi came cross this blog randomly and I am so Sorry that nobody that posted yet actually knew how to read.
About your mains subject I'ld say that this problem of not checking the information from BIG source isn't specific of car journalism, it's about any media in fact.
Worse, really important informations are often neglected to what will be more trandy in order to attact people for advertizing more than to really inform.
And about the viper, I am sorry it won in Lemans only because there was european, team and pilote to prepare and drive it and because porsche wasn't involved in competition.
One more thing that american "Supercars" makers, often forgot, and US "pilotes" too: cars also have to turn!
If i had to buy a "cheap" supercar i'ld have a look at nissan GTR better.
09.07.2010 | 18:37 GMT
Guys, you have to chill out a little bit. This is actually a comedic work of genius. To write an article about lack of fact checking in bad journalism, then fill it with loads of factual errors. Brilliant mocking AND parody of horrible journalism. Bravo!! You sir have a bright future
10.07.2010 | 02:43 GMT
Why is this j**k slamming Viper? Google it's numbers, it's the ultimate supercar! I't's faster than everything it races and the price is, comparably speaking, great! Do your research people!!!
11.07.2010 | 10:01 GMT
American cars are only good at turning left, if there is a right turn we are so SCREWED! Lord knows how many times I have drivin straight off the road because someone put a stupid turn in it. Around 70 turns at the Ring and Dodge, Ford and Chevy have cars below 7:41... sooo quit being an ignorant moron and go get educated.
12.07.2010 | 19:31 GMT
education through Nascar, that is the solution,
by the way how many can put Italy on the map??
12.07.2010 | 19:31 GMT
education trhew Nascar, that is the solution,
by the way how many can put Italy on the map??
15.07.2010 | 02:30 GMT
You're right, there is more than the "5 Ws", but when you don't even use that, what else can you say? Do some research yourself, prior to pointing your "high and mighty" journalistic integrity finger at anyone else.
20.07.2010 | 16:00 GMT
I think Viper and Vette use some type of inject plastic resin for the panels, pretty sure fibreglass has not been used for years
22.07.2010 | 05:53 GMT
A friend told me once why cops patrol in pairs, and I thought it was a bad joke.
Now I understand... apparently very few people actually can BOTH read AND write.
Sad reading, the above litany of rants (and I do not mean the original article).
02.08.2010 | 16:48 GMT
fact 1
the story about Mercedes copying a viper is false and stays false. To tell the lie again and again just makes it bigger but not more true.
fact 2
The discussion "Viper is a supercar" "no it isn't" "yes it is" is just embarrassing. Mostly for the Viper fans itself. Why? Because if you really believe this you wouldn't even think of answering such "false" statements.
22.08.2010 | 11:07 GMT
Very good article ! Despite that the SLS is certainly not a copy of a Viper ( I drove a Viper and it is definitely NOT a Super Car at all !! But I did test drive the SLS on 2 different F1 circuits this year and it is a Super Car by all means) I liked most about the article that someone had the guts to tell the truth about most of the Bloggers and on-line automotive journalists. It is my opinion / impression that there is a lot of rubbish produced every day and people believe it.