According to the report, the 2010 model is expected to offer 750 horsepower via a 6.3-liter bi-turbo V8. The entire project is said to be under the direction of the automaker’s AMG group.

The car will have a front-mid-engine layout with 50:50 weight distribution, according to the report. Mercedes is not decided on what type of body construction to use, but the emphasis will be on light weight. So far, there’s no word on specific performance numbers, dimensions, or prices, but “there is a clear vision,” the magazine said.

We’ve known Mercedes-Benz has had a world-beater in the works since at least early 2004 when we blew the lid off plans for the McLaren-Mercedes P8 supercar. Now it appears the company has shifted gears once more, heading in the direction of remaking a modern-day version of the classic 300 SL Gullwing.

The car is expected to go into production by 2009 or 2010, powered by an AMG biturbo 6.3-liter V8, pushing up to 750 hp.

We have seen a fair amount of spy photos of Mercedes' upcoming new super car, dating back to August 2007 in the US desert. Rumours about the car are various, ranging from plausible (SLR replacement) to wild speculations (Maybach Coupe). Today we can bring you pictures of then new Gullwing undergoing some handling test at Germany's famous Nurburgring.

In July 2007 a press release was issued by Mercedes stating that their co-operation with McLaren would come to an end in regards to developing a SLR follow-up model and that Mercedes would keep the development internal. In-house performance branch AMG was appointed with the task, who in turn contracted HWA Racing (Mercedes' DTM partner) to produce the car.

The SLC prototypes may be using Dodge Viper body panels, but rest assured that the similarities end there. The prototype uses a 106-inch long wheelbase, which happens to closely match the SLR's wheelbase and in the process debunks any rumours about a smaller SLR based on the R230 SL-Class platform. The new Mercedes turning into a mid-engined car seems very distant now too.

What the car will be called is uncertain, just like which engine will be powering the car. So far we have been calling it the Mercedes Gullwing or SLC while the 500hp 6.2 liter AMG V8 seems a likely candidate to become its engine. But only time will tell, until then just enjoy the photos and dream away...

The collaboration of the Mercedes-Mclaren SLR comes to an end next year as each manufacturer will go their separate ways to create a new model of their own. We already reported earlier this week some inside information on the Mclaren version, now come the turn of the Mercedes.

The new Mercedes SLC/Gullwing will be aimed primarily at the Porsche 911 Turbo with a target price of roughly €150,000 – both a coupe (codenamed C197) and a roadster (codenamed R197) will be produced and it will be slightly smaller than the outgoing SLR.

Mercedes will introduce a new advanced aluminium spaceframe technology which will contribute towards a target weight of 1650kg distributed 48% to the rear and 52% to the front which is 45kg less than the SLR. Mercedes are also reported to be developing a new composite brake system which is not just lighter but also stronger and less fade-prone than the conventional set-up.

The exterior design will be largely based on the SL class which has been received very well since its facelift earlier this year. Although There will be certain design elements which will tell it apart including roof-hinged gullwing doors, almost upright bi-xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, a motorised rear spoiler and a pair of downforce-producing front and rear aprons.

Power will come from AMG's 6.3-litre V8 producing 550bhp and 445lb ft of torque, allowing the Gullwing to achieve 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds, maximum speed stands at 185mph – fuel consumption is said to be 14litres/100km.

The coupe is likely to make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the roadster set to arrive a year later, there are only 6000 units of each model planned for production and is currently pencilled in to stop in 2013.