2011 AMG Gullwing [Spied again]

Just days after Leftlane learned that Mercedes-Benz refers to its new supercar as the Gullwing, not the SLC, our spy photographers have once again spotted the upcoming coupe while out testing. Though an official name for the car has not been announced, our sources say that not only will it not be a successor to the SLR, it’s currently called Gullwing.

It’s been a year since we first spotted Mercedes’ Gullwing testing in the States, and at that time it was a cobbled together mule with several Dodge Viper parts bolted on. This time – with obvious gullwing doors – this would be considered an early or developmental prototype.

Though no longer offically a successor to the SLR, we can’t help but wonder where the McLaren-engineered vehicle will fit in Mercedes’ future product portfolio. Leftlane has also learned that the car is being developed entirely by AMG, not H.W.A., AG, Mercedes’ German partner that builds its DTM and Le Mans cars.

According to the UK’s Car, however, the Gullwing won’t be marketed under the Mercedes nameplate. Instead, the Gullwing will become the first car to be sold exclusively under the AMG badge — forgoing any Mercedes badging and possibly revealing a new direction at the German automaker.

Confirmation of the gullwing design comes over two years since rumors first broke via Germany’s AutoBild (May 2006).

There is a clear lineage to the rest of Mercedes’ lineup in the Gullwing’s front fascia, with crisp character lines that give the two-door a decidedly purposeful look. Unlike the F1-inspired styling of the current SLK, the Gullwing will have a design language more in line with Mercedes’ passenger cars.

Upfront we can actually see more of the production headlamps in the most recent spy photos – including, for the very first time, the LEDs on the bottom! And, although one many not notice at first glance – this Gullwing has a different front fascia – allowing even a greater airflow.

The rear also has some changes – including the removal of the temporary tailpipe, and the presence of what we believe are the actual exhaust outlets on each side.

While the details are sparse in photo #7, the bright silver paddle shifter is clearly visible directly behind the steering wheel. Whether this supercar will have 6, 7 or maybe even 8 gears is still unknown.

The Gullwing coupe is slated to debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, with a soft top convertible version — codenamed R197 — expected to bow sometime in 2011. A concept version of the Gullwing should begin making its auto show rounds in 2009.

According to Car, the road-going version of the Gullwing will be 183 in long, 76.8 in wide and 49.2 in high, with a wheelbase measuring in at 106.3 in.

The Gullwing should be ready to hit Mercedes dealerships in late 2010 as a 2011 model, with an estimated price tag well into the six-figure range. Mercedes has yet to announce an official production schedule for the Gullwing, but our sources say the AMG supercar is earmarked for a two year production run, with annual production pegged at no more than 6,000 units.