Rumours of a rift between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have emerged in the specialist motoring press.
The duo are closely aligned in the world of formula one, with Mercedes-Benz providing works engines and owning the largest slice of Ron Dennis’ company.
But Automotive News Europe reports that, despite their collaboration on the $600,000 SLR supercar, Mercedes is actually getting ready to pair with its German car partner for the DTM touring car series, HWA, for the SLR’s successor.
Other sources said Mercedes had been “disappointed by the performance” of the original SLR, which is built at McLaren’s F1 factory.
A Mercedes-HWA prototype could be ready in time for next year’s Geneva motor show, the rumours continue.
Mercedes’ decision could lead Woking based McLaren to go it alone with its own new supercar – a successor to the fabled McLaren F1 – that will be fully funded by the formula one team.
It is not known if the supercar split could impact the F1 collaboration, but it is likely to quell speculation of a total McLaren buyout by Mercedes in the near future.
