I can see your point, but I just downloaded about 5 different views of the SLR, compared them to the 2003, and just about the only view that has any resemblance at all, is the one in your post.... and you can almost put any convertible rear next to each other and make the same comparison.
I've seen both cars, and the resemblance never appeared to me... the Snake seems much wider, has an upward swing of the rear fender bulge, a totally different front end, different overhangs, etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 2003 was developed WAY before the merger took place...so if there's a resemblance, we should be "flattered" as Mercedes probably "picked up" on some styling cues of our AMERICAN designed and engineered 2003!
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