BORN ON THE RACETRACK
Stuttgart – The new Mercedes-Benz SLR “722 Edition” has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car. Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior.
A continuing tradition: the new model variant SLR “722 Edition” is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale in Europe on July 11, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the “722 Edition”, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 478 kW/650 hp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound.
The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the “722 Edition” accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h=124.2742 Mile/Hour is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h=209.4021 Mile/Hour) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.
Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.
Discreet visual modifications mark the SLR “722 Edition” out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing.
At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolises the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.
Exclusive “SLR. Club” for SLR owners
Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR “722 Edition”. This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide “SLR. Club” at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the “SLR Club” provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.
SLR Racing-Derived Supercar Produces 617 hp
The Mercedes-Benz SLR marks a new era for high-performance cars and at the same time, celebrates the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s. The SLR McLaren combines unmatched power and performance with classic Mercedes-Benz design cues. Featuring a full carbon-fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels, the SLR is powered by a 617-horsepower supercharged 5.5-liter V8 that rockets the new SLR from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 3.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Collaboration
The SLR super sports GT car showcases the collective experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. This unique combination of expertise is evident not only in the pioneering developments and impressive performance of the SLR, but also in its high levels of safety and practicality.
One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fiber composite material of the new SLR body, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles.
Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection. The SLR is distinguished as the first series production vehicle to utilize a front crash structure made exclusively of carbon fiber. Specially designed to absorb crash energy at a constant rate, the carbon fiber crash structure absorbs four to five times more energy in a severe frontal collision than similar structures made of conventional steel.
AMG Supercharged V8 Power
Each supercharged, intercooled V8 engine is hand-built at manufacturing facility of AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, in Affalterbach, Germany. The engine is mounted behind the front wheels in a front mid-engine position. Dry-sump lubrication eliminates the need for an oil pan, allowing the engine to be mounted as low as possible in the frame for better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity, which benefits handling. Dry-sump lubrication also prevents oil starvation that can occur during hard cornering.
Ceramic Composite Brake Discs
The high-performance SLR super sports car is one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology. The brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material – a fiber-reinforced ceramic with astounding stopping power, high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength and long service life. The discs weigh less than half that of conventional brakes, and are fitted with eight-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear. The brake system alone can decelerate the SLR up to 1.3 g, producing the theoretical equivalent of 2,000 horsepower. In addition, an innovative airbrake in the form of an adaptive rear spoiler in the trunk lid increases downforce, improving stability and braking even further. Under hard braking above 59 mph, the air brake pops up at a 65-degree angle, helping to stop the car from 62 mph is just 114 feet.
Broadening the Mercedes-Benz Product Portfolio
Not only does the new SLR boast a rich heritage, but it is also the new flagship of the multi-dimensional Mercedes-Benz brand. With by far the broadest product portfolio of any luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz offers an array of models ranging from mid-size coupes and large premium sedans to luxury roadsters and the SLR super sports car.
