207-mph Super Sports GT Goes Topless
Mercedes-Benz announced that it will offer the SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster. Showcasing the latest in Formula 1 technology, the SLR McLaren is constructed almost entirely of carbon fiber, providing a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional rigidity for outstanding handling characteristics. Powered by a supercharged (Kompressor) 5.5-liter, 617-hp AMG V8 engine, the SLR McLaren Roadster can achieve a top speed of 207 mph. Thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure at the highest level, providing occupants with a comfortable open-air experience suitable for everyday use. U.S. deliveries of this new model will begin in Fall 2007.
Like the SLR coupe, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes racing team. Distinctive stylistic elements such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR legend of the ’50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.
Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. The result is low weight, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional rigidity not possible in traditional open-top vehicles.
Top Designed for High-Speed
The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully-retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing silhouette of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material – which is available in three different colors – not only guarantees complete practicality for everyday, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics previously associated with closed cars. In fact, conversation is still possible at well over 120mph on open-air journeys thanks to the favorable aeroacoustics.
The semi-automatic roof opens or closes in less than ten seconds, providing a perfect combination of convenience and open top driving pleasure. To open, the roof simply needs to be unlocked from the windshield frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when retracted.
Sophisticated Aerodynamics and Racing-Type Chassis
In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimized for high speeds to achieve remarkable levels of handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamic efficiency. The Roadster also employs the aerodynamic concept employed on the SLR coupe, including an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.
The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs for remarkable braking performance, while its unique front-mid-engine design provides for optimum weight distribution. With 617-hp and a maximum torque of 575 lb.ft, the supercharged (Kompressor) 5.5-liter, AMG V8 engine is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, propelling the Roadster from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Unique Safety and Exclusive Fittings
A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fiber crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system and a multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles.
