The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by the design of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars, this sports car / super car hybrid can go from 0 to 62 in 3.6 seconds with a low price of $ 455,500.00 (this includes the $ 3000.00 gas tax and the $ 2500.00). It is often assumed that “SLR” means Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport (translated as Sport; Light; Racing), but actually it means Super-leicht, Rennsport (Super-light, Racing). In 2006 a new version called “Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 edition” was presented. The “722” commemorates the 1955 victory at Mille Miglia of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson in his Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (722 refers to 7:22 am, which is his start time).
AMG technicians optimized the capabilities of the original SL-55 engine by enlarging the fuel pump and cylinders and fitting a larger cooling system for the engine. This modification produced a 5.5 liter dry sum V8 and an unusual 3 valves per cylinder with SOHC. This is contrary to the prevailing supercar design that uses DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is also uniquely mounted to the front center section of the vehicle, which is 1 meter behind the front bumper and 50 cm from the front axle. Due to the high power of this car’s engine, the fade resistant carbon-ceramic based brake plates are used with calipers that would automatically rub the surface of the brake plates to keep them dry when driving in a wet situation. The spoilers are also mounted at the rear and open when braking at high speeds. The SLR has a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with three separate modes: Sport, Comfort, and Manual. Sport is primarily for everyday use, while Comfort is for bumpy roads and finally Manual which allows the driver to change gears with the touch panel or the levers on the steering wheel. The transmission used in the SLR is the same with other performance models like the SL65. However, the SLK-55 engine cannot handle the torque and power output of the SLR, so a five-speed transmission is used.
The SLR has a top speed of 208 mph, making it the fastest automatic car in the world until 2005, when the Bugatti Veyron entered the scene. The SLR uses carbon fiber for its body, which would supposedly make it lighter, but the car still weighs 3,898 pounds after adding all the included luxury items. In 2004, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport tested the SLR at the Nardo test track in southern Italy. And he reported that the car’s quarter mile time is 11.5 seconds. Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson notably praised the SLR for how easy it is to drive even at top speed. In the same episode of Top Gear, Jeremy was able to outrun a 25,000-bhp cruiser in a race with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May from London to Oslo (1,320 miles). The SLR is often classified as a “great touring car” rather than a “super car” because it is extremely fast but does not sacrifice comfort.