PKW4631 199 series SLR McLaren High Performance Sports Car, 2004 - 2009

199 series SLR McLaren High Performance Sports Car, 2004 - 2009

When they introduced the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren in 2004, the Stuttgart-based brand and its then Formula 1 partner McLaren underlined their long-standing experience in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. The two-seater, with its distinctive gullwing doors and style elements borrowed from the Formula 1 Silver Arrows, built on the legacy of the legendary SLR race cars of the 1950s. Equipped with cutting-edge race car technology and groundbreaking new Mercedes-Benz developments, designed to ensure a high standard of safety and everyday practicality, the SLR McLaren created a distinctive image for itself as a 21st-century Gran Turismo – a thrilling synthesis of tradition and innovation. The car was produced in the English town of Woking, near London.

With a long bonnet, a taut midriff, tightly sculptured passenger compartment and a short rear, the contours consciously echoed design elements of Mercedes‑Benz sports cars of bygone years.

The front end testified to the fact that the SLR McLaren was directly related to successful race cars of the modern era: the centre was dominated by the distinctive, arrow-shaped nose of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, surrounding the Mercedes star. Below this the twin aerofoil with its distinctively curved supports was another typical style element derived from the Formula 1 race cars with which McLaren‑Mercedes won the world championship in 1998 and 1999. As on the Silver Arrows, these aerofoils were not just decorative; they played a crucial aerodynamic role, ensuring high negative lift at the front axle and thereby making a key contribution to the SLR's safe, motor racing-standard handling.

Above the large air intake for cooling the engine stretched the broad, flat bonnet, the rear edge of which lay beneath the end of the A-pillars, allowing a low-set windscreen. The configuration of the headlamps followed Mercedes-Benz's successful twin-headlamp format. Unlike the SLR Silver Arrows of the 1950s, where the rear had a gentle downward curve, for aerodynamic reasons the new SLR's boot lid had a relatively high position. The eye was drawn to the large LED tail lights, thanks in part to the characteristic triangular design of the transparent cover lenses, which extended into the side flanks, emphasising the width of the body. Viewed from the side, the SLR legend lived on in the large air intakes, divided by gills. These gills were more than just a style element – in the cutting-edge SLR, as in the earlier models, they were also designed to ventilate the engine compartment.

The new Gran Turismo adopted its unmistakable gullwing doors from the 1955 coupé version of the legendary SLR race car, known as the Uhlenhaut Coupé. In their modern interpretation, they were attached to the front roof pillars rather than the roof and pivoted forwards and upwards in a wide arc. This new design increased the opening area, making it easier for the driver and passenger to enter and exit the vehicle.

Each SLR was painted by hand, and the environmentally compatible metallic finish featured larger particles, producing an impressive depth of colour.

The eye-catching feature in the interior was the high-quality, aluminium-trimmed centre console. The radio and navigation system were housed in the centre console, beneath a push-to-open cover. One of the switch modules in the centre console was designed to operate the airbrake on the boot lid, which automatically extended from 95 km/h, enhancing downforce. When slowing down, it extended vertically into the air to ensure optimum deceleration. The SLR driver could change the position of the airbrake manually if required.

Two other rotary switches in the centre console were used for the automatic transmission's three different shift modes: "Manual", "Comfort" and "Sport". The driver was also able to specify the speed of the gear shifts.

Clearly visible circular instruments were arranged in two tubular surrounds in front of the driver. Large dials featured lettering specially developed for the SLR McLaren. In the cockpit aluminium and carbon fibre contrasted with soft "Silver Arrow" leather, developed for the new high-performance sports car in 20 different shades – including the distinctive red which was used as a highlight colour in the legendary 1950s SL and SLR sports cars.

In flaps beneath the boot, which had an impressive capacity of 272 litres, there were stowage compartments for the washer fluid and brake fluid containers, the on-board batteries and tools. The designers chose this unusual arrangement to ensure the perfect weight distribution for a sports car, with a low centre of gravity close to the centre of the vehicle.

The SLR was the first series-produced car to benefit from the competence and experience of the experts at Mercedes‑Benz and McLaren in the field of race car construction: the complete bodyshell, the doors, bonnet, boot lid and chassis of the SLR were made from corrosion-resistant carbon fibre composite. In fact the extensive use of carbon fibre composite materials ensured that the primary structure of the SLR McLaren was around 30 percent lighter than the conventional steel structure of a comparable front-mid engine vehicle. The monocoque passenger cell was also made from this high-tech material. It offered the passengers an extremely rigid and hence extremely safe survival space in the event of a frontal, side or rear collision. A cutting-edge retention system with six airbags, including kneebags, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters, rounded off the sophisticated SLR safety concept.

In view of the SLR McLaren's impressive performance, which clearly exceeded the 300 km/h mark, the subject of aerodynamics was particularly important. The focus was less on achieving the lowest possible Cd value and more on ensuring safe and stable handling at high speed. The reason for this was that the body did not produce lift; in fact it even generated downforce, pressing the SLR to the road and ensuring optimum roadholding. As a result, the vehicle featured a virtually smooth underbody, special air baffles for the rear wheels, front diffusers in front of the front wheels and a six-channel diffuser (airbrake) at the rear.

The distinctive sidepipes on each side of the vehicle are also the result of this high-performance sports car's special underbody concept: a conventional exhaust gas system would have impaired the smooth line of the underbody and the diffuser design.

The 460 kW (626 hp) V8 engine in the SLR McLaren, the first eight-cylinder engine to be completely developed by Mercedes‑B enz AMG, offered power in abundance and high-tech from the world of motorsport, making it  perfect for the new Gran Turismo's high-performance concept. The SLR powerplant delivered over 600 newton metres of torque from as low as 1500 rpm; the peak torque of 780 newton metres was available from 3250 rpm and remained constant across a broad engine speed range up to 5000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h took 3.8 seconds. The top speed was 334 km/h.

As was the usual practice at Mercedes‑Benz AMG, each SLR engine was assembled by hand. One AMG engineer was responsible for the complete assembly of each powerplant – installing the crankshaft in the engine block, fitting the camshafts and the supercharger, right down to the wiring.

The high-performance engine drew its fuel from two connected aluminium tanks. These were installed in a low position on the left and right of the rear axle to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible in the interests of dynamic handling. The tanks had a capacity of 97.6 litres. Secondary air injection and dual ignition created the engine conditions for low exhaust emissions – ensuring compliance with EU4.

The five-speed automatic transmission was also designed for high-performance. It was specially optimised for very high torque and also allowed the driver a choice of different shift characteristics. The Speedshift gearshift, specially developed by Mercedes‑Benz AMG for particularly sporty driving, was used, offering even more functions in the new SLR. The driver could decide whether to leave the gear changes to the automatic transmission or to change gear manually. It was also possible to select the shift speed, specifying how sporty the driver wanted the gear changes to be. A rotary switch in the centre console offered a choice of three settings: "Manual", "Comfort" and "Sport". In "Manual" mode the five gears could be changed using the buttons on the steering wheel or using the Touchshift selector lever. On top of this, with a particularly sporty driving style the driver could choose between three shift stages: "Sport", "Supersport" and "Race". In the sequence indicated here, the response, reaction and closing times of the couplings in the automatic transmission, and hence the shift processes themselves, became progressively shorter.

An aluminium chassis based on motor racing expertise, highly robust, carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs, SBC™ Sensotronic Brake Control and the airbrake at the rear ensured the SLR McLaren was ready for high performance on the race track and on the road.

There was double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear. The lower wishbone arms were positioned so that the wheels had a negative camber on spring compression and when cornering at speed, ensuring optimum roadholding. At the same time the axle technology prevented pitching at the front of the vehicle on heavy braking and at the rear when accelerating.

18-inch light-alloy wheels were part of the standard equipment for the Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren. The five-hole wheels were fitted with different widths of tyre at the front and rear. Five-spoke wheels were also available on request at no extra cost. Customers could also choose 19‑inch turbine-look wheels, which emphatically underlined the dynamic character the Gran Turismo. An electronic system monitored the tyre pressure.

In 2006, the Mercedes‑Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition was developed at the headquarters of the Formula 1 constructor McLaren, underlining its connection to the world of motorsport. Featuring more than 300 modified components, the super sports car served up a boost in output, more dynamic chassis tuning, improved aerodynamics and distinctly sporty interior appointments.

The name "SLR 722 Edition" evoked memories of the unforgettable victory achieved in 1955 by the British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-pilot Dennis Jenkinson at Mille Miglia – the classic Italian endurance race – behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with start number 722 (denoting the car's start time of 7.22 a.m.). With its 478 kW (650 hp) 5.5 litre V8 supercharged engine, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only outperformed its historic forefather, it also outstripped the outstanding peak performance of the contemporary SLR model. The limited edition of 150 models was, for the most part, hand-crafted at McLaren in Woking.

Modifications were made to influence the interplay of the engine with the gearshift, improving the performance figures yet again: the SLR 722 Edition accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds (SLR: 3.8 seconds) and reached 300 km/h in just 28.0 seconds (SLR: 28.8 seconds). The top speed of 337 km/h was also higher than that of the previous SLR (334 km/h).

On top of this, the stiffer spring rates and shock-absorber characteristics of the chassis were what gave the SLR 722 Edition its increased directional stability and, in conjunction with the forged aluminium 19-inch wheels (which allowed larger brake discs to be fitted) noticeably further enhanced dynamic handling. Aerodynamic improvements such as a spoiler lip at the rear and wheel spoilers made for a smoother airflow and optimised road feel. The angle at which the airbrake extended was adjusted too. The special model was also 44 kilograms lighter than the standard SLR.

Discreet touches such as the uninterrupted view of the red-painted brake callipers and brake discs or the 722 insignia embossed on the head restraints subtly set the special model apart from the SLR in visual terms.

From September 2007 Mercedes‑Benz also offered the SLR McLaren super sports car as a roadster. The carbon fibre technology of the monocoque chassis was further developed especially for this model. The result – a low weight, exemplary energy absorption for a very high level of occupant safety and a torsional rigidity never before achieved in open-top vehicles. The fully retractable soft top was tailored to cope with high speeds and available in three different colours. It opened and closed semi-automatically in less than 10 seconds, combining comfort requirements with a thoroughbred roadster character. To open it, it simply had to be unlocked in the front window frame and briefly raised, following which it folded electrically. Since an aluminium cap was integrated in the front section of the roof, it elegantly concealed the folded soft top. For high safety there were unique carbon fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The optimum aeroacoustics ensured that it was still possible to carry on a conversation with the top down at far in excess of 200 km/h. Performance was equivalent to that of the coupé.

From September 2008, the SLR McLaren 722 Edition special model was also made available in a roadster version. With an output of 478 kW (650 hp), acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, the open-top two-seater – available in a limited edition of 150 – surpassed the SLR McLaren Roadster. Like the coupé SLR 722 Edition, the special model had an even more dynamic chassis and suspension set-up and further enhanced aerodynamics.

In 2009, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren added the crowning glory to their range of successful SLR super sports cars by launching a new, spectacular, and uncompromising model: the SLR Stirling Moss. With neither a roof nor a windscreen or side windows to separate the driver and passenger from the world outside, they were able to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. All that protected the driver and passenger from the wind were the two wind deflectors, measuring just a few centimetres in height. Two scoops integrated in the body served as roll-over bars. The rear diffuser was much larger than the one for the coupé and roadster models. Further traits of the new SLR Stirling Moss included highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provided a new take on the legendary 300 SLR. Its V8 supercharged engine, developing 478 kW (650 hp), accelerated the SLR Stirling Moss from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and was good for a top speed of 350 km/h – performance that no other series-production car could match . This extreme concept made it a legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend and Mille Miglia record holder Stirling Moss. The SLR Stirling Moss marked the end of the present-day SLR family and was produced in a limited edition of 75. Production of the SLR Roadster ceased, on schedule, at the same time.

The SLR family had produced five thrilling models – two coupé variants, two roadster versions and the uncompromisingly sleek SLR Stirling Moss. In December 2009, Mercedes‑Benz and McLaren's production of the SLR model series came to an end. The project had been conceived from the outset as a limited edition, produced within a specific time frame. In total, around 2,000 SLR McLaren models were produced – a significantly higher number than for any other super sports car in this category.

Legend and sophistication - these two hallmark characteristics of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stand out immediately, and are the essence of the scintillating styling radiated by the new high-performance sports car.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren "DESIGN"
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR Roadster, 1999
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Vision SLR
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR Roadster, 1999
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Vision SLR
Mercedes-Benz Vision SLR
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Vision SLR
The ceramic brake discs are formed by adding silicon to a combination of carbon fibres, powered carbon and resin under high pressure. The fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs are able to withstand extremly high temperatures.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The ceramic brake discs are formed by adding silicon to a combination of carbon fibres, powered carbon and resin under high pressure. The fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs are able to withstand extremely high temperatures.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren meets the legendary SLR models from the 1950s.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren "Der Mythos --- The Legend"
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren meets the legendary SLR models from the 1950s.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren "Der Mythos --- The Legend"
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren meets the legendary SLR models from the 1950s.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren "Der Mythos --- The Legend"
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, 2003.
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, Power meets Fashion, July 12, 2007: Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Eva Padberg and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.
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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin 2007
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, C 199, 2003
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SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, R 199, 2007
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SLR McLaren Roadster
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster, R 199, 2007
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SLR McLaren Roadster
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S
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SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition,
C 199, 2006
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition,
C 199, 2006
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - Das Design
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SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - Das Design
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SLR McLaren
SLR – Das Comeback einer Sportwagen-Legende
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SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren - Das Design
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SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition + 300 SL 722
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition + 300 SL 722
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199 on a racetrack
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199 on a racetrack
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199 on a racetrack
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199 on a racetrack
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
C 199 on a racetrack
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon, model series 211, 2006. The "E-Class Experience" from Paris/France to Beijing/China started on 21 October 2006. Around 350 international journalists and other participants travelled in 36 diesel-powered E-Class Saloons in 5 stages over 26 days. They crossed 9 countries on their long-distance reliability journey of 13,600 kilometres. Route plan. Also shown (from top to bottom): Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG, model series 216; SLR McLaren 722 Edition, model series 199; S 320 CDI 4MATIC, model series 221.
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E-Class Saloon - W 211, Paris - Beijing 2006
Mercedes-Benz at the Paris Motor Show 2006
The highlights include the new CL-Class, the AMG high-performance models CL 63 and S 63 AMG and the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition, which are celebrating their world premiere in the French capital. 
Press conference - Dr Dieter Zetsche
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Mercedes-Benz at the Paris Motor Show 2006
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