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Last Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR roadster


As we start counting down the final days of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR supercar, the luxury German marque has announced that the last ever production SLR roadster will be auctioned off for charity in the good ol' US of A.


Set to become a collector's item, the last SLR roadster features a special one-off Sienna Pearl metallic paint job and a bespoke Tobacco Brown interior.The engine bay remains untouched, featuring the same 454 kW 5.5-litre supercharged V8 engine found in other SLRs.

The auction is scheduled to commence on November 20, 2008 at 1pm EST US time and ends at 5pm on the same day. Bidding will start at an eye-watering US$529,500, with any amount beyond the starting bid benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Official Mercedes-Benz Press Release:

The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster exclusively for the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Catalog

The provenance of a singular vehicle, built to the exacting standards of Mercedes McLaren, the creators of world championship-winning Formula One racing cars, this SLR is the only one built for the United States.

Legends are created by a combination of unrivalled performance, technological leadership and exclusivity. The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster follows the lineage of the Mercedes-Benz 900 SLR racing car, which triumphed at the 1955 Mille Miglia endurance race and forever imprinted this historic racing victory on the brand Mercedes-Benz.


The Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster underscores the racing tradition with its 206 mph top speed, 617 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine and carbon fiber body with scissor-type articulated doors. No other roadster on Earth combines this level of technology and performace - and no other SLR will match the singular model.

The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster completes its limited production with this unique SLR Roadster. With carbon fiber bodywork finished in bespoke SLR Sienna Pearl metallic paint and composition Tobacco Brown leather interior, only one SLR in this combination is destined for the United States.

Owning this unique vehicle, the final production SLR Roadster for the United States, will make a statement to automotive enthusiasts for years to come.

This vehicle will be available in an exclusive online auction on November 20, 2008 from
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST. The vehicle’s price is $529,500 with any and all funds raised above
and beyond donated to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Performance and Design Highlights

Sienna Pearl Super Metallic Paint - This unique finish is reserved for this single SLR Roadster and has metallic elements which are three times the size of traditional metallic paint and give this SLR a radiant brown metallic finish with deep metallic copper undertones.

Composition Leather - Complimenting the SLR exterior finish, is an interior of equal beauty. The Tobacco Brown composition leather interior exudes performance for the driver and passenger and compliments the exterior finish.

Wheels and Brakes - Fitment of 19-inch SLR wheels with special brake system, accented with gold brake calipers, completes the exterior design with a technical statement hinting at this vehicle’s incredible performance.

Vehicle Specifications

Total displacement: 5,439 cc
Horsepower: 617 at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 575 lb-ft at 3,200-5,000 rpm
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 206 mph
Wheels, front: 9.0 x 19
Wheels, rear: 11.5 x 19
High-performance tires, front: 255/35 R19
High-performance tires, rear: 295/30 R19

MSRP: $529,500.00


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]








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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

September 30th 2008 06:40
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster


The end is nigh for the Mercedes McLaren SLR so what better way to see out this supercar than with perhaps its wildest iteration yet, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster.

Sharing the same 478 kW (650 hp) supercharged 5.5-litre hand-built V8 engine as the coupe, the 722 S Roadster boasts jaw-dropping performance for an open top car - try 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster


The fully retractable folding soft has been designed to be capable of withstanding the high speed the 722 S can travel at while Mercedes-McLaren have tapped into their F1 know-how to create a carbon fibre body that provides extreme torsional stiffness and structural rigidity at those insane speeds. The 722 S' aerodynamic efficiency coupled with favourable aeroacoustics means that conversations during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h, although at those kinds of speeds, you should be focusing on the road ahead and not chatting about what you had for breakfast!

The body has also been lowered by 10 mm at the front and rear to ensure greater handling stability while also significantly improving the handling dynamics of the car.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster interior


Finished exclusively in crystal antimony grey paint to highlight the sculptured look of the 722 S Roadster including the contrasting black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.

Only 150 examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster will be available from January 1, 2009.

The Official Mercedes-Benz Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars – the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster's occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.
Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLRMcLaren Roadster 722 S. 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, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.
By naming this new model variant the SLRRoadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.
Engine hand-built by AMG
The powerful heart of the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.
The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the SLR Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.
Even more dynamic suspension setup
The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.
Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving
The outstanding qualities of the 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h – a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.
The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.
The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.
Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology
In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.
A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
A thoroughly sporty appearance
The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.
In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.
Exclusive appointments
The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.
This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]









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Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL-class

September 23rd 2008 00:15
Lorinser Mercedes-Benz SL-class


Since the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-class was revealed earlier this year, the Merc tuners out there had to head back to the drawing board to muster up a new styling kit for the flagship roadster


[ Click here to read more ]
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Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport


Prestige car maker Bugatti has unveiled the name, the first set of official images and details of the roadster/targa version of the Veyron 16.4


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Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 Roadster Versace


Lamborghini and Versace - two giants of the automotive and fashion world - have teamed up once again to deliver a special edition of the Murcielago LP640 supercar


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Porsche Carrera GT crashed


When F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was invited to be a guest on Top Gear's "Star in a reasonably-priced car" segment, he told Jeremy Clarkson that his dad still thinks he [Hamilton Snr] was the better driver


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Breckland Beira


The Breckland Beira is a new 299 kW (400 bhp) British-built roadster by Breckland Technology, a niche sports car maker based in the UK


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Scuderia Bizzarrini P538

May 20th 2008 06:00
Scuderia Bizzarrini P538


One of the most famous names in the automotive world, Giotto Bizzarrini, has given his seal of approval for the revival of his famous P538S nameplate in the form of a Scuderia Bizzarrini P538


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Video: Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG

May 10th 2008 00:15
Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG


Here is the latest promotional video for the new 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG roadster


[ Click here to read more ]
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Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Edition IWC


German car maker Mercedes-Benz has teamed up once again with prestige Swiss watch maker IWC to reveal a new limited edition version of the facelifted 2009 SL 63 AMG roadster


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Carlsson CK50


Specialist Mercedes-Benz tuner Carlsson has released the Carlsson CK50 based on the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 roadster


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BRABUS R230 Mercedes-Benz SL facelift


A little less than three months after the release of the facelifted 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-class, Merc aftermarket tuning specialists BRABUS has just released images of their tuning kit for the flagship roadster


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Lotus Elise SC

April 29th 2008 06:00
Lotus Elise SC


British sports car maker Lotus has released a supercharged version of the award-winning, iconic roadster, Elise, for 2008


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Brabus SLK 55 AMG


Specialist Mercedes tuner BRABUS has wasted no time at all in introducing a customisation program for the recently face-lifted SLK roadster, in particular, the fire-breathing AMG version which is upgraded with a 6.1-litre V8 BRABUS tweaked engine (up from the standard 5.5-litre V8 mill) plus a new aerodynamic bodykit to go with it


[ Click here to read more ]
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