 The Stuttgart-based brand V8 engine with 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm Top speed of 335 km/h - peak figure for a series-production roadster
Carbon-fibre
technology and exclusive standard appointments
V8-Motor mit 478 kW/650 PS und 820 Nm 335 km/h Höchstgeschwindigkeit - Bestwert für Serien-Roadster |
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 SSpectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S.
Engine hand-built by AMG
Even more dynamic suspension setup
Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving
Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology
A thoroughly sporty appearance
Exclusive appointments
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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 SLR Roadster 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.
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.
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 at 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.
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.
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.