The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German sports car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. Daimler AG, owner of Mercedes-Benz, also owns 40% of the McLaren Group.
Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement and its driving characteristics lead some commentators to classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals can be considered to be e.g. the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish and Ferrari 599 GTB.[1]
It is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world. [2] SLR stands for "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing). Mercedes-Benz has stated that they will build 3500 SLRs in a span of 7 years, with an annual production of only 500 cars.[3] The car's base price is GB£300,000 (approx. US$495,000 or €475,000, c. 2007).[4]
 | |
| Manufacturer | McLaren Automotive |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Daimler AG |
| Production | 2003–2008 (3,500 to be produced) |
| Class | sports car/grand tourer |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupé 2-door roadster |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine(s) | 5.4 L supercharged V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in) |
| Length | 4656 mm (183.3 in) |
| Width | 1908 mm (75.1 in) |
| Height | 1261 mm (49.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 1768 kg (3898 lb) |
History
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR of 1955, based on the W196 F1 car, yet named after the road-going 300SL Gullwing. On 4 April 2008, Mercedes announced they will cease production of the SLR. The last of the coupes rolled off the production line at the end of 2007 and the roadster version is due to be discontinued in early 2009.
[edit] Brakes
The brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature. Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1,200 °C (2,200 °F). The front discs are internally vented and 370 mm (14.6 in) in diameter. 8 piston calipers are used. Rear discs are 360 mm (14.2 in) in diameter with 4 piston calipers. During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.
To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees. The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~25%.
[edit] Aerodynamics
The SLR features active aerodynamics; there is a spoiler mounted on the rear integral air brake flap. The spoiler increases downforce depending on its angle of elevation (angle of attack). At speeds above 95 km/h (59 mph) the spoiler/brake automatically raises to 10 degrees (15 in 722 edition), when demanded via the driver's switch, the elevation can be increased to 30 degrees (35 in 722 version) for increased rear downforce, at the cost of increased steady state drag.
[edit] Engine
The SLR sports a 232-kilogram (512 lb), hand-built, 5.4-litre (5439 cc/331.9 cu in), supercharged, all-aluminum, SOHC V8 engine. The cylinders are angled at 90 degrees with three valves per cylinder and lubricated via a dry sump system. The compression ratio is 8.8:1 and the bore and stroke is 97 millimetre (3.82 in) and 92 millimeters (3.62 in), respectively. The Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger produces 0.9 bar (13 psi) of boost, the turbine rotates at 23000 revolutions per minute, and the air is cooled via two intercoolers. The engine generates a maximum power of 626 PS (617 hp/460 kW) at 6500 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 780 newton-metres (575 ft·lbf) at 3250 revolutions per minute. 2003 models were leaving showrooms at 616 bhp (459 kW/625 PS) and now are slightly increased to 626 bhp (467 kW/635 PS) .
Unlike most of its contemporaries, its engine is front-mid mounted. McLaren took the original concept car designed by Mercedes and moved the engine 1 metre (39.4 in) behind the front bumper, and around 50 centimetres (19.7 in) behind the front axle. They also optimized the design of the center firewall.
[edit] Performance
The car uses carbon fibre for its entire body construction in an attempt to keep the weight low. Despite CFRP materials the total curb weight is 1768 kg (3898 lb).The following tests have proven that the SLR can achieve a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in times less than the claimed 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 332 km/h (206 mph)[5].
Car and Driver achieved a 0-60 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.2 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 10.1 seconds at 143 mph (230 km/h) C&D suggests the times may be even lower if temperatures were lower. Car and Driver achieved top gear acceleration 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph times of 1.7 and 2.4 seconds, which are the fastest ever recorded by the magazine in a production car. The SLR also pulled 0.97 g on the skidpad.January 2005
Road and Track tested the car in their July 2005 Road Test and reached 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 3.5 seconds. The 0 - 100 mph (160 km/h) sprint was achieved in 6.2 seconds and a quarter mile run was completed in 11.6 seconds at 142 mph (229 km/h).
In June 2004 the SLR was tested at Nardo and performed the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) exercise in 3.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.5 seconds and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 30.4 seconds.[citation needed] Their 400 meter and kilometer times were 11.5 seconds at 122 mph (196 km/h) and 20.6 seconds at 278 km/h (173 mph) respectively. They also reached its claimed topspeed 334 km/h (208 mph).
[edit] Comparison
Despite its near 2-ton weight, the fuel economy is generally better than the lighter Lamborghini Murciélago, and even its lighter, less expensive, less powerful sibling, Gallardo.[6] Also, BBC auto show Top Gear put the SLR and the Porsche Carrera GT on its track, and after multiple attempts, the Porsche beat the SLR-McLaren by just over a second (1:19.8 vs. 1:20.9 [1]). However, on a separate race around their short track, the SLR was fractionally quicker than the Carrera GT. In a straight line, the SLR is quicker throughout the range.
[edit] 722 Edition
A new version was introduced in 2006 called the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The 722 refers to the victory by Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955.
The "722 Edition" boosts power to 485 kW (650 hp) and 820 N·m (605 ft·lbf) torque at 4000 rpm, posting a top speed of 394 km/h (16 km/h faster than the standard SLR). 19-inch light-alloy wheels were used to reduce unsprung weight, while modifications were also made to the suspension, with a stiffer damper setup and 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height introduced for improved handling. Larger 390 mm (15.4 in) diameter front brakes and a revised front air dam and rear diffuser were fitted.[7]
Exterior changes, other than the larger 19-inch (480 mm) black light-alloy wheels, include red 722 badging, hearkening back to the original 722 racer.
The SLR 722 can do a 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.2 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 21.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 334 km/h (208 mph).
[edit] Roadster
A roadster version of the SLR went on sale in September 2007 for £350,000 ($711,065 U.S.). It uses the same supercharged V8 AMG power plant as its coupé siblings, developing 626 bhp (467 kW), to propel it to a top speed of 334 km/h and enable a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) dash time of 3.8 seconds. However, being a convertible the roadster will have to be burdened with extra weight and this will affect performance and handling. The Roadster's roof, however, is made from a "newly developed material" and hence will not take the form of a folding metal arrangement, as is now common on many modern cars. Following a manual unlatching, it takes a mere 10 seconds to fold away electrically. According to an official document from Mercedes, the cabin of the roadster is capable of allowing conversation between driver and passenger up to a speed of 124 mph (200 km/h) with the roof retracted. It is unsure if McLaren will release another version of the roadster like it did with the SLR 722 version. This roadster is aimed to compete against other sports cars such as the Pagani Zonda F Roadster.[8]
[edit] 722 GT
The 722 GT is a tuned version of the SLR 722 which is developed for a one-make racing series. The cars are built by Ray Mallock Ltd. with approval from Mercedes-Benz. The car features new wider bodywork to accommodate 19 inch OZ racing wheels. The front grill vents are removed and larger, free flowing air extractors sit on the hood and flank the side of the car. The rear now has a racing wing and diffuser.
Under the body, the car has shed 398 kg and reduced its dry weight to 1300 kg (2866 lb). The engine remains in relatively stock specification but now produces 500 kW (680 bhp) and 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf) at 1.75 bar (175 kPa) boost. Inside, the car is stripped out with only the essential functions being controlled from a carbon fiber binnacle. New carbon fiber door panels and full roll cage complete the transformation.
Renntech announced 21 SLR McLaren 722 GT would be available to the North American market exclusively through RENNtech, for €795,000 (1.2 million USD).[9]
[edit] Speedster
To conclude its cooperation with McLaren, Mercedes Benz will release a Speedster edition of the SLR, that was presented July 30, 2008. Inspired by the legendary 300 SLR, the Speedster will have gullwing doors, no roof and no windows. The car will be approximately 200kg lighter than the regular model. The production run is limited to 75 pieces. [10]
[edit] References
- "McLaren Automotive: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren". Retrieved on 2007-06-25.
- Grabianowski, Ed. "Howstuffworks "How the Mercedes SLR Works"". Retrieved on 2007-06-25.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Harvey, Michael (2005). "Yahoo Cars: Mercedes SLR McLaren". Yahoo Cars (UK). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
- ^ reference required
- ^ "1000th 'modern Silver Arrow' from McLaren". motoring.co.za. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
- ^ Mercedes-Benz Canada
- ^ http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/cars/slr_roadster_specifications.htm
- ^ "Yahoo Autos: Side by Side Comparison". Yahoo! Autos. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
- ^ Nunez, Alex (2006-07-10). "Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 boosts performance, honors past". Autoblog. Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
- ^ "Goodwood Goodies: SLR McLaren Roadster". Edmunds (2007-06-20). Retrieved on 2007-06-25.
- ^ Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT
- ^ "Mercedes baut 75 SLR McLaren Speedster". Auto Motor & Sport. Retrieved on 2008-07-02.
[edit] External links
- SLR on Mercedes-Benz website
- McLaren Automotive's SLR McLaren web page.
- McLaren SLR Roadster.
- RENNtech SLR McLaren 722 GT
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| Subcompact | A | W168 | W169 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entry-level | C | W201 (190) | W202 | W203 | W204 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | E | W123 | W124 | W210 | W211 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLS | W219 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | S | W126 | W140 | W220 | W221 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | SLK | R170 | R171 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SL | R107 | R129 | R230 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | CLC | W203 | CL203 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CLK | W208 | W209 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CL | C126 | C140 | C215 | C216 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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