The Super-Light Racing Car

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR design. 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 bas price tag of $455,500.00 (this includes the $ 3000.00 gas-guzzler tax and $ 2500.00 freight). It is often assumed that “SLR” stands for Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport (translated as Sport; Light; Racing), but it really means Super-leicht, Rennsport (Super-light, Racing). A new version was presented in 2006 called “Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 edition”. The “722” commemorates the 1955 Mille Miglia victory of Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson with their Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (722 refers to 7:22 am which happens to be their start time)

AMG technicians optimized the capacities of the original SL-55 engine by enlarging the fuel pump and cylinders and placed a larger cooling system for the engine. This modification produced a 5.5 liter dry sumped V8 and an unusual 3 valves per cylinder with SOHC. This is contrary to the prevalent design of super cars that uses DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is also uniquely mounted in the front-mid section of the vehicle, which is 1 meter behind the front bumper and 50 cm from the front axle. Because of the great engine power of this car, fade resistant, carbon-ceramic based brake plates are used with calipers that would automatically skim the surface of the brake plates to keep them dry when driving in a wet situation. Spoilers are also mounted on the rear and pops up when breaking at high speeds. The SLR has a five-speed automatic transmission that comes with three separate modes: Sport, Comfort and Manual. Sport is mainly for everyday use while Comfort is for bumpy roads and lastly, Manual that allows the driver to shift gears with the touchpad or the levers on the steering wheel. The transmission used in the SLR is the same with other performance models such as the SL65. However, the SLK-55 engine cannot handle the torque and power output of the SLR therefore 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 came into the picture. The SLR makes use of carbon fiber for its body, which supposed to make it lighter but the car still weighs at 3898 pounds after adding all the luxury items included. In 2004, the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport tested the SLR at the Nardo test track in southern Italy. And 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. On the same episode of Top Gear, Jeremy was able to out run a 25000 bhp cruise liner in a race with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May from London to Oslo (1320 miles). The SLR is often categorized as a “grand touring car” rather than a “super car” because it is extremely fast yet does not sacrifice comfort.