 The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2003. The new SLR super sports car marks a new era of Mercedes-Benz passion for high-performance sports cars and, at the same time, celebrates the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s. A futuristic interpretation of styling elements from the original 300SLR and from the latest Formula 1 Silver Arrow race cars bridges the past and future, bringing cutting-edge motorsports-inspired design to the road, just as the legendary SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe” did in 1955.
A supercharged V8 producing over 600 horsepower rockets the new SLR from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds, and its top speed exceeds 330 km/h. Stopping the car is equally quick, thanks to ceramic brake discs and an innovative air brake mounted in the trunk lid. When the driver heavily applies the brake pedal, the air brake pops up at a 65-degree angle, increasing drag and providing greater down force.
A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Collaboration
The new SLR super sports car allows Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren to showcase their collective experience in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. This unique combination of expertise is evident not only in the pioneering developments and impressive performance of the new SLR, but also in its high levels of safety and practicality.
The limited-production SLR McLaren will go on sale in Europe late this year, and its Canadian market launch is planned for summer 2004.
Carbon Fibre Body
One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fibre composite construction of the new SLR body, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles. Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection. In a serious collision, specially designed crash structures of carbon fibre help the new super sports car absorb over four times more crash energy than convention steel or aluminium.
Ceramic Brake Discs
The ceramic brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material. Fibre-reinforced ceramic boasts astounding stopping power, high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength and long service life. The high-performance SLR sports car will be one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology. Fitted with huge eight-piston calipers up front, the brake system alone can decelerate the SLR up to 1.3 g, and the air brake adds to the braking force, especially at high speeds.
AMG Supercharged V8 Power
Under the SLR’s hood lurks a supercharged V8 engine developed and built by Mercedes-AMG. Delivering well over 600 horsepower for 0-to-100 km/h acceleration of about 3.8 seconds, each SLR engine is hand-built at AMG’s manufacturing facility. The engine’s dry-sump lubrication system – originally developed for race cars to prevent oil starvation during extremely hard cornering – includes a remote oil tank that eliminates any conventional oil pan or sump, allowing the engine to be mounted lower in the frame for better aerodynamics and an even lower centre of gravity. The powerplant is also mounted in a front mid-engine position, largely behind the front wheels.
Reinventing the SLR Legend
Like the new car, the SLR sport-racing car of the 1950s combined leading-edge technology from the SL sports car and the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 race car. Its three-litre, straight-eight engine made 310 horsepower, pushing the 300SLR to speeds of around 300 km/h.
Perhaps the original SLR’s most astonishing feat was in the 1955 Mille Miglia, a no-holds-barred race through Italy over twisty public roads. Setting a record never to be matched, Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson piloted the 300SLR over the 1000-mile road course in 10 hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds!
Broadening the Mercedes-Benz Product Portfolio
Not only does the new SLR boast a rich heritage, but the super sports car also has an exciting future as a flagship within the multi-dimensional Mercedes-Benz brand. With by far the broadest product portfolio of any luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz offers an array of models ranging from mid-size coupes to large premium sedans as well as luxury roadsters and now the SLR super sports car.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 820 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 14,520 vehicles during 2002, representing a 22.2% increase over 2001, setting the highest sales volume in its history.
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