(from Mercedes-Benz
Press Release) 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
roadsters occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the
vehicles 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 Coup, 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.
