It pains us to see a dead horse beaten so rigorously, but the folks at Mercedes have yet to stop. But then, they did paid a lot for that horse.
The SLR project that then-Daimler-Benz undertook in partnership with its F1 racing partner, McLaren, never went as well as hoped. Sales were disappointing, and although the car's performance put it into the upper echelons of autodom, it never succeeded at giving its competition a real run for their money. And at half a million bucks, it's a lot of money to run for.
Rather than cut their loses, Mercedes and McLaren have opted instead to turn out additional derivations. After the "standard" SLR coupe came the 722, which was widely derided for having ruined the ride with little additional benefit. A racing version, dubbed 722 GT, followed. Rumors circulated long ago that additional body-styles were under consideration – what are they talking about, a shooting brake? – but only the open-air version made it to production.
The SLR McLaren Roadster was revealed back in May, but this was our first chance to see one up close. Check out the gallery below for all the angles.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Patrick @ Nov 16th 2007 11:44AM
It strikes me that this car (the SLR) should have had an SLK/SL style folding hardtop from the getgo.
This folding canvas top is kind of an embarassment. A folding hardtop would have made it unique among exotics.
That One Person @ Nov 16th 2007 6:44PM
Just remember that it has a five speed automatic. That really sets it apart from the other exotics.
Willem B @ Nov 16th 2007 11:50AM
Come on.....
But then, they did "paid" a lot for that horse.
Rather than cut their "loses"
how about pay and losses?
C.D. Ward @ Nov 16th 2007 2:04PM
This was introduced in Miami last week
Tony @ Nov 16th 2007 6:31PM
@Patrick comments
"This folding canvas top is kind of an embarrassment. A folding hardtop would have made it unique among exotics."
They did.
It's called the SL. Why would anybody pay almost 500 grand when they could get a similar looking vehicle for 80 -150 grand.
chad.dawkins @ Nov 16th 2007 6:51PM
The SL and SLR look VERY different.
www.carversation.com @ Nov 16th 2007 8:29PM
such a nice car.