Autoblog

Mercedes and McLaren bid farewell to SLR, each other

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren range - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the end of one's life approaches, individuals are prone to reflect and wonder how they'll be remembered. A car, on the other hand, can't think for itself, so we'll have to take up the task in its stead.

A joint effort between Mercedes-Benz and its erstwhile Formula One racing partner McLaren, the SLR spawned five variants: the original coupe and roadster, the 722 coupe and roadster and the Stirling Moss edition... not to mention a racing version or two. Over the course of its five-year production run, more than 2,000 examples were built, making the SLR one of the most prolific supercars in automotive history. As the final examples of the Stirling Moss roll out of the McLaren factory in Woking, its parents are going their separate ways: Mercedes has sold its stake back to McLaren, acquired its own F1 team, and each has produced its own successor: the SLS AMG and the MP4-12C.

So with its production run drawing to a close, we can't help but wonder how will history remember the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. As the purest embodiment of the Gran Turismo? A fitting tribute to the original 300 SLR that dominated racing in the Fifties? The flawed result of a conflict of interests? Or perhaps as the roadgoing product of one of the most intriguing partnerships in automotive history? Read through the history lesson in the press release after the jump and peruse the gallery of high-resolution images below and you'll get Daimler's perspective. We invite you to share yours in the comments section below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren retrospective

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes and McLaren bid farewell to SLR, each other

Mercedes and McLaren bid farewell to SLR, each other originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, First Drive, Specialty, Luxury

2010 Devon GTX - Click above for high-res image gallery

When news of the Devon GTX first wafted our way, we didn't know what to think of it. Another bit of pretty vaporware being shown to attract investors? Another pet project from some megalomaniac with dreams of grandeur? Another American supercar boasting record-breaking performance with nothing but hot air to back up its claims? Or was it the real deal? Could Scott Devon and his team actually pull it off - could they deliver on the promise of building a truly great American supercar that could equal the world's finest?

Early reports showed that the Devon GTX would have the same power-to-weight ratio as the Ferrari Enzo with 650 horsepower propelling its 3,000 pounds, but the actual benchmark, we would later learn, was the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. When the first pre-production car went out and set the production car lap record at Laguna Seca, it looked like they might not be bluffing about the numbers. And seeing the same car attract more than its fair share of attention from the highly jaded cognoscenti on the concept lawn at Pebble Beach made us think they might not be crazy after all. So did they pull it off? Did Devon actually succeed in building a car that could rival Maranello's front-engined supercar? We stopped by Aria Group, the Irvine-based specialty manufacturing facility that will be handling Devon production to find out. Follow the jump to see if the Devon GTX might just be the real thing.

Gallery: First Ride: Devon GTX

Continue reading First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599

First Ride: Devon GTX hopes to be an American Ferrari 599 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren based Desire. FAB-ulous? Umm...

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

FAB Design SLR Desire - Click above for a high-res gallery

Don't look now, but there's another Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren special on the scene. The latest comes via FAB Design, the tuner that shocked us with their modded SL and CL in Geneva last year. Now they've turned their attention to the SLR and dubbed the result "Desire." If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, desire must be in the loins, and this one leaves us kind of limp. While it isn't as divisively over-the-top as, say, the ASMA Perfectus or the Hamann Volcano, or as garish as the chrome or gold ones we've seen, we'd prefer the SLR 722 GT directly from Mercedes.

The carbon fiber rebody is distinctive and bold, and might not be as bad as we implied. It has a certain DTM machismo to it that might appeal to certain SLR fanciers who want something a little different. In its favor, the FAB Design Desire isn't all about looks. It does feature some suspension tweaks and engine mods that bring power up to 750 hp and nearly 800 torques. And all of that bodywork, along with that optional rear wing, are said to increase downforce considerably. Only 15 will be offered and rather amazingly, all are said to be spoken for. There's a full press release after the jump.

Gallery: FAB Design Desire SLR

[Source: FAB Design]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren based Desire. FAB-ulous? Umm...

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren based Desire. FAB-ulous? Umm... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASMA Perfectus SLR is anything but

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res image gallery of the ASMA Design Perfectus SLR

While we can't say we're huge fans of previous projects from ASMA Design, we understand that individual taste is beyond debate. The German tuner has customized virtually every car in the Mercedes lineup with its signature deep grilles and other styling elements that are definitely unique. And isn't that exactly what you're looking for in a personalized ride? Something unique? Something that stands out from the crowd? Something that makes a mockery of regular old off-the-rack vehicles?

While that mentality can certainly be understood when applied to models that you might pass on the road every day, we don't know what to think of doing this tuner treatment to an already great supercar like the Mercedes McLaren SLR. We get something like the RENNtech version, which turns the SLR into a DTM racer, but this new ASMA Design SLR is simply beyond us. Dubbed the ASMA Design Perfectus SLR, it was apparently designed for the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, but will be available to any commoner with an SLR, too. While the bump in horsepower to 700 is attractive, we can't really say the same for the changes to the bodywork. If this seems like something you'd like done to your SLR, ASMA will be happy to take your €1 million.

Gallery: ASMA Perfectus SLR

[Source: MotorAuthority]

ASMA Perfectus SLR is anything but originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren

Noah Joseph — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Specialty

Click above to view the RENNtech SLR 722 in high resolution

We're not about to enter the whole euthanasia debate here, but we are of the opinion that supercars at least deserve to die with dignity. The Mercedes SLR McLaren is being kept alive unnaturally. While most supercars are built for a limited time in limited quantities and discontinued while demand is still high, the joint effort between Mercedes-Benz and its Formula One partners at McLaren first debuted as a concept in 1999, and between the original coupe, the Roadster, the 722, 722 GT, and the new Stirling Moss edition speedster - to say nothing of tuner versions like the Hamann Volcano - has had more derivatives than an advanced calculus class. (Or so we might assume, we never got past CAL1.) And yet it is still here...for a little while longer, at least. Well before the SLR thunders off toward the horizon, RENNtech plans on giving it one last swan song.

Gallery: RENNtech SLR 777

Continue reading One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren

One More for Good Luck: RENNtech SLR 777 McLaren originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO)

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

With the exhibitors' roster for the upcoming 2009 Detroit Auto Show dwindling, you'd think that any cars being unveiled there might actually, you know, be available in North America. But according to reports, you'd be wrong.

Mercedes-Benz is anticipated to unveil the million-dollar Stirling Moss edition SLR McLaren, but sources indicate that the limited-production topless supercar won't even be offered in the market in which it's being unveiled. No worries for Mercedes, which will likely have sold the full run of 75 SLR speedsters being offered exclusively to current SLR owners before the show concludes. Bad news for supercar owners in the U.S,, who'll just have to blow their extra million on another Veyron, Reventon or Koenigsegg instead.

Now, for your viewing enjoyment, we invite you to follow the jump for video footage of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, the longest-named open-air sportscar since the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Spyder.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO)

SLR Stirling Moss won't be offered in North America (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Carbonite SL

If you were this close to purchasing an SLR but recent events concerning a guy named Lehman severely reduced your amount of disposable cash, then allow us to introduce you to the SL Carbonite. For the price of a 2003-2008 Mercedes SL, plus $47,400 for Carbonite's hood, fenders, front and rear fascias, lowered suspension and Mandrus 20-inch wheels, you can have an SL(R) for a song that's a lot less pricey than the Mercedes-McLaren. Carbonite has also said it will only build 20 of these cars per year, which means your money could get you even more exclusivity than the real thing. Of course, what your money can't do is erase the fact that you don't actually have the real thing -- but that hasn't stopped so many others... Check out the high-res gallery of doppelganger shots below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R)

SEMA 2008: Carbonite SL(R) for the economic downturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Hamann-tuned McLaren SLR Volcano coming soon

Drew Phillips — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Videos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above to view the video

Hamann is continuing to expand its lineup to include the top tier of luxurious performance, and it looks like the tuner has finally turned its attention to the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

A teaser video has been released, showing the conservatively named "Volcano" SLR sporting three-piece deep-dish wheels, two-tone paint, massive rear wheel arches, roof scoop, rear diffuser and wing. Details are limited right now, but we suspect more information will leak its way out before the SEMA show next month. In the meantime, hit the jump to view the video. Hat tip to strekov.

[Sources: Hamann, WCF, Road2Road]

Continue reading VIDEO: Hamann-tuned McLaren SLR Volcano coming soon

VIDEO: Hamann-tuned McLaren SLR Volcano coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster hits the 'Ring

Alex Nunez — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the SLR Speedster.

The shutterbugs at KGP have captured the forthcoming McLaren SLR Speedster as it hits the Nordschleife for some testing. The car's expected to be lighter but just as powerful as the standard SLR and SLR Roadster, meaning it could conceivably be able to blow their respective doors off. A top end of 220 mph should be available to those who like to stare down the Reaper for kicks, and KGP reports that the car could be unveiled by the end of the month with one Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel.

Gallery: Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster hits the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes & McLaren to produce final run of 75 lightweight SLR speedsters

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Click for hi-res gallery of the McMerc SLR Roadster.

Mercedes and McLaren are preparing to head their own separate ways for the next batch of supercars - including the Mercedes SLC, SL65 AMG Black Series and McLaren P11 - but not before one last hurrah. Emerging reports from Germany indicate that the two companies, which are anticipated to continue collaboration on the race track, will soon unveil one last special edition of the SLR before the controversial supercar speeds off towards the horizon and into the setting sun.

The final iteration of the SLR is reported to be a lightweight speedster with neither roof nor windscreen, just a small deflector. Thanks in part to the removal of air conditioning and power windows (neither of which are needed when you don't have a roof anyway), curb weight has been trimmed by about 200 kilos (approximately 440 pounds), and promises to rip your head right off with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), some 13 km/h over the previous top-dog SLR 722's maximum velocity. Only 75 examples will be produced, at a price of €450,000. Oh, and Lewis Hamilton is said to have something to do with the project, which is inspired by the legendary 1955 300 SLR Silver Arrows. Stay tuned for more details, with initial images reportedly due to surface tomorrow.

Gallery: 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]

Mercedes & McLaren to produce final run of 75 lightweight SLR speedsters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2008: Mansory displays a few supercar transformations

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

Click above for high-res gallery

OK, we've seen some of their previous work so we probably shouldn't have expected much more this time around, but when we heard that Mansory had gotten its hands on an SLR and a Ferrari 599 GTB, we certainly hoped that it would figure out a way to enhance their gotta-have-it quotients. Alas, our prayers went unanswered. Done up in a matte gold and black combo, the SLR looks a bit toy-like, but it should manage to sell in the single digits at least. Which digit you choose to count the sales is up to you. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano had actually been criticized in some camps for being a bit too evocative of the Chevrolet Corvette when it was first shown. The Mansory edition done up in white and carbon fiber looks even more Vette-like to our eyes. Thoughts of a ZR1 or the recent 427 special edition Z06 leapt to mind. There was also a Phantom in the booth, but quite honestly, doing something outrageous to a Roller just doesn't offend us as badly. Take a look at the gallery and let us know if you agree. We've already heard from at least one other journo who happened to be winding his way down the road towards us that the 599 looks seriously racy and that we are dead wrong about it. We'll let you decide for yourselves. Click away.

Gallery: Mansory SLR and 599 GTB

Geneva 2008: Mansory displays a few supercar transformations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the images to view our high-resolution gallery

Some will say for better, others will say for worse, but one way or another, the Mercedes SLR McLaren is the supercar that refuses to go quietly into the night. It was previewed by the Vision SLR concept way back in 1999, and since entering limited production in 2003, the Anglo-Saxon supercar has performed disappointingly both on the road and in the market. But rather than allowing it to slip away, Mercedes has repeatedly given it new transfusions with the Roadster, 722 and most recently the 722 GT derivatives. The SLR, in all its incarnations, is about due for retirement, so where has it gone? To Florida, of course!

RENNtech, the Sunshine State-based Mercedes tuner par excellence, has been given the exclusive contract to import and distribute the long-named and long-nosed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT in North America. RENNtech, which, as we reported earlier, tuned the SLR road car to actually produce 722 hp, will offer an allotment of 21 examples of the factory SLR 722 GT track-day special, each available at about $1.2 million.

To sweeten the deal, RENNtech is setting up a full track-day program for the SLR 722 GT owners, including set-up and maintenance by specialized technicians, opportunity to learn the track behind the wheel of its special SLR karts (pictured, right) and instruction from professional drivers (David Coulthard, although no longer affiliated with McLaren, is claimed to be on board).

To celebrate the arrival of the sharpest (and potentially last) version of the SLR to American shores, we've got a whole mess of new photos for you... just click on the gallery below. (Full press release after the jump.)

[Source: RENNtech]

Gallery: SLR 722 GT in America

Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on the new Mercedes supercar

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The year 2010 will mark the next phase in the continuing odyssey of Mercedes' efforts in the supercar arena. The supercoupe W197, tipping a hat to its massively iconic forebear, the 300SL, will sport gullwing doors and probably more than a hint of the 300's curvy, 50's face.

Developed by AMG, the engine people are talking about is a V8 with 620-HP sitting in a tubular frame chassis. All those ponies will, of course, power the round rubbery things in the back. The design hasn't been seen yet, but the renderings make the car look like an aftermarket kit SL front end with an SLR-ish rear. We hope it doesn't end up looking like that.

Mercedes expects to move 3,000 to 5,000 of the beasts every year. The lower number is more than Lamborghini sells of its two models, and the higher number is almost as many as Ferrari sells of its three. If the rumored price tag of $250,000 is accurate, then we can't wait to see how the car runs, and how the car sells.

[Source: InsideLine]

More details on the new Mercedes supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster in the flesh

Noah Joseph — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:34:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

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.

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

LA 2007: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster in the flesh originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes SLC Super Coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The SLC cometh. Mr. H. Lehmann and crew caught an early development mule out testing, and word is that the car will likely get its grunt from a front-mounted 6.2-liter V8 provided by AMG. In natural guise it would put out 500 bhp, but with a few blowers that could easily be "remedied" to 700 or so.

The SLC will be focused more on sport than luxury, and though based on the next-gen SL and sharing many of it parts, it will use carbon fiber throughout, including its hard top. We'll have to see what kind of weight specs (and body) are eventually revealed, but you're looking at Merc's main competitor for Audi's upcoming RS8.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Mercedes SLC Super Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes and McLaren part ways on next supercar

Chris Shunk — Thu, 31 May 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

For years, McLaren and Mercedes seemingly went together like peanut butter and jelly, but now HWA is stepping in to tune Mercedes' next supercar. The scribes over at Automotive News Europe say the separation stems from Mercedes' dissatisfaction with the performance of the SLR McLaren vs. its primary rivals. This comes as quite a shock since only a few months back, all signs pointed to Mercedes buying McLaren. It's not exactly as though McLaren and Mercedes are splitting up altogether, though, as it's been less than a month since a drop-dead gorgeous SLR McLaren drop-top was announced.

Power for the HWA-tuned supercar will come from a tweaked version of AMG's hand-built 6.2L engine, and if the SLR performance is less than satisfactory, expect HWA's effort to be flat-out ridiculous. Speaking of AMG, the new supercar will be badged as such to make it road-legal, but it will still be a full-blown HWA race-developed product. To make room for its latest project, HWA is tripling the size of its manufacturing facilities to 3,600 sq. ft. to the tune of €4.5 million.

We find it almost comical that McLaren's 3.5 second 0-60 time and 640hp aren't enough to suit the finicky folks in Stuttgart, but with Corvettes and Vipers on the way with the same power for a quarter of the price, Mercedes had to do something to raise the already ridiculously-high bar.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Mercedes and McLaren part ways on next supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 May 2007 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Videos, Mercedes-Benz

Looking for a way to be seen while you drive around in a vehicle that says you have an oversupply of funding coupled with a shortage of sense? Presented for your approval, the obscenely fast Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster. Just like the fixed-roof SLR, the styling cues lifted from 1950's racing glory are present in the scoopage, and the supercharged V8 can crank you right up to 207mph. That's enough to suck the hair plugs right out of your scalp should you attempt that velocity with the top retracted. It is cool to see the uber-exclusive Benz tooling around and ogle the doors that remind us of chopsaws. Funny, though, all that money, and you still get a fabric roof, while the lowly MX-5 can be had with a natty retractable hardtop.

Video after the jump

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster

Continue reading VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion

VIDEO: McMerc cabrio in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 04 May 2007 04:16:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click the image above for a gallery of images.

We've seen it in spy shots, but now we get to officially see the newest hotness from Mercedes Benz: the SLR McLaren Roadster.

In an effort to inject some more life into the slow-selling Mercedes/McLaren halo, engineers lopped off the roof to make one of the fastest open-air motoring experiences this side of a sportbike. Naturally, they just didn't whip out the sawsall and go to town. Instead, the new roof is made from that most delectable of materials - carbon fiber. The retractable roof isn't the only thing that gets the C.F. reinforced plastic treatment, as all but two of the body frames, made of aluminum, utilize the exotic compound. Lightweight and untwistable strength are the features du jour.

As for motivation, the SLR Roadster doesn't benefit from the 722's 650 HP V8. Instead, it has to make due with the standard SLR's 617 HP supercharged mill, allowing the drop top to hit its velocity climax of 207 MPH - blow drying has never been made easier, or more fun.

Those willing to drop the coin on the McMerc convertible will be able to choose from three different roof colors, and according to Mercedes, two passengers can have a comfortable conversation at 125 MPH with the top down. Before doing so, the occupants will have to manually (for shame!) unlatch the roof, push upwards, then let the motor bring the roof down into its home - and underneath an aluminum cover - in a scant 10 seconds.

Only 1,000 of the roof deprived, a-pillar reinforced, and rollover hoop equipped SLR Roadsters will be available and customers will begin taking delivery this September. Pricing: £350 large.

The press release is available after the jump and be sure to check out our gallery below.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster

Continue reading Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster

Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz reveals SLR McLaren Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 May 2007 04:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Carrera GT, MC12, SLR in Italy - what's not to like?

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Supercars, Daimler, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche

We'll keep this simple: three of the world's finest supercars in one of the world's best supercar playgrounds. The hardcore action doesn't go much beyond each car getting a solo peelout. However, each machine does get plenty of individual, loving, lifestyle-themed attention. And the sights and sounds -- ah, sehr gut and che bella. Enjoy the video after the jump.

[Source: You Tube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Carrera GT, MC12, SLR in Italy - what's not to like?

VIDEO: Carrera GT, MC12, SLR in Italy - what's not to like? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Merc SLR McLaren convertible

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

We've known for a while that Mercedes was hard at work on a drop-top version of the McLaren SLR and now, courtesy of Car and Driver, we get to see it. Clear images they aren't, but there's no mistaking that long bonnet and those wide haunches as a lesser Benz.

The spies were able to capture the SLR during a photo shot in the Canary Islands and judging by the pics, there's little to no change from the standard hardtop version. According to C&D, the roadster will get a cloth roof, rather than a folding hardtop, in an effort to cut down on costs and there's a possibility that the butterfly doors may need to be nixed.

Regardless, with 617 HP, a 3.7-second sprint to 60 and a top speed of 207 MPH, there's no doubt that this will be the fastest open air motoring experience available. The only problem we can see is trying to not look like the victim of a blow-dryer accident after a quick run to redline.

The when and where is still up in the air, but don't expect the SLR roadster to come in below a cool half a million dollars.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: Merc SLR McLaren convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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