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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Swiss-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream ends up in... yes, Dubai

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Supercars

Click above for high-res images of the Ueli Anliker-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream in Dubai

We know to expect the unexpected when it comes to aftermarket work in certain Middle Eastern enclaves. But this... this is, well, this is something that even Tim Burton would have to dismiss as just too outrageous. Part of what makes this car even more interesting is that it was the product of Swiss tuning firm Ueli Anliker Design, and as such, it is called the Anliker McLaren SLR 999 Red Gold Dream.

What was once a standard SLR (may God have mercy on its soul) now has a cow catcher up front, a Mustang wing out back, and 24 karat gold and rubies plastered throughout. We would love to say more about it, but we're having... trouble... concentrating... right now... So have a look at the high-res gallery of photos below, and please don't let Mr. Anliker near your car. Thanks for the tip, Mel

Gallery: Ueli Anliker SLR in Dubai

[Source: Supercars Dubai]

Swiss-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream ends up in... yes, Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Golden Arches: Gilded McMerc spotted in - you guessed it - Dubai

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Redefining the term "enough is enough", the owner of this car is said to have had his SLR gold-chromed. The strangest part is that, according to reports, this is actually the same Mercedes SLR McLaren that was previously spied in Dubai with a silver-chrome treatment. We're not sure about the accuracy of this model considering it has a different rear spoiler, different wheels (which have also been gold-chromed) and darker taillight frame like those on later versions of the Anglo-Saxon supercar, not to mention a different license plate... although the car also reportedly belongs to the owner of a UAE license plate registry, so anything's possible.

The sad reality is that someone, whether it's the same guy or not, looked at a chromed McMerc and thought, Yeah, but what if it were plated in gold? Sure makes the gold-plated Veyron and Phantom DHC sent to the same region seem like the epitome of good taste.

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

The Golden Arches: Gilded McMerc spotted in - you guessed it - Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

John Neff — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for high-res gallery of the Merc SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the convertible version of its very rare SLR McLaren 722 S Coupe late last month, all it had for us were ethereal renderings of what the car would look like. This week the German automaker has given unto us a gallery's worth of high-res photography showing what is likely to become the world's fastest convertible. The SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features the same 650-hp supercharged 5.5L V8 as the coupe version, but lops off its top in favor of a power soft top that can actually sustain 200+mph speeds. The only other convertible we can think of that could possibly compete is the recently spied 602-hp Bentley Continental GTC Speed, the coupe version of which can crest 200 mph. Hmm... we're getting a good idea for a comparison test. Excuse us while we make a few calls.

Gallery: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722S Roadster

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Pics Aplenty: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes to auction off last McLaren SLR Roadster for the States

Chris Tutor — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

It's the end of the run for the McLaren SLR Roadster, but Mercedes wants to give Yanks another shot at owning one. Beginning November 1, those of you who still have bank accounts can sign up for the auction of the final topless SLR to be sold in the U.S.

You'd be right to assume the final edition of a limited run model would bring a huge premium when it goes on the block, as collectors have always put higher values on the first and last of most anything. But if you plan to take this particular knick-knack home, prepare to drain both savings accounts. Mercedes says the car will be the only SLR Roadster wearing Sienna Pearl metallic paint and Tobacco Brown leather. So when you show up to accept your Oscar, no one else will be driving the same one.

The auction begins November 20 at 1 p.m. EST and ends that night at 5 p.m. Bidding starts at $529,500, and anything above that will go to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thanks for the tip, James!

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Roadster

Mercedes to auction off last McLaren SLR Roadster for the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New McLaren supercar expected for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Rendered Speculation, Rumormill

With the mostly unloved Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren set to get the official axe in 2009, the path is clear for the next McLaren-branded supercar to be unveiled. Expected to be built at its facility in Woking, England, McLaren has plans for the as-yet-unnamed vehicle to compete with Ferrari's incredible F430. Rumored to be powered by a 550-horsepower V8 engine featuring a basic design snagged from Mercedes and built by Mahle (that of the former Cosworth tuning fame), the power-to-weight ratio should handily outdo that of the Prancing Horse. Shortly after the new coupe codenamed P11 is unveiled, a convertible version is also expected.

True hardcore McLaren enthusiasts should mark 2012 as the year that McLaren returns to form with a proper replacement for its awe-inspiring F1 of a few years back. Powered by a lightweight version of the P11 architecture, this car codenamed the P12 is expected to be powered by a V10 engine with over 600 horsepower. The waiting list will likely start right... about... now.

[Source: Autocar]

New McLaren supercar expected for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 May 2008 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Roadster & Toaster: BRABUS SLR with ULTIMATE 112 "tender"

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Budget, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Brabus

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Brabus SLR and its tender

Megayachts usually come with fancy tenders, so why not supercars, too? BRABUS has taken the idea and run with it, pairing one of its tuned McLaren SLR Roadsters with a matching runabout in the form of a smart fortwo-based ULTIMATE 112. The SLR is the beneficiary of the usual complement of upgrades, including a full body and trim kit (dig those carbon fiber replacement "gills"), a custom interior, and the requisite underhood tweaking, which bestows the roadster with 650 horsepower -- enough to make the Kessel run to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top end of 211 mph.

When its time to park the super-Merc and head into more constrained areas of the city, it's occupants can switch over to the car's ULTIMATE 112 "tender" which is finished and appointed to perfectly match its "mothership." In this case, that means the same white paint, deep red roof fabric, and right red leather interior -- right down to the waffle-patterned leather footwell trim. Of course, the little shuttlecraft gets a power bump as well, with 112 thundering horses prancing ponies under the wee bonnet. The cost of this matching set? A mere €699,000 gets the job done for owners of either an SLR or a Maybach, and it shows us that BRABUS is uniquely capable of finding new and innovative ways to separate the obscenely wealthy from large chunks of their money.

The BRABUS press release gets into the minutiae after the jump.

Gallery: BRABUS SLR Roadster with ULTIMATE 112 "tender"

[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading Roadster & Toaster: BRABUS SLR with ULTIMATE 112 "tender"

Roadster & Toaster: BRABUS SLR with ULTIMATE 112 "tender" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Racing-spec Mercedes-Benz 722 SLR GTR found in Germany

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

This one kind of crept up on us, but it appears Mercedes-Benz has released a new race-spec version of the SLR supercar dubbed the GTR. It's been revealed that the limited edition 722 SLR released last year was in fact a homologation special designed for a potential FIA GT race car, and the new GTR is a production version of the future racer.

The GTR is loosely based on the 722, but tips the scales at just 2860lb (1300kg), which means it's roughly 660lb (300kg) lighter. The mechanical package remains largely unchanged but, with the lighter body, the 650hp supercharged V8 should see it reach 62mph from rest in just three seconds flat. Top speed remains at 210 mph.

To shed all that weight, engineers stripped the cabin and replaced most of the parts such as the door panels and dash with carbon-fiber. They also installed a set of 19-inch OZ wheels, removed the front grille and installed a huge rear wing and diffuser.

Only 21 new GTRs will enter production and the first one has already been spotted at a Mercedes-Benz dealer in Germany by HDennis who posted these pics of the car on Supercars.net

Thanks for the tip, Richard!

[Source: Supercars.net]

Gallery: Mercedes McLaren SLR GTR

Racing-spec Mercedes-Benz 722 SLR GTR found in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Project Kahn SLR

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:34:00 EST

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

Click the image above for more high-res shots of Project Kahn's SLR.

There isn't much left to do with a supercar. That's why they're called "super." Tuners of late, thankfully, seemed to be restraining themselves from going buck wild on them. On that note, with traditional British understatement, the tuning house Project Kahn has taken the Mercedes McLaren SLR and done, well, not all that much to it.

The car gets Kahn's trademark RS-X wheels, 20-inch up front and 21's in the rear. It also gets a 60 HP power boost to 677, a lowered suspension and high-flow pipes. Kahn expands on the smattering of colors that Mercedes offers by providing custom leather upholstery and paint jobs. Sure, it's not much, but at this level of the financial stratosphere, every little bit of individual luxury counts, no?

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Project Kahn McLaren SLR

Project Kahn SLR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 01:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: SLR Roadster "well on its way to production"

Alex Nunez — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click to enlarge

That's what the British magazine Auto Express is reporting.

According to them, the Woking, Surrey-built droptop will be unveiled within the next six months.

Based on the Vision SLR Roadster concept car (above), the supposed production version will share its coupe sibling's power and performance credentials. Prospective customers should expect to have their wallets lightened by around £350,000 ($667K USD).

Assuming the information is accurate, it's a welcome development. By the time the ragtop appears, at least three years will have passed since the production coupe's launch, and save for the recent 722 variant, nothing has really changed. A convertible SLR should have sex appeal to spare and will re-energize the motoring press, enthusiasts, and the well-heeled jet-setters who find themselves in the enviable position to buy one. Stay tuned.

Thanks for the tip, Omar!

[Source: Auto Express}

Report: SLR Roadster "well on its way to production" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren captures London Land Speed Record

John Neff — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Weekly British automotive mag Autocar recently shut down the London City Airport because they wanted to find out what car was the fastest in London. Amidst a field that included hometown hero Bentley's Continental Flying Spur, as well as a Ford GT (it lost to the British-built SLR by nary 1.4 mph, fix!), Corvette Z06, Shelby Daytona Cobra, Porsche 911 Turbo, BMW M6, Alpina B5, and Vauxhall Maloo, the SLR McLaren was able to post the fastest time of 175.7 mph on the one-mile long airport runway. No word on how fast the bike in picture went, though.

The record attempt marks the fastest a car has ever been driven legally in London and will be submitted to the Guiness Book of World Records. Here are the final trap speeds of the other contestants.

Mercedes McLaren SLR - 175.7 mph
Ford GT - 174.3 mph
Corvette Z06 - 167.0 mph
Porsche Turbo - 162.6 mph
BMW M6 - 162.5 mph
Shelby Daytona Cobra - 159.7 mph
Alpina B5 - 155.4 mph
Bentley Flying Spur - 157.4 mph
Vauxhall Maloo - 160.8 mph

Later tonight, I will be attempting the Cleveland, Ohio Land Speed Record in my 1999 Oldsmobile Alero on I-90 between mile markers 150 and 151. Wish me luck!

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren captures London Land Speed Record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is this the next McLaren supercar? - UPDATED

John Neff — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

We reported some time ago that McLaren was already brainstorming its next vehicle that will replace the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR. The SLR is surely awe-inspiring, but it hasn't made a name for itself in the current crowd of supercars like the McLaren F1 that will go down in history as one of the finest road cars ever built.

As it turns out, McLaren has enlisted the help of students attending the European Institute of Design in Turin, Italy by way of a thesis project called "One Sport from 320 km/h" (rough translation) that charged 39 students with designing a super sports car for street use. From what the translation indicates, McLaren went so far as to bring the students to McLaren Technology Center in Woking, England to get to know the brand better and learn more about its accomplishments in F1 racing that could be incorporated into the vehicle's design. Fourteen groups of students produced three concepts each, of which one per group was selected to be developed further. Those resulting fourteen concepts were then further refined and built into 1:4 scale models that were judged by the people at McLaren.

The design featured above called "M eleven B" by Alexander Belosio, Vito Possidente and Massimo Terranova was chosen as the best overall design of the 14 produced.

If we've misread the translation, please tell us in the comments and we'll update the post with the correct information. Our Italian translator is still celebrating his country's World Cup victory and likely won't be back, at least not for another four years.

(Follow the jump for pics of two more entries, including the one that's our personal favorite)

UPDATE - Thanks to cbennett for finding a gallery of all the entries that can be found here.

[Source: VirtualCar via autoblog.it]

Continue reading Is this the next McLaren supercar? - UPDATED

Is this the next McLaren supercar? - UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 boosts performance, honors past

Alex Nunez — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes has unleashed a more powerful and sportier variant of the SLR McLaren called the SLR 722 Edition. Produced to honor Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson's 1955 Mille Miglia victory, the "722" name is a hat tip to their 300 SLR's start number 722 (which corresponded with its 7:22 AM start time).

The SLR's power has been boosted to a thundering 650 horsepower, and a re-tuned suspension lends the car an even more sporting character. Visually, the front air dam, and rear diffuser get revisions to improve aero performance. Black wheels and red "722" badging clue passers-by in to the fact that this is no garden-variety SLR.

Inside, copious amounts of carbon fiber, leather/alcantara seating and a new race-type wheel complete the package.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition goes on sale July 11.

(Many more pics, release after the jump)

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 boosts performance, honors past

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 boosts performance, honors past originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Crazy Enzo crash guy loses another whip

John Neff — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:30:00 EST

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

Stefan Eriksson has lost yet another supercar in his dwindling collection of elite automobiles. The first we all recall was his Ferrari Enzo that disintegrated upon impact with a telephone phone on the Pacific Coast Highway. This time his wife is responsible for the loss, as she was pulled over in Beverly Hills driving the family McLaren SLR without a valid driver's license while the car was still sporting British plates. Beverly Hills' finest promptly impounded the Mercedes.

13-year-old Spyder Dobrofsky was on the scene during the incident and snapped this pic so we could all share in Mrs. Eriksson's finest hour. It's good to know that megalomania runs in the family.

[Source: Luxist via LA Times]

Crazy Enzo crash guy loses another whip originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Mar 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments