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 Drives, 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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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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McBling: Chrome SLR holds (food) court in Dubai

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for more of the chromed Mercedes SLR McLaren in Dubai

When the McLaren-Mercedes team rolled out their chrome F1 cars, everyone stood up and took notice. Pretty cool idea, even fans (and members) of other teams had to admit. No wonder then that with their own supercar out on the roads - one of only two teams with that claim - somebody has finally done the same with his own SLR. And of course, like the gold-trimmed Camry, that somebody lives in the United Arab Emirates, the sand-swept Kingdom of Bling on the shores of the Persian Gulf.

The shiny McLaren was spotted outside one of the world's largest shopping centers, the Mall of the Emirates, in Dubai, which looks to be the same place where the Pegaso edition Bugatti Veyron was spotted. The mall is currently the largest in the Middle East, at least until construction is completed on the two larger ones also being built in Dubai. We're sure it won't be long until someone parks chrome McLaren P11s, Mercedes SL63 Blacks or AMG Gullwings in front of those, too.

Gallery: Chrome SLR in Dubai

[Source: GlobalMotors.net]

McBling: Chrome SLR holds (food) court in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: SLR McLaren Speedster

Noah Joseph — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Rendered Speculation

Click to view the SLR Speedster rendering courtesy of the artist

With a host of new exotics coming out from both Mercedes-Benz and its F1 and erstwhile supercar partner McLaren, the ageing Mercedes SLR McLaren is about to be shown the back door. But not before one last hoorah. And if this illustration is any indication, it will be one rip-roaring, ear-piercing hoorah indeed.

Based on the spy shots that have already surfaced of the SLR McLaren "Speedster" (we don't know if that's what it'll be called officially, but that's the name we've been tossing around), talented illustrator Jon Sibal has crafted the rendering you see above. According to Sibal, the headlights will be the only element of the exterior carried over from previous incarnations of the SLR to the new, more hardcore roofless swan-song. The hood, which previously melded into the A-pillars, is more flat; the nose draws even more direct inspiration from McLaren-Mercedes formula racing cars; the exhaust pipes have been moved into the side vents... oh yeah, and there's no roof. None whatsoever. There's barely any windshield for that matter, just a couple of deflectors. Needless to say, we hope the actual vehicle turns out to be as dramatic as Sibal's conception.

Check out the gallery below to see the rendering in high-resolution, along with our previous crop of spy shots of the SLR Speedster.

Gallery: Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster

[Source: JonSibal.com]

Rendered Speculation: SLR McLaren Speedster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RENNtech PKG2 boosts SLR 722 to 740hp

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:31:00 EST

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

Click for hi-res gallery of the RENNtech SLR 722 PKG2

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren may be on its way out, but that doesn't mean there can't be more horsepower extracted from the supercar. The original had 617hp. Then came the SLR 722, which despite its name had 650 horses underhood. The 722's American importer, RENNtech, addressed the perception gap with its first package, boosting output to an eponymous 722hp. Never satisfied to leave well enough alone, RENNtech has now released its second package for the SLR 722 that further boosts power to 740 thanks to a revised ECU and a freer-flowing exhaust system.

While RENNtech's PKG1 went for a solid $12,900 (come on, what's a lousy $13k on the price of such a supercar?), the new PKG2 costs a heftier $26,990, plus an extra $7,800 for the optional Signature 10-spoke 20-inch rims, which can be had in chrome, satin-ceramic or "sniper gray" finishes. The SLR won't be leaving without a final swan song.

Check out the details in the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: RENNtech Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 PKG2

[Source: RENNtech]

Continue reading RENNtech PKG2 boosts SLR 722 to 740hp

RENNtech PKG2 boosts SLR 722 to 740hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 GT official

John Neff — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:27:00 EST

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

click above image to view more pics of the MB SLR 722 GT

The Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 was already a special edition version of the normal SLR, itself a rare automobile. Going one step further, the German automaker is releasing the SLR 722 GT in conjunction with British motorsports company RML Group. The car is a track day special and meant to compete in a club racing series, so buyers will be private race teams that can afford the initial buy-in cost and maintenance of what is essentially a race car based on the SLR 722. Motor Authority reports that 21 buyers have already been found who are willing to pay the €1 million price tag for each car. Their chunk of change will buy modifications to all the go fast components, including the suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, exhaust and even the interior. The AMG-sourced 5.5L supercharged V8 now develops 671 HP, which is up from 650 in the SLR 722 and 617 in the normal SLR, thanks to more boost pressure. We can clearly make out a new front apron and rear fender flares to accommodate a larger wheel/tire combo, as well as side sills that look sharp to the touch. Out back you'll find a rear diffuser and who can miss that giant fixed rear wing? It certainly looks the part, and we're betting the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 GT acts the part, too.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 GT

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 GT official originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hennessey Viper beats Veyron in 0-200 dash

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Bugatti, Dodge, First Drives

Road & Track thought it might be fun to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend by taking a half dozen supercars out to Lemoore. That would be the nearly three-mile-long runway at the Naval Air Station Lemoore in California's San Joaquin Valley. Not that the air base isn't a nice place to visit, but the reason they were there was to test the cars' acceleration from 0-200 mph. R&T refers to it as the "World's First Supercar Drag Race." They had used this same strip for a standing mile acceleration run back in September '05, but this test was strictly for streetable cars that had claimed top speeds of more than 200 mph.

They nabbed Kiwi racer Steve Millen as their test driver once again, and basically told him to just get the best launch he could and get to 200 as quickly as possible. They further asked him, given the fact that two of the assembled cars had more than 1,000 hp on tap, not to let up until past the one-mile mark if 200 mph came before that, but not to go past the two-mile mark so as to allow enough shutdown room. Besides the 0-200 time they also wanted to record standing mile acceleration like the last time they visited the naval air base. So what were the results? Follow the jump to see, and don't forget to click the Read link for the full rundown.

[Source: Road & Track]

Continue reading Hennessey Viper beats Veyron in 0-200 dash

Hennessey Viper beats Veyron in 0-200 dash originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - DaimlerChrysler

John Neff — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Paris Motor Show, Daimler, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz

We've finally made it to our third video in our five-part series of booth tours from the 2006 Paris Motor Show. As I've said before, we're cutting on our teeth on this video stuff with the footage we gathered at the Paris show, and today's video brings you the both of DaimlerChrysler, specifically Dodge and Mercedes-Benz. From the Dodge booth we, of course, have the Avenger, which we think you'll agree looks even better in person. We quickly move over to MB's display where we played paparazzi with the "Mercedes Banz" CL63 AMG (Once it's rendered typos are forever, man) and the SLR McLaren 722 Edition, both cars that are extremely imposing person. We would've liked to have captured footage of the AMG S-Class, but the damn thing disappeared the second day of the show when we were filming. Regardless, these three vehicles were represented the hotness coming out of DaimlerChrysler in Paris, so on with the show.

PS: If you liked the video, we'd appreciate the vote on Netscape for it. Just click on the orange and white "up" arrow on the video and it'll take you to Netscape. Thanks!

VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - DaimlerChrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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DaimlerChrysler recalls the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Erin Mays — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 06:54:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Recalls, Safety, Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

DaimlerChrysler has announced that it is recalling 2005 and 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models due to a problem with the electrical system. The $450,000, 617-hp car with a top speed of 208 mph could catch fire due to the high temperatures generated by the electrical system and the resulting damage inflicted upon the vehicle's alternator. So far, no fire or accidents have been reported. The recall affects 433 vehicles in the United States, and will involve replacing the alternator and installing a modified control unti. Vehicles elsewhere in the world are being dealt with as well.

We wonder if this Mercedes is included in the recall.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler via Yahoo!]

Thanks to speed42 for the tip.

DaimlerChrysler recalls the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And we didn't think the SLR McLaren could get any beefier...

Erin Mays — Thu, 04 May 2006 15:06:00 EST

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

AutoWeek spies have caught the beefed-up 2007 Mercedes SLR McLaren -- we're talking 641 hp, a weight savings of 90 lbs. thanks to carbon fiber and other considerations, and a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds -- faster than the Murcielago and Carrera GT. AutoWeek also comments on the changes to the front and rear fascia, which should serve to help airflow and keep the car under control despite the extra juice.

Look for the super-supercar to debut in Paris this fall.

[Source: AutoWeek]

And we didn't think the SLR McLaren could get any beefier... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time flies with a Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz watch

John Neff — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 19:08:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars, Mercedes-Benz

The old cliché "Time flies when you're having fun" would easily apply to the Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz automatic chronograph. So would "Time is money". The new timepiece features push-pieces arranged at 45-degree angle to the dial and embeded next to the case. It's a more flush arrangement than your average chronograph, and this one's got a strap made out of crock skin. Only 3500 examples of this auto-inspired Tag Heuer will be produced, just like the SLR McLaren. The price? €3300 Euro or $4000 US. At price per pound, the SLR McLaren might be the better deal here.

[Source: DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading Time flies with a Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz watch

Time flies with a Tag Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Mar 2006 19:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity Watch: Paris Hilton pimpin' a brand new SLR

John Neff — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance

Paris Hilton apparently awoke one morning and realized to her haute couture horror that the silver Bentley Continental GT she's been rockin' just doesn't go with her Spring wardrobe. What's a hotel heiress to do? Go shopping -- and shopping she did, picking up a handsome black Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren. Really, it's the perfect vehicle for the L.A. traffic jam scene.

Local L.A. law enforcement might consider deeming Hilton's new chariot a lethal weapon and impound it on sight, especially considering that her boyfriend, Stavros Niarchos, crashed her previous 552-hp Bentley into a truck while trying to avoid the paparazzi. We shudder to think what Ms. Hilton could destroy with 617 hp on tap beneath her stilettos.

[Source: Luxist]

Celebrity Watch: Paris Hilton pimpin' a brand new SLR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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