Autoblog

We know that Mercedes used the SLR 722 badge on the SLR McLaren 722 Edition to honor the 1955 Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300SLR of Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson, but still. That car, wearing a big "722" on the doors, which indicated their 7:22am start time, managed to beat the favored Porsches and Ferraris back in the day. But people see a 722 on the label and somehow 650 hp doesn't seem good enough. Enter, supertuner Renntech.

Renntech takes the supercharged 5.5-liter V8 that resides in every SLR and adds some of its magic. This time it's a simple application of one of the company's upgraded intercoolers and a new intercooler pump. These revised units have twice the capacity of the stock coolers and reduce temperatures by a full 50 degrees. The result is horsepower that now hits the magic 722 mark. No price is listed for the conversion, but it sounds like it could be a real winner with the few customers lucky enough to have a 722 parked in their garage. We could do without the aftermarket wheels though.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Our team in Paris just sent us some live shots of the updated Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. As we reported back in July when it was announced, this is a more powerful and sportier variant of the SLR McLaren called the "722 Edition." Produced to honor Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson's 1955 Mille Miglia victory, the "722" is a reference 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 an even more impressive 650 hp, and the suspension has been tweaked to give the car an even more sporting character. Additionally, the front air dam and rear diffuser get slight makeovers to improve aerodynamics. Black wheels and red "722" badges will help distinguish it from lesser SLRs. Lots of carbon fiber, leather/alcantara seating and a new racecar-type steering wheel complete the package.

Many more pics from Eric Bryant and M-B, plus the original release after the jump.

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]