MERCEDES-BENZ SLR McLAREN 722 EDITION - INTRODUCTION
Over 50 years ago, the SLR was already the object of dreams. On May 2, 1955, Stirling Moss went down in motorsport history by recording the fastest time ever for the Mille Miglia event in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR racing car. His start number 722 stood for his starting time of 7.22 a.m. The SLR has become a legend. A legend that would be reborn in 2004. Featuring the latest technology, it is once again unique: blending the performance of a super sports car with all the comfort and cruising qualities of a classic Gran Tourismo on the other. This philosophy and the legend of the SLR continues with the SLR 722 Edition.
The SLR 722 Edition features weight-optimised components, an engine that has been uprated by 24 PS and a specifically tuned chassis and airbrake improve the overall dynamics of the car. Individual details and exclusive colour and material combinations create a new, breathtaking interior.
In the SLR 722 Edition technology and design go hand in hand: everything on show makes sound technical sense. The distinctive SLR 722 Edition sets new standards in terms of trim and chassis design. Painted exposed carbon, as seen at the front end and on the rear diffuser, blends perfectly with the exclusive crystal antimon grey paint finish and the darkened design of the front and rear light clusters. Together with the 10 mm lower body and "722" insignia on the wings, these features create a unique aura which signals an abundance of power. In keeping with this theme, the light-alloy wheels sport an all-new design.
Greater downforce comes courtesy of the aerodynamics package - consisting of a front airsplitter, rear wheel spoilers and a rear diffuser - in combination with the airbrake which can now be raised even further. Plus the engine has been uprated, the vehicle weight reduced and the brakes enhanced, all of which means even greater performance on the race track. The interior also features a unique racing-style design thanks to an appealing mix of black Alcantara and leather as well as numerous elements in painted exposed carbon.
FRONT DESIGN
The intense, piercing gaze of the headlamps is reinforced by palladium grey surrounds on the SLR 722 Edition. A distinctively shaped airsplitter with a painted exposed-carbon surface enhances the front downforce, especially at high speeds. It splits the air, causing it to flow beneath the vehicle and through the intake openings, thus acting like a front wing.
The SLR simply exudes exhilarating, emotive power. Its design has been discreetly tweaked on both a visual and a functional level. Greater downforce is provided by the modified airsplitter at the front and the airbrake, which can now be raised even further, at the rear. This combination optimises the aerodynamic balance to ensure even better handling and higher cornering speeds on the racing circuit.
REAR DESIGN
The rear design is equally prominent, featuring a diffuser in painted exposed carbon. Darkened tail-light units with palladium grey indicator modules, reversing lights and a third brake light with a smoked glass cover blend perfectly with the carbon surfaces of the exterior. The rear end also sports "SLR" lettering on the left and a modified "McLaren" logo on the right.
THE NEW LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS
The 19-inch light-alloy wheels are made of forged aluminium, making them extremely light in weight, which helps to minimise the unsprung masses. The wheels sport a two-tone design. The rim flange is silver whilst the rim spider is palladium grey. Larger, perforated front brake discs (with a diameter of 390 mm, previously 370 mm) and red-painted brake callipers are indicative of the extremely high forces at work here.
INTERIOR
Exposed carbon sections in the centre console, on the doors, in the footwell and at the rear wheel arches make for a lightweight design and a motor-racing atmosphere. As for the floor coverings, soundproofing materials and boot lining, a far more minimalist approach has been adopted. In keeping with this design principle, the CD changer and the Mercedes-Benz telephone have been omitted. These measures help to lower the vehicle weight by 44 kg. However, customers can specify the CD changer and the Mercedes-Benz telephone or the mobile phone pre-installation at no extra cost.
Black, breathable Alcantara is used for the centre sections of the bucket seats, the insides of the doors and the roof liner, for example. Red topstitching on the seats, centre console, dashboard, sports steering wheel and other interior components emphasises the contouring and, like the red seat belts and the "722" insignia on the seat backrests, lends the interior a distinctly sporty touch. Together with the painted exposed carbon in the centre console and the doors, these design highlights create a unique composition.
The sports steering wheel is trimmed in easy-grip, moisture-absorbing suede and nappa leather. It offers outstanding control thanks to the pronounced contours of the steering wheel rim and the outstanding grip provided by the suede side sections. AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles enable fast shifts whatever the situation. Suede also features on the handbrake lever and on the gear knob in the centre console as well as on the inside door handles.
The new instrument cluster features dials with a signal red background and easy-to-read, upright digits in increments of 10. The integral AMG racetimer offers the familiar motor racing-style functions as seen in other AMG models.
