MERCEDES-BENZ SLR McLAREN ROADSTER - INTRODUCTION

The SLR Roadster is the ultimate stimulation for the senses. It combines all the driving performance, technology and design virtues of the SLR coupe but amplifies the emotion and connectivity for the driver. This is achieved through a very elegant roof concept that maintains the design and unique form of the SLR. Combined with its unrivalled performance it is this pure and dynamic style that combines with the highest exclusivity to offer a very unique super-car to the market.

DEVELOPMENT

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster is a result of a rigorous development program by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to engineer a vehicle which captures all the performance and comfort of the coupe with the added dimension of a roadster. Hot and cold weather testing in Death Valley, USA and Arjeplog, Sweden was both intensive and extensive, including a roof endurance test of 20,000 cycles, to ensure the roof system of the Roadster maintained the excellent engineering pedigree for which the SLR is already renowned. The outcome of this engineering program is a unique roadster that achieves uncompromised and unrivalled levels of performance and handing.

BODY

In engineering the Roadster, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have made significant developments in modifying the body structure, including the use of Triax carbon fibre material and optimisation of the lay-up, to maintain a torsional stiffness greater than 22 kNm/deg. Safety has also been uncompromised with a-pillar inserts which feature carbon-fibre composite outer for maximum rigidity with inner high-strength boron-steel bar to provide outstanding structural fatigue strength and deformability. As a result the Roadster is fully compliant with the latest crash test regulations.

ROOF DESIGN

For the driver this uncompromised roadster has produced the ultimate experience, combining all the driving performance, technology and design virtues of the coupe but amplifying the emotion and connectivity for the driver. With an extremely elegant z-fold roof system, which opens and closes in 10 seconds, the SLR Roadster maintains the elegant lines of the coupe whilst ensuring insulation from the elements and noise. The large rear heated screen also maintains good rear visibility. With the roof down, the SLR Roadster is as elegant and graceful as the coupe. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when retracted. Optional side covers are offered to conceal the roof mechanism.

Available in three colours, the soft-top uses a novel material which is extremely strong and designed to counteract ballooning permitting the roof to withstand the high pressures produced at the car's top speed. The roof cloth, a contrasting two-tone pattern reminiscent of carbon mesh, is a world first. The warp yarn (basic colour) is black, while the weft yarn is in the specified contrasting colour.

INTERIOR

Despite the increased feel of openness, the SLR Roadster’s cockpit remains almost unchanged though there are new customisation options. The centre console and door fittings can now be requested in carbon fibre as first seen in the SLR 722 Edition. New contrasting seat inserts in specially braided ‘Composition’ leather are also available giving the leather a coarser texture.