Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Manufacturer:	DaimlerChrysler AG McLaren Cars
Class:	Supercar
Engine:	5.5 L Supercharged V8
Length:	4656 mm (183.3 in)
Width:	1908 mm (75.1 in)
Height:	1261 mm (49.6 in)
Curb weight:	1768 kg (3898 lb)
Similar:	Ferrari Enzo Ferrari Pagani Zonda Ford GT Porsche Carrera GT Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Lamborghini Murciélago.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and supercar automobile co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars. It is one of the fastest automatic transmission cars in the world. It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Most people presume "SLR" to stand for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport" (German for "Sport; Light; Racing"), while it actually means "super-leicht, Rennsport" (super-light, racing). The car's base price is €443,066 £300,000 or $450,000 [1].

A new version was introduced in 2006 called the "2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition". The "722" refers to the victory by Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. The "722 Edition" creates 650 bhp, with a top speed of 337 km/h (3 more than the standard SLR). Countering the problems from the previous, a new suspension is used with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body. The SLR is planned to end production in 2008 according to Mercedes-Benz.

1 History
2 Engine
3 Brakes
4 Transmission
5 Performance
6 Praise
7 Criticism
8 Comparison With Other Supercars
9 Exclusivity
10 Special editions
11 Popular Video Games
12 Notable owners
13 References
14 External links

[edit] History

The Mercedes McLaren SLR is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR of 1955. This sports car racer was actually based on the W196 F1 car, yet named after the road-going Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. A notable feature of the SLR is its gullwing doors, a homage to the original 300 SLR.

[edit] Engine

The SLR has a supercharged 5.5 (5439 cc) litre dry sumped 90 degree V8. It produces 466.8 kW at 6500 rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm. AMG technicians took the original SL-55 AMG engine and optimized its capacities by enlarging the fuel pump, the cylinders, and put a larger cooling system that absorbs air to cool down the engine. It has 3 valves per cylinder with SOHC. This is very unusual as most supercars, indeed most modern cars, have DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, but it keeps with the recent trend in modular V engines from Mercedes Benz and decreases engine emissions. The Twin-screw type supercharger and the 2 aluminium rotors have a maximum speed of 23,000 rpm. It is mounted between the two engine banks and uses 120 bhp at maximum capacity.

Unlike most of its contemporaries, its engine is front-mid mounted. McLaren took the original concept car designed by Mercedes and moved the engine fully 1metre behind the front bumper, and around 50 cm behind the front axle. They also optimised the design of the centre firewall.

[edit] Brakes

The brake discs are carbon-ceramic which provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs. Mercedes-Benz claim these discs are fade resistant to 1000 °C. The front discs are internally vented and 370 mm in diameter. 8 piston calipers are used. Rear discs are 360 mm in diameter with 4 piston calipers. The result of these massive rotors is a maximum braking power of 1500 kW. When it is wet the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.

The SLR also has a spoiler mounted on the rear which pops up when braking from high speeds. The spoiler greatly increases drag at high speeds. See [2] for a picture of the spoiler down and [3] up (in use). This additional braking power on the order of 0.25g of deceleration helps the car to stop quicker than any other car of its category.

The SLR has been criticised for its braking performance. While all agree that the brakes are extremely powerful, some critics argue they are either "on or off". Such critics include Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. In addition to this when the SLR is under braking extra fuel is pumped in to cool the engine. Since the exhausts are mounted in front of the driver's position the smell of unburnt fuel is noticed in the cabin.

Clarkson commented that "[The brakes] glow when you use them, and catch fire when you use them a lot". The brakes burn any debris on them and contrary to popular belief, the car itself does not catch on fire.

[edit] Transmission

The SLR comes with a five speed automatic transmission with three separate modes: Sport, Comfort and Manual. Sport used for everyday use, Comfort starts in second gear for bumpy or slippery roads. Manual allows the driver to shift gears with the touchpad or the simple levers on the steering wheel. When in Manual, three additional modes (Sport, Supersport, Race) on the second dial can be used, each significantly making quicker shift times. This is the same transmission as used in other performance models such as the SL65 AMG. The Mercedes-Benz seven speed automatic transmission as used on the SLK 55 AMG cannot handle power and torque output of the SLR; hence it is fitted with only a five speed transmission.

The gear ratios are as follows: 3.56:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.831:1.

[edit] Performance

Mercedes-Benz claims that the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds at 98 °F), 0-200 km/h in 10.6 seconds, and 300 km/h in 28.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 334 km/h (207 mph)^[1] which made it the fastest automatic car in the world until 2005, when the Bugatti Veyron arrived. The car uses carbon fibre for its body construction which makes it lighter. The car is, however still quite heavy at 1768 kg due to the numerous luxury items included in it. It has never reached a higher speed than 210 mph.

Car and Driver got a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 125 mph. These are during a test session that took place in the late afternoon, when October temperatures were on the decline. C&D suggests the times may be even lower if temperatures were higher. Car and Driver got top gear acceleration 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph times of 1.7 and 2.4 seconds, which are the fastest ever recorded by the magazine in a production car. The SLR also pulled 0.97g on the skidpad.

The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, in 2004, tested the SLR at the Nardo test track in southern Italy. They reported that the SLR accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, 200 km/h in 10.7 seconds, and 300 km in 30.6 seconds. The car's 400-meter time and 1 km time were found to be 11.5 seconds at 207 km/h, and 20.5 seconds at 269 km/h, respectively.

[edit] Praise

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The SLR has been praised for many of its features. It is extremely fast, yet is comfortable enough that the car has been categorized as more of a "grand touring" car than a "supercar" (e.g. Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari Enzo). Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear has noted that it's very easy to drive, with "cruise control, electric seats, air conditioner, CD auto changer, and it goes 210 miles an hour". Clarkson also said that it was built so you could "cruise to the Nürburgring listening to Terry Wogan, do a mindblowing lap, and cruise back listening to Ken Bruce."

Despite rumours, the Mercedes McLaren SLR is not diesel-powered, unlike certain versions of the Mercedes-Benz C111 supercar of the 1960s and 1970s.

[edit] Criticism

The most criticised parts of the car are its brakes. "It's not that they don't work—they do, but it's the way they do it: they are either on or off" (Richard Hammond, on Top Gear). Although extremely powerful, they are described as binary, as if they were made for panic stops at 200 mph.

Some critics suggest the better buy is a Mercedes SL65 AMG - a more planted car with a more powerful engine (738 lb-ft torque), for about $200,000 less. It accelerates 0-60 mph 0.1 seconds slower and has a top speed limited to 155 mph. [4]. It can however have the speed limiter removed for a mere 800 dollars with a chip from Brabus or Renntech.

[edit] Comparison With Other Supercars

HowStuffWorks.com, a website of how everything works, says the following^[2]:

Not many cars are in the same league with the SLR. It's cheaper than an Enzo Ferrari by about $200,000, but costs about $10K more than a Porsche Carerra GT. It only costs half as much as a McLaren F1 did in 1997. The SLR can't touch the top speeds of the Enzo or the McLaren F1 (217 and 240 mph, respectively), but it beats the Carerra GT by two mph.

The Enzo and F1 also dwarf the SLR's horsepower, but the Carerra GT is more comparable, with only 604 hp to the SLR's 617. Perhaps the most telling difference is weight. The McLaren F1 is a slender 2,513 lbs., the Enzo weighs 3,020 lbs., and the Carerra GT weighs in at 3,043 lbs. The SLR, with its luxury interior, is a scale-busting 3,858 lbs.

Despite its 2-ton weight, the fuel economy is generally higher than the lighter Lamborghini Murcielago, and even its less expensive, lighter, and less powerful sibling, Gallardo^[3]. Also, BBC auto show Top Gear put this car and the Porsche Carrera GT on its track, and the SLR-McLaren beat the Porsche in a fraction of a second^[4].

[edit] Exclusivity

Mercedes-Benz has stated that they will build 3500 SLRs in a span of over 7 years, with an annual production of only 500 cars. The 1000th car was produced in February 2006, in black for a Japanese customer. The MSRP ranges from $452,700.00 all the way to $628,351.00. ^[5]

[edit] Special editions

722 Edition

In referrence to the 300 SLR, released in 2006, Mercedes-Benz bought out the 722 Edition the number being Denis Jenkinson and Stirling Moss's 1955 Mille Migilia winning race number, indicating their start time of 7.22 a.m.

Power is boosted to 478 kW (650 hp) and 820 N·m (605 ft·lbf) torque at 4000 rpm. Modifications were also made to the suspension, with a stiffer damper setup and 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height introduced for improved handling. Larger 390 mm diameter front brakes and a revised front air dam and rear diffuser were fitted.^[6]

Overall performance has increased, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h time of 10.2 seconds and 0-300km/h in 28 seconds.^[7]

Exterior changes included larger 19-inch black alloy wheels and red "722" badging (harking back to the original 722 racer).

[edit] Popular Video Games

Gran Turismo 4. The price for the SLR McLaren is 610,000 Cr. and it is also the 2003 version.
Gran Turismo HD is set to feature the 722 Edition of the SLR McLaren, in addition by adding the returning original version.
Forza Motorsport features the SLR McLaren.
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition and the Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition Remix features also the SLR McLaren.
Test Drive Unlimited features the SLR McLaren and it can be driven.
Project Gotham Racing 3 features the SLR McLaren and can also be driven.
Need For Speed: Most Wanted features the SLR McLaren in the game, but the SLR McLaren's top speed is only 199 mph, when it has not been tuned yet.
Need For Speed: Carbon also features the returning Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

[edit] Notable owners

Anthony-James Marrone (black) - Expert in Quantum Neutrino Fields, CPSA, has owned an SLR since late 2003 in addition to his 50 other rare and expensive super-cars.
Daniel Kinnear (silver) - CEO of FSSU, Inc. South Australia, owns a 722 edition SLR.
Ted Bell - owner of the upscale steakhouse Ted's of Beverly Hills. Is president of the Beverly Hills Automobile Association (Note: Ted Bell is a fictitious character on the Phil Hendrie Radio Show and the steak house is a spin-off of the radio show, similar to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. of Forest Gump fame)
Alex Chitty (Pearl White) at his house in Brighton, UK.
Paul Hawley (Orange) - Paul is the only person who has had Mercedes custom paint an SLR Orange, and had Gucci seats installed. Paul is from Edmonds, WA
Stefan Eriksson (black) — notable for his Enzo Ferrari crash and formerly of Gizmondo. His car was impounded by the City of Beverly Hills while being driven by his wife in March 2006. Also alleged to have wrecked another SLR in England.^[8] He is accused by authorities of stealing both of the above mentioned cars, plus a black Enzo and an additional two Mercedes - a total of $3.8million - from a UK finance company
Carl Freer — formerly of Gizmondo
Vikram Chatwal - Hotelier - silver 2005
Prince Naseem Hamed (silver)— former boxer, wrote it off in what was described by the judge as a "suicidal" head on smash. Jailed for 15 months ^[9]
Thierry Henry - (Crystal Laurite Silver), in June 2005. Henry gave in to temptation and signed on the dotted line at a motor show in France. He is also known to own the SLR’s arch-rival from Porsche, the £300,000 Carrera GT, and an Aston Martin Vanquish, a positive bargain in comparison at just £170,000 ^[10]
Hamed Salem Al-Sabah (pearl white) - Member of the Kuwaiti Royal Family, Grandson of the late Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al Sabah. Student at AUK (American University of Kuwait). Also owns the Enzo Ferrari (red).
Paris Hilton (Grey) Many suggest that her SLR is indeed black, but it has been confirmed to be Palladium Grey.
Jay Leno - added one to his huge car and motorcycle collection
Daniel Sadek — real estate investor turned film producer will feature his SLR McLarens in the upcoming Eddie Griffin film, Redline
Emiliyan Dimov (Cristal Laurite Silver) - bulgarian buisnessman and exotic car dealer
Donald J. Trump (Crystal Laurite Silver) - As seen in episode 8 of The Apprentice 5
Robbie Williams (Crystal Galaxite Black) - at his house in Los Angeles
Benjamin Corcoran black - at his house in Port Orchard, although he doesn't have a driving licence
Damon Jones (black) - plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers. MTV cribs shows his car.
Ja Rule (silver) - Co-CEO/Owner Of The Inc. Records, Multi-Platinum selling rapper.
Phil Ivey (silver) - Professional poker player, arguably the best tournament poker player in the world.
Xzibit (Crystal Laurite Silver) - Rapper of Pimp my Ride fame
Michael Jordan (silver)- Basketball Legend
Vítor Baia - FC Porto Football Legend
Chris Larson (Crystal Galaxite Black)
Warren Kanders - chairman of Armor Holdings
Dan Rubin - Chairman of 1-800-Attorney
Simon Tjong (Crystal Galaxite Black) - Exotic car collector, Austalia