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Saturday, December 1, 2007

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

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The Mercedes-Benz SLR marks a new era for high-performance cars and at the same time, celebrates the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s. The SLR McLaren combines unmatched power and performance with classic Mercedes-Benz design cues.

Featuring a full carbon-fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels, the SLR is powered by a 617-horsepower supercharged 5.5-liter V8 that rockets the new SLR from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 3.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed exceeding 200 mph.

A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren CollaborationThe SLR super sports GT car showcases the collective experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren in the development and production of high-performance sports cars.

This unique combination of expertise is evident not only in the pioneering developments and impressive performance of the SLR, but also in its high levels of safety and practicality.

One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fiber composite material of the new SLR body, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles.

Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection. The SLR is distinguished as the first series production vehicle to utilize a front crash structure made exclusively of carbon fiber.

Specially designed to absorb crash energy at a constant rate, the carbon fiber crash structure absorbs four to five times more energy in a severe frontal collision than similar structures made of conventional steel.

Ceramic Composite Brake Discs
The high-performance SLR super sports car is one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology.

The brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material – a fiber-reinforced ceramic with astounding stopping power, high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength and long service life.

The discs weigh less than half that of conventional brakes, and are fitted with eight-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

The brake system alone can decelerate the SLR up to 1.3 g, producing the theoretical equivalent of 2,000 horsepower. In addition, an innovative airbrake in the form of an adaptive rear spoiler in the trunk lid increases downforce, improving stability and braking even further.

Video Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren


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