A new version was introduced in 2006 called the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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" boosts power to 485 kW (650 hp) and 820 N·m (605 ft·lbf) torque at 4000 rpm, posting a top speed of 378 km/h (18 km/h faster than the standard SLR).
While 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.
Overall performance has increased, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 3 seconds, 0-200 km/h time of 8.6 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 23.5 seconds.
Exterior changes, other than the larger 19-inch black light-alloy wheels, include red 722 badging, hearkening back to the original 722 racer.
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car.
Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior.
Sale of the SLR 722 Edition in the U.S. has not been confirmed.
Continuing the TraditionThe new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend 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.
With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp.
The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound.
The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds.
The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body.
Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.
Discreet visual modifications mark the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group.
The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing.
At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolizes the practicality of these technical features.
Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.
Brakes
The brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature.
Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1200°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.
During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.
To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees.
The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~25%.
Exclusive "SLR Club" for SLR owners
With an output of 650 bhp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, 2006, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
The supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 650 bhp. 
The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound.
The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in only 3.6 seconds, and 124 mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. 
The top speed (209 mph) is above the 207 mph previously achieved by the SLR.Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and 0.4 inches lower body.
Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.
Discreet visual modifications mark the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. 
The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing.
At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolizes the practicality of these technical features.
Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.
BrakesThe brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature.
Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1200°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.
During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.
To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees.
The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~25%.
Exclusive "SLR Club" for SLR ownersBefore the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR 722 Edition.
This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide "SLR. Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France.
As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the "SLR Club" provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits.
Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars.
David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.
Video SLR 722
This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide "SLR. Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France.
As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the "SLR Club" provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits.
Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars.
David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.
Video SLR 722
