Mercedes-Benz Launches Limited Edition SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

Even though Mercedes-Benz’s partnership with McLaren is coming to an end, the German automaker is trying to make the best of it by releasing yet another limited edition version. The rag-top SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S which features an upgraded 5.5-liter V8 engine developing 650 HP as well as a more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics will be produced in a limited number of 150 vehicles. -Continued

At the heart of the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is slightly tuned version of the supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine that develops an output of 650 HP and 820 Nm (605-lbs/ft) of torque compared to the standard SLR McLaren Roadster’s 626 HP and 780 Nm respectively. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) comes in just 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h (123 mph) is reached in 10.6 seconds while the maximum speed is 335 km/h or 208 mph.

In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features a sportier suspension setup with stiffer spring and shock absorber configurations while the body has been lowered by 10mm at the front and rear. Furthermore, Merc’s engineers added a carbon fiber body kit to improve aerodynamics. The 722 S sits on a new set of lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels.

In the interior, the limited production Merc features new sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara highlighted by contrasting red seams, embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Moreover, the shift and parking brake levers are lined in suede leather while Mercedes-Benz also added plenty of carbon-fibre details.

The limited edition SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S will be available for order from January 1, 2009.

Mercedes-Benz SLC Scooped by Reader in Colorado Springs

As Mercedes-Benz continues the development of its new flagship SLC supercar that will replace the SLR McLaren, we’re getting to see a great number of prototypes making their way on both sides of the Atlantic. Our latest scoop photo comes from one of our readers, Trip Godel, who was fortunate enough to spot a test mule of Merc’s gullwing door SLC supercar dressed in the usual Viper-esque sheetmetal during a ‘pit-stop’ at a gas station in Colorado Springs.

Unlike the SLR McLaren, the SLC will be totally developed by the German automaker’s AMG division as Mercedes-Benz and McLaren parted ways in 2007. However, the SLC will follow directly in the ‘gran-turismo’ footsteps of the SLR. Inside sources report that the SLC will most likely be equipped with a front-mounted turbocharged 6.2-liter V8 AMG engine delivering somewhere around 580 HP. Follow the jump to read what Trip had to say about his SLC encounter at Colorado Springs. -Continued

From Trip Godel:

“I spotted the Mercedes SLC test mule at a Colorado Springs gas station today. It DOES appear to be the exact same vehicle that you have shot in Germany. The engineers let me circle it twice and didn't pull the tarp over it until I whipped out my camera.

I saw the gullwing doors function and they appeared heavy and very impressive in motion. At first, I thought it was a prototype Corvette as it had Michigan plates. An SLK arrived alongside and its driver had to restart and move his car so that his own fuel filler could be reached. A nice piece of theater, perhaps? So, I thought I was looking at American engineers trying to pass their car off as German.

Then I looked through the grille. The bodywork that you see in the photographs is far, far forward of the actual Mercedes bodywork beneath. I could see a second Mercedes grille set WELL behind, with a large circular cutout for the logo. The real car is not nearly as long as the test mule would imply. Everything you can see forward of the front wheel wells, including the hood and headlight lenses, is patently false.

The interior was almost entirely covered, with the exception of standard Mercedes secondary controls on the steering wheel. The seats were racing seats and very thin--probably not production. The exterior door handles appeared to be stock Mercedes. The fuel filler door shares the same seam line as the passenger door itself. The brake calipers were marked Roush."

Kudos to Trip!

Horrific Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Crash in Qatar

According to reports, this hair-raising accident happened in Qatar sometime during the morning of July 15th when the 22-year-old driver of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren allegedly lost control of the vehicle. We don’t know for sure if the driver actually made it out alive or any other details for that matter, but as you can see in the pictures after the jump, the SLR was literally torn into pieces. Shocking to say the least. -Continued

Via: Cardomain , Source: LamboPower

Renntech Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 PKG2 with 740Hp

Renntech is updating its offerings with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 PKG2. Compared to last year’s PKG1 that boosted the standard SLR 722’s output from 650Hp to 722Hp, the PKG2 adds a less restrictive, motorsports-style exhaust system and re-mapped ECU software resulting to over 740Hp at 6400 rpm. Moreover, Renntech now offers its Signature 10 spoke wheels in SLR offsets and 3 finishes (chrome, satin-ceramic, and sniper gray). -Continued

Pricing for Renntech’s SLR performance upgrades are set at $12,990 for the base PKG1 and $26,990 for the PKG2 while the 20-inch alloy rims will cost you an extra $7,800.