2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren

Sold for $235,200 at 2020 Bonhams : Amelia Island Concours.
Sold for $445,000 at 2022 RM Sothebys : The Youngtimer Collection - Miami.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar (SLR for Sport Leicht Rennsport) worked with its then Formula 1 partner Mclaren to showcase their respective talents, experience, and technology with the production of a high-performance sports car, similar to its 300SLR predecessor of 1955. The engine was produced at Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division where each unit was built by a single engineer who carried out the entire assembly process. The 5.5-liter, all-alloy, 24-valve, supercharged V8 developing 617 bhp, making it one of the most powerful engines to be installed in a series-produced road-going sports car. The torque was equally - if not more - impressive, with the torque curve being nearly flat. By 1,500 rpm, there was 440 lb/ft and between 3,000 and 5,000 revs, it developed well over 500 lb/ft. A five-speed automatic transmission found in several high-performance Mercedes-Benz models was specially optimized to cope with the high torque and offered the driver the option of selecting between different shift characteristics using the Speedshift system.

The motor's dry-sump lubrication system allowed the engine to be installed lower in the chassis. The front-engine layout offered optimum weight distribution resulting in excellent handling and braking dynamics.

The carbon fiber composite monocoque body/chassis structure was produced in McLarens all-new facility located in Woking, England. Using several patented innovations for the automation of the carbon fiber manufacturing process, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren were able to use this exotic material in its series-produced road cars. This amplified the SLR's low weight and enhanced its strength, rigidity, high energy absorption, and corrosion resistance properties. The fiber-reinforced ceramic material brake discs were able to withstand extremely high temperatures and offering a level of fade resistance uncommon to series-produced road cars. In the back was an electronically controlled rear spoiler, which rises to an angle of 65 degrees when the driver brakes heavily.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020