2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR

Mercedes-Benz is featuring the roadster version of its formidable SLR McLaren super sports coupe. Powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter, 617-hp AMG V8 engine, the SLR McLaren roadster accelerates from zero to 60 mph in only 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 207 mph. Showcasing Formula 1 technology for the street, the SLR McLaren is built largely of carbon fiber, which provides high torsional rigidity for outstanding handling as well as an entirely new level of impressive protection in collisions.

A Convertible Top Designed for High-Speed Driving

Thanks to its fully retractable top, the SLR roadster offers open-air driving pleasure that's practical for everyday use. Available in three different colors, the retractable top of the SLR roadster blends into its aerodynamic silhouette, and innovative roof material makes the cabin relatively quiet with the top up. Even with the top down, conversation is still possible at well over 120 mph on open-air journeys, thanks to its favorable aeroacoustics.

To open, the semi-automatic roof simply needs to be unlocked from the windshield frame and raised slightly, after which an electric motor folds it away in less than ten seconds. An aluminum cover integrated into its front section elegantly closes off the top whenever it's down. In the wind tunnel, the SLR roadster has been optimized for remarkable levels of aeroacoustics, handling and aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds.

In fact, the SLR roadster even comes with two aerodynamic features from the SLR coupe – an active airbrake integrated in the trunk lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper that provides increased downforce on the rear of the car.

A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Collaboration
The 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.

While celebrating the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s, the launch of Mercedes-Benz SLR coupe marked a new era for high-technology, high-performance cars. Like the SLR coupe, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren roadster unites the legend of the successful SLR race cars from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes racing team. With an unusual front-mid-engine design that provides optimum weight distribution, the open two-seater is equipped with a carbon-fiber racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs for remarkable braking performance.

Distinctive stylistic elements such as the arrow-shaped nose of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR legend of the ‘50s lives on stylistically in its distinctive lateral louvers and the side pipes behind the front wheels.

A Carbon-Fiber Monocoque

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

Apart from two aluminum engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. The result is low weight, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional rigidity not possible in traditional open-top vehicles.

The SLR is the first 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.

AMG Supercharged V8 Power

With 617 horsepower and 575 lb.-ft of torque, the supercharged 5.5-liter, AMG V8 engine is coupled to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT R five-speed automatic transmission, propelling the Roadster from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Each supercharged, intercooled V8 engine is hand-built at the manufacturing facility of AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, in Affalterbach, Germany. The engine is mounted behind the front wheels in a front mid-engine position. Dry-sump lubrication eliminates the need for an oil pan, allowing the engine to be mounted as low as possible in the frame for better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity, which benefits handling. Dry-sump lubrication also prevents oil starvation that can occur during hard cornering.

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 special 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. Under hard braking above 59 mph, the air brake pops up at a 65-degree angle, helping to stop the car from 62 mph is just 114 feet.

Unique Safety and Exclusive Fittings
In addition to its unique carbon-fiber crash elements, the SLR has steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars as well as adaptive front airbags, knee and side airbags, seat belt tensioners and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system and a multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles. Its carbon-fiber bucket seats are covered in semi-aniline leather and can be tailored to each driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads.
The Mercedes-Benz SLR roadster and coupe are produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, using stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria.

Broadening the Mercedes-Benz Product Portfolio

Not only does the SLR boast a rich heritage, but it is also the flagship of a multi-dimensional Mercedes-Benz brand. With by far the broadest product portfolio of any luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz offers an array of models ranging from mid-size coupes and large premium sedans to luxury roadsters and the SLR super sports car.

Source - Mercedes-Benz