2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz - Luxurious Super Sports cars

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one of the biggest supercar releases of the past year. But the company isn't content with just making ultra luxurious supercars for the rich and well dressed, they also plan on releasing a fully homologated GT3 race version for the gentleman racer.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The GT3 racing version of the SLS AMG is powered by the same mid-front mounted 6.3 litre V8 engine as the road car. There'll probably be a few modifications for the race unit, but Mercedes haven't yet announced final power outputs or specifications. Or even a final weight figure. That's all for the FIA to decide in the near future as part of the homologation process.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Power transmission in the SLS AMG GT3 is done through a six-speed sequential racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles and an integrated multi-disc locking differential. As in the SLS AMG road car, the transmission is located at the rear axle for better weight distribution: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 is instantly recognizable as belonging to the SLS AMG family - as any GT3 racer is. The biggest visual changes are a new front apron, new splitter, redesigned bonnet with additional air intakes and vents, new sideskirts which have air inlets for cooling the rear brakes, rear diffuser and a prominent adjustable rear wing. The C-pillars provide housing for the standardized filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The communication of Daimler release says that “the AMG V8 engine with 6.3-liter is identical to that used in the serial sports car. With a low weight, however, sports car accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h for only 3.7 seconds (serial sprint for 3.9 seconds). The maximum speed was announced for 300 mph, but producers say they have more opportunities to raise her brakes are racing by AMG, as disks are ventilated. Front wheels are size 12×18, rear 13×18.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

Powering this race car is a 6.3-Liter V8 engine that produces 600HP and controlling all this power is a six speed racing transmission system with shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a racing sports car for customers competing in sprints and long-distance races.

"Thanks to uncompromising lightweight construction and superior handling dynamics, the SLS AMG provides an outstanding basis for a highly competitive racing car. This exciting GT3 version is our response to strong customer demand for a car designed for these attractive motor sports car series," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The body of the 2011 SLS AMG GT3 is the most significant difference from the road car starting with the aggressive front fascia and splitter to the massive rear spoiler. The hood of the race model is also very different from the normal SLS AMG with a large center cooling vent that helps to move air to cool the engine and the braking system. Along the side of the car, vents have been added to cool the rear brakes without compromising aerodynamics and all of these improvements to the overall cooling effort of the car makes it ideal for long road races like the 12 Hours of Sebring.

2011 SLS AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz

The SLS AMG GT3 is equipped with a six-speed racing transmission with sequential shift. A steering wheel with a diameter of 13 inches facilitates perfect vehicle control. Because it is open at the top, the driver always has a perfect view of the central display, which provides all relevant information such as road speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times and gear selection. The SLS AMG GT3 is also equipped with precisely calculated cooling channels – openings in the front skirt and ahead of the rear wheels direct cool airflow over the brake discs. All four brake discs are ventilated, slotted and drilled.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG race car is expected to delivery scheduled prior to the start of the 2011 racing season. However, interested customers can order this awesome vehicle starting in autumn 2010. The Mercedes-Benz display at the 2010 New York Auto Show, the 2011 SLS AMG will carry a starting price-tag of $183,000 when it goes on sale.

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Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss, 2009

Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss, 2009

With the SLR Stirling Moss Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to the model family of their highly successful SLR super sports car with a new, uncompromisingly spectacular car. There is neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and passenger from the outside world; they enjoy unadulterated high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is also characterised by the most sophisticated technology and a breathtaking design which reinterprets the SLR legend. With 478 kW/650 hp the SLR Stirling Moss accelerates its V8 supercharged engine from standstill to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and has a top speed of 350 km/h - no other series-production car is at the same time so open and so fast. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a legitimate bearer of the name of the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars from victory to victory during the 1950s.

The exclusive Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss rounds off the current SLR family and is limited to 75 units. It is priced at 750,000 euros. The SLR Roadster will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009 as planned, and production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss will commence in June 2009.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans' hearts beat faster: SLR. In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR celebrated victory after victory. It won the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy. It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manual Fangio and Karl Kling - and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss. At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.


As the new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss unites the character of the current SLR models with the fascination of the SLR of 1955. The core values of both the historical and the present-day SLR models include an exciting new design, innovative technology, high-class materials displaying perfect craftsmanship, and, above all: a unique driving experience for all the senses.

Highly puristic concept without a roof or a windscreen

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow's equipment is extremely sophisticated and yet at the same time decidedly spartan, doing without both a roof and side windows. There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow. Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars. With this extreme concept the new Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss is visually very different from all the other vehicles which belong to the elite sports car class.

Just like the legendary racing vehicles of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss dazzles with its superlative performance. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and with a top speed of 350 km/h this puristic high-performance sports car denotes completely new dimensions in open-top driving. And not just because of the impressive performance figures; every time drivers take to the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss their senses are addressed with a previously unheard of intensity, conveying a driving experience in its purest and most sensual form. This automotive thoroughbred thus facilitates the kind of open-air feeling that is utterly unique for a road-going vehicle.

Exciting design reminiscent of the SLR racing cars

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of fine lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz designers were working on the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they were fully aware every single moment that they were creating a vehicle with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time this supreme athlete is highly reminiscent of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s, whose design idiom still never fails to impress to this day.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated bonnet and a compact, muscular rear. As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one. The bonnet also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates such dynamism that the observer immediately falls under its spell.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials. Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism. A mixture of high-class authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather sets the style here. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Innovative technology and polished aerodynamic concept

Developers working on the Stirling Moss were able to fall back on a wealth of experience gathered when producing the SLR Coupé and Roadster, in particular where the technical base was concerned, with its extravagant carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and throaty V8 engine. The common denominator uniting the Stirling Moss with the other members of the SLR family is the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle - with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

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Mercedes McLaren SLR Production 2

At the McLaren Technology Centre, advanced materials from the aerospace and F1 are used for the first time in the series production of the body and chassis. The SLR's doors, bonnet and complete BIW are made from carbon-fibre composites (CFCs). Previously, CFC components were built by hand in a time-consuming process. In order to achieve a high degree of automation, McLaren worked with the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center in Sindelfingen to divide the production process into a 'preform' stage and a resin saturation stage followed by the hardening phase. Traditional textile processes such as stitching, knitting, weaving and braiding were adapted for the production of high-performance CFC fibers.

The longitudinal members of the front body structure consist of a central cross member and the encircling moulded part or internal web. The cross member comprises several layers of carbon fiber stitched together by a machine. After the form has been cut to shape, the web blank is inserted into a braided polystyrene core. This core element is then clamped into a specially developed braiding machine that produces the longitudinal member from 25,000 ultra-fine carbon filaments unwound simultaneously from 48 reels. This process allows the fibers to be braided around the core at a precisely defined angle to create the desired contour. Several layers are overlapped in certain areas, depending on the thickness required.

In an additional process, a computer-controlled tufting machine (as used in the textiles industry) joins the cross member to the braid of the longitudinal member. The braid core is removed and the preform of the longitudinal member is cut to the correct size. The preform is then injected with resin. A cycle time of just 12 minutes is required to manufacture the complex fiber structure of the longitudinal members using a braiding machine. This illustrates the potential production capacity that this innovative manufacturing technology offers for the future.

The rear shelf structure of the SLR further illustrates the new production techniques used for carbon-fibre processing. Despite being a very complex shape with several apertures, it is automatically manufactured as a single component. To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz and its partners adapted the Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) method to create 'Advanced SMC'. The key advantage is that the carbon fibre mats are no longer manufactured by hand but by machine. Here, a handling system positions individual CFC layers at precalculated angles and in preset positions which correspond to the principal shape of the component, thereby creating the blank. Under heat this blank is then pressed, and in the process it takes on the precisely calculated form of the rear shelf. No subsequent reworking is therefore required
McLaren Composites also manufactures over 50 carbon fibre components for the car. The entire floor assembly, including all support members and securing elements, is made from one piece. The core of the carbon fibre composite roof frame structure (also manufactured as a single piece) is automatically filled with foam before the resin injection, creating a crash-resistant sandwich structure. High-strength bonding and riveting techniques ensure a reliable connection between the individual components of the chassis and the bodyshell. The aluminum engine mounts are bolted to the carbon fibre composite bulkhead and also bonded in place. The carbon structure includes integral mountings for the aluminum and steel rear axle.

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Mercedes McLaren SLR Production

Production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England, utlises both the advanced production systems of Mercedes and the sports car manufacturing expertise of McLaren.
Around 140 highly qualified staff manufacture up to 500 units of the Gran Turismo at the McLaren Technology Centre, McLaren's HQ, each year. During the vehicle's seven-year lifespan, the plant is intended to produce 3,500 cars. In total, the McLaren Technology Centre measures approximately 22,500 square metres, 4000 of which are utilised for SLR production.

The centre also houses the Team McLaren Mercedes' Formula 1 activities. Three of the seven production wings in the building complex are dedicated to the painting and final assembly of the SLR. The remaining four production wings are occupied by Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1, McLaren Electronic Systems, McLaren Marketing and McLaren Applied Technologies.
The 460-kW/626-hp V8 engine comes from Mercedes-AMG GmbH in Affalterbach, while the specialists from McLaren Composites in Portsmouth deliver the carbon fiber body-in-white. The McLaren Technology Centre is the hub of production where all components are brought together and assembled and where final stages of production and testing take place.
The bodies-in-white are shipped to Woking from Portsmouth, around 100 km away. In the paint shop, which is located opposite the final assembly hall, the carbon fiber surface is painted by means of a special process. The final assembly of the SLR is mostly done by hand and takes place at nine stations along an 80m production line. Each step is carried out in keeping with the standards and processes of the 'Mercedes-Benz Production System', which was adapted to take into account the special circumstances of the SLR.

Before moving on to the next station, each vehicle must pass a 'quality gate', to ensure high and consistent standards. Following
the assembly process, each vehicle undergoes a final test on the rolling test rig as well as driving tests used to fine-tune the chassis.

The production process for the SLR was thoroughly tested and optimized even before series production was launched. To prepare the employees for the special requirements associated with this particular series production run, the production technicians made the SLR prototypes as well.

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Mercedes-Benz BlueZero Concept

The BlueZero is a 5-seater concept vehicle based on a sandwich-floor architecture with a modular layout that allows three different drive configurations: pure electric, fuel cell and hybrid powertrain.

Scheduled to debut at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, the BlueZero is defined by Mercedes-Benz as a near-series vehicle.

In 2009, the first fuel-cell cars will be produced on a small scale, while the battery-electric drive models will be introduced in 2010.

The three BlueZERO variants are based on the unique sandwich-floor architecture which Mercedes-Benz introduced some ten years ago, initially for the A-Class and then for the B-Class, one of the aims being to integrate alternative drive systems.

This layout ensures a raised sitting position, a high level of crash safety for the passengers and excellent all-round visibility.

At the same time the powertrain technology is built into the sandwich floor, between the axles, so that the interior space is retained in full, and the centre of gravity is kept low.

Based on a single vehicle architecture, the modular concept allows three different drive configurations:

• the BlueZERO E-CELL with battery-electric drive and a range of up to 200 kilometres using electric drive alone
• the BlueZERO F-CELL (fuel cell) with a range of well over 400 kilometres using electric drive
• the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS with electric drive and additional internal combustion engine as power generator (range extender).

This last version has an overall range of up to 600 kilometres and can cover a distance of up to 100 kilometres using electric drive alone.

All three BlueZERO variants share the same key technical components, while the design and vehicle dimensions are identical.

Advantages of the modified construction include the positive effect of the major drive components on the centre of gravity, their space-saving design and the fact that they are extremely well protected within the vehicle underbody.

Design

Measuring just 4.22 metres in length, the BlueZERO models combine compact exterior dimensions with a generously proportioned and variable interior and luggage compartment.

Five fully-fledged seats, a payload of around 450 kilograms and a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 litres make for outstanding everyday practicality.

The unique and distinctive Mercedes design idiom displayed by the body highlights the progressive nature of Concept BlueZERO straight away.

The front end is dominated by the radiator grille with its centrally located star. The excellent aerodynamics of the BlueZERO are partly due to the closed front apron, whose design means that cooling air intakes are not required.

The 20-inch wheels have also been aerodynamically optimised, while low-friction tyres reduce rolling resistance.

The striking character lines along the flanks lend the BlueZERO an extremely dynamic side line and accentuate its bionic structure inspired by nature.

The compact rear end is characterised by tail lights in the shape of a curved "L".

In addition, the Mercedes designers have achieved a new-quality light production: transparent lenses produce a red light curtain which tapers smoothly towards the sides, creating a lightly diffused effect.

This effect is repeated, albeit in white this time, by the front headlamps. What's more, the front lights feature new lens technology and a plexiglass edge to produce "C" shaped daytime driving lights with the help of state-of-the-art LED technology.

Translucent surfaces make the normally concealed technology visible. The light-grey tailgate is made completely from lightweight but highly robust Lexan that allows a view of the aluminium structure that makes up the rigidifying frame, for example.

At the same time this transparent tailgate provides a view of the vehicle interior, making the advantages of the sandwich-floor platform obvious at a glance: for maximum customer benefit, the luggage compartment and passenger area remain fully usable, since there are no technical components that need to be accommodated here.

"It was very important for us to ensure that the guiding Mercedes-Benz principle of 'Fascination and Responsibility' was clearly reflected in the design of the Concept BlueZERO", says Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener.

"This is yet another clear statement that environmental awareness and driving pleasure will continue to go together in our vehicles in the future. We want people to realise at first sight that the Concept BlueZERO is definitively not a lesser option."

The Mercedes-Benz designers have emphasised this aspiration by introducing paint finishes in three new ALU-BEAM colours. Each of the three variants makes its individual mark: the BlueZERO E-CELL is painted in a fresh ALU-BEAM Yellow, while the BlueZERO F-CELL has ALU-BEAM Green paintwork. Confidence-oozing ALU-BEAM Orange was chosen for the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS.

Modular design

"Our modular system allows different drive configurations for every customer requirement", says Dr Thomas Weber, the member of the Daimler AG Board of Management responsible for corporate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"The modified sandwich-floor platform provides the perfect basis for a wide model range with electric drive systems. We are also developing a new, additional platform for future compact models with power units based on optimised internal combustion engines."

Compared to electric cars based on conventional vehicle platforms and originally only designed for use in combination with internal combustion engines, Concept BlueZERO offers the following conclusive advantages:

• Interior space is retained in full. As the energy accumulators/generators are integrated into the spacious sandwich floor, no compromises are necessary when it comes to passenger space, luggage capacity or variability.
• The powertrain technology built into the sandwich floor ensures a low centre of gravity and, consequently, reliable and agile handling.
• Crash safety is of the extremely high standard associated with Mercedes thanks to the sandwich concept and the housing of major powertrain components between the axles.

Technical Features

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical for this class of car. The Mercedes engineers have put together a modular system comprising several flexibly combinable drive components.

These include liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity of up to 35 kWh and the compact electric motor with a maximum output of 100 kW (continuous output 70 kW), which develops a peak torque of 320 Nm.

All three variants accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 11 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

With a charging capacity of 15 kW, the powerful lithium-ion batteries in the BlueZERO E-CELL and the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS can store enough energy for a range of 50 kilometres within 30 minutes.

In terms of purely electrical drive, one or two hours of charging time is needed for a range of 100 and 200 kilometres respectively. The charging times are doubled if the charging capacity is 7 kW, as would be the case in a normal household. Both of these BlueZERO vehicles incorporate an electronic control unit that supports intelligent charging stations and billing systems.

At the rear, the BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS has the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the smart fortwo as an additional range extender.

This compact three-cylinder powerplant has an output of 50 kW at a constant 3500 rpm. If required, it can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator.

A range of up to 600 kilometres is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 100 kilometres. The BlueZERO F-CELL with fuel-cell drive achieves a range of well over 400 kilometres with zero emissions (as per NEDC).

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

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Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the SLR Stirling Moss, an extreme speedster inspired by the 1950s SLR racing models with a top speed of 350 km/h. It will be produced in a limited series of 75 units from June 2009 and will have a price of 750,000 Euros.

The SLR Stirling Moss is powered by a 478 kW/650 hp V8 supercharged engine.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 350 km/h - a record for a production open car.

The extreme speedster design, with no roof or windshield, is inspired by the 1950s SLR racing models.

In particular, this car celebrates the British motor racing legend and Mille Miglia record-holder Stirling Moss, who drove the Mercedes-Benz SLR from victory to victory in 1955.

The SLR models will cease to be manufactured at the end of May 2009.

The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss will be produced in just 75 units from June to December 2009 and will be reserved for the SLR owners. The announced price is 750,000 Euros.

Design

Remaining totally true to the specifications of the 300 SLR, the new Silver Arrow’s equipment is sophisticated and at the same time puristic, doing without both a roof and side windows.

There are just two wind deflectors a couple of centimetres in height to protect the driver and passenger from the airflow.

Two air scoops integrated into the bodywork serve as roll-over bars.

The SLR Stirling Moss, its entire bodywork made of lightweight carbon fibre, represents a stand-alone design concept.

The the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss is highly reminiscent of the design idiom of the SLR racing cars from the 1950s.

The SLR Stirling Moss sports an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form and is characterised by an elongated hood and a compact, muscular rear.

As there is no windscreen, the exterior and interior flow smoothly into one.

The hood also stretches from its striking tip right down into the interior, giving the vehicle body a distinctly sleek air. Even when standing still, the sports car radiates a great dynamism.

Further features include two air scoops behind the driver and passenger.

They carry additional roll-over bars, also uniting the traditional and the modern.

The wings are powerfully contoured. Black-painted ventilation “gills” sitting facet-like on the sides and on the hood also cite the legend.

A thrilling interplay of light and shadow ensues through the expressive lines, underlining the dynamic overall impression.

Exactly as they were on the shining historical example, the side skirts on the new SLR Stirling Moss are also very high.

This prompted the designers’ decision in favour of folding swing-wing doors which open forwards.

The vehicle can be closed by two tonneau covers which are carried in the boot. When both tonneau covers and the doors are closed the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a sculpture.

Interior Design

In keeping with the puristic exterior of the vehicle, the interior is also reduced to the bare essentials.

Surfaces penetrating each other in the instrument panel and doors make for an exciting atmosphere and resonate perfectionism.

To convey a high-class sensation, the interior uses a mixture of authentic materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and fine-quality leather.

An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Technical Features

The Stirling Moss were is based on the production SLR Coupé and Roadster, which provided the technical basis for the the carbon-fibre design, high-performance suspension and V8 engine.

It also shares the aerodynamic concept with a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper for maximum possible downforce at the rear axle – with one difference: the diffuser here is considerably larger than that on the coupé and roadster.

The SLR Stirling Moss generates sufficient downforce for safe handling, but the driver can also manually operate the Airbrake in order to increase the contact pressure further, during particularly sporty driving, for example.

The Airbrake is also raised during powerful braking at speeds above 120 km/h, so as to stabilise the vehicle even more in such situations, thus facilitating maximum possible deceleration.

About Stirling Moss

In the 1950s the Mercedes-Benz SLR 300 won the Mille Miglia, the Eifel race, the Targa Florio as well as the Tourist Trophy.

It was driven by the stars of the time: Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling – and, first and foremost, by the British racing driver Stirling Moss.

At ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds he still holds the Mille Miglia record.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)

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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes just unleashed the long-awaited SLR McLaren Roadster which will go on sale from September 2007. Like the 1999 Vision SLR concept on which it's based, the production version of the SLR McLaren Roadster retains the scissor-type doors of its coupe counterpart. Unlike the SL and SLK roadsters, the SLR features a retractable soft-top which is available in three different colors. The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, with the driver having to a little “dirty” work by unlocking the roof from the windscreen frame and briefly raising it, after which it folds away electrically. We have to say that, while we love the SLR McLaren Roadster’s appearance with the top down, we’re not so enthusiastic about the cars looks when its roof on.

READ MORE - Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster

Mercedes-Benz is one of the few automakers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces, from the compact SLK to the mid size CLK and on to the large SL roadster. With the Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future. But for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have to do.

This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gullwing doors. Its lightweight top folds down in just 10 seconds.

The SLR Roadster body is made entirely of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic materials and two aluminum frames cradle the AMG V8 compressor engine. Riding atop a complex carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics incorporate an 'airbrake' - to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed - and a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce during 3.8 second stints to 62mph.

Source: cardesignnews

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