The McLaren SLR Speedster, scheduled for a July 30th debut, will be 440 lb lighter than the hardtop and be limited to just 75 units. Expect the blow-out special SLR Speedster to outperform the SLR with a near 220mph top speed, but also expect the SLC to blow that figure out of the water courtesy of an impossibly powerful supercharged engine. Video of the Speedster testing on the ring below.

[via Bridge to Gantry]

The cost for one of the 75 McSupercars? Around $1.2 million is the current estimate, reflecting the extreme nature of the car and the extreme weakness of the dollar. The new McLaren could come out as soon as the end of the month. McShhhh! Don't tell SLR Guy. [The Car Enthusiast]

RENNTECH 740 hp SLR Performance PKG2

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its SLR McLaren 722, there was a bit of confusion about the special-edition's name. Many believed the car would offer a fire-breathing, 722 hp supercharged V8, but it doesn't (it makes 650 hp). Some believed that "722" meant there would be 722 of the cars made ... but that was wrong, too. In the end, the 722 badge actually referred to 7:22AM - the starting time of Sterling Moss' epic 1955 Mille Miglia run in a then-new Mercedes SLR.

SO, 722 = 7:22AM, not 722 hp.

While the automotive enthusiasts of the world uttered a collective (and skeptical) "um ... OK", Hartmut Feyhl took one look and announced: "this car should have 722 hp". When most enthusiasts say things like that, they can be easily ignored - but when Feyhl says something like this - it happens.

Hartmut is the owner and chief engineer of RENNTECH, the South Florida-based tuning firm best known for producing incredibly powerful Mercedes-Benz automobiles that often redefine what highly-tuned exotic cars should and should not be capable of.

Last year, RENNTECH introduced their own "722" option: RENNTECH SLR Performance PKG1. RENNTECH's PKG1 upgrades included upgraded intercoolers, a larger crankshaft pulley, and custom ECU software that delivered the full 722 hp SLR customers expected (along with more than 700 lb-ft of torque!). RENNTECH announced the package in an April '07 press release titled "Here in Florida, 722 Means What You Think it Means", and SLR customers responded by sending their cars to Feyhl's Florida garage from across the Western hemisphere ...

... of course, after driving their new 722 hp rocketship for a few months, some of Feyhl's customers started asking for more, which brings us to RENNTECH's latest batch of SLR tuning options: SLR Performance PKG2 and new RENNTECH Signature 10-spoke, 3 pc. performance wheels.

Available for both the "standard" SLR and 722 models, PKG2 builds on RENNTECH's previous upgrades by adding a less restrictive, motorsports-style exhaust system and re-mapped ECU software to boost the already powerful SLR engine to over 740 hp at 6400 rpm.

To give the SLR more visual impact, RENNTECH now offers its Signature 10 spoke wheels in SLR offsets and 3 finishes (chrome, satin-ceramic, and sniper gray). Pricing for RENNTECH's SLR performance upgrades are set at 12990US for PKG1 and 26990US for PKG2. RENNTECH 20" wheels are 1950US (ea.). Big Brake upgrades also available - contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNtech]

Second Runner Up

Why not put SLR Guy into a commercial for herpes medication? What a genius choice Mike, something about the expression of our hero makes this seem like such a more realistic ad. For your efforts, there are three Ford Racing beverage cozies with your name on 'em.

Runner Up

Molotov, sometimes your little chops of genius are under appreciated, but we like em. This one took an entirely different direction from all the other entries. Where's SLR Guy, totally brilliant. You get a gold star Ford Racing ball cap.

First Place

When it popped up in the second of our SLR Guy posts, Dr Danger's "SLR Jones and the Temple of Douche" was practically made for the win. It was skillful, it was funny and it was creative. Very well done sir. You are the winner of the prize Ford Mustang FR500C model.

Thanks for all the entries that came in, even though some of them were disturbing and might haunt our nightmares. We really enjoyed this one and we'll be looking for more opportunities for you crazies to display your chops in the future. You winners out there shoot me an email at ben@jalopnik.com with your address so we can get those prizes out to you.

The brilliance or this is the combination of the also hilarious "Enzo Dude" and the horrifyingly famous scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off".

Any time Jar-Jar "Douche" Binks shows up in a 'shop contest, it's practically a shoo-in for funny, we liked it because it tells you all need to know about the character in one expression.

We actually think George Lucas and Steven Spielberg should consider changing the name of their latest effort and digitally "enhancing" it with the SLR Guy character. It would probably end up better than what we saw in theaters.

We like this one both for the topical nature or the pending Deathrace movie, but also respect the quality of the chop itself, note the fine matching of shading — nicely done.

This one takes advantage of the big Top Gear USA news and how we didn't really notice how Tanner Foust looks shockingly like SLR Guy. Clever... very clever.

And then there's the famous wreck of the Stefan Eriksson, the Enzo which started the Save the Enzo's wave, the most famous supercar wreck in recent memory. SLR Guy with the inevitable entry.

The "Icy Hot Stunaz," SLR Guy. Match made in heaven.

Does the SLR Guy jump the shark? Maybe, but we loved the combo of the Fonz and SLR Guy's expression. Inspired work fine commenter.

This one caught us completely off guard. Combine the childhood joy of Where's Waldo with the adult joy of ridiculing people on the internet.

Okay, maybe we're showing our nerd colors here, but Hans SLR here had us laughing for quite a bit. That business of overlaying characters from a galaxy far, far away is pretty amusing.

Oh, so rich. So much comedy here. The perfect combination of "aw damn" with "I shoulda known better."

This is a fabulous use of words on a page. Of course Chitty Chitty Douche Bag makes sense, just say it out loud. You can't help but chuckle.

We're amazed with this one in that our intrepid 'shopper managed to fill the foreground of the original image with the sweaty, snarly image of el-Wert-o during his first ever appearance on CNBC. Amazing!

This one cracks us up if for now other reason than the obvious pandering and brilliant use of Mark's staff photo. Also, look, there's Matt! It's like they were actually there.

How could we not include SLR Guy with everyone's favorite Nazi-themed orgy aficionado? Oh Max Mosley, what would we do without you?

Oh, and what about those prizes? We got a pile of swag from Ford at the Ford Racing Invitational, and we're more than happy to pass it along. How about a limited edition, 1 of 500, commemorative 2005 Grand-Am Champion Ford Mustang FR500C model, new in box for first place. Second will be getting a very nice Ford Racing ball cap and third will get a selection of three Ford Racing beverage cozies. See the gallery below. Okay kids, that's it, vote early and vote often, and congratulations to the finalists.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

The folks over there seem to have hit on the "put all the internet memes together" idea. Obviously, we love the brilliant "church lady" option, but the others aren't shabby either. Kudos to those clever Vortexers. [The Car Lounge At VWVortex]

We've provided everything you need, oh master of the imagery arts, to develop this man — who we will forever refer to as "SLR Guy" — into comedic gold. HERE you will find the original image, readily available for download. When you're done — send them to me at ben@jalopnik.com and the best choices will be provided for our readership to vote on. Go forth and be bold, our ninjas of the funny, and history will smile sweetly upon you. (Kyle is a tipster God)

Technical specs are still unconfirmed, but the speculators suggest the new engine will be the thumping 680 HP dry-sump V8 lump from the McLaren Mercedes SLR 722 GT. We're not sure how much sense that makes, what with SLR production winding down, but then the Zonda isn't exactly the sort of car you justify with the left side of your brain. With 0-60 runs likely in the sub-three second range, your right foot will likely be the decision-maker. [AutoExpress]

Sure, you might be thinking, it wouldn't be so bad if it was all in black. Yes, that would disguise some of the ugly on the outside, but you would still have that atrocious interior. Still, we're happy in knowing that, for a price, you too can save an SLR. We've already got the t-shirt presses revving up.
[MotorAuthority]

What's your ideal pair of vehicles? Real or imagined.

Press Release

An idea from yacht design finds its way into the automotive world: The SLR McLaren roadster BRABUS and its "Tender for the City," the ultimate city sports car BRABUS ULTIMATE 112, both with absolutely identical paint and equipment. BRABUS offers both exclusive speedsters with special snow-white paint for a package price of 699,000 Euros; a very special offer from BRABUS for all owners of an SLR or Maybach.

The sportiest drop-top Mercedes of all time, the SLR McLaren Roadster, is fitted by BRABUS with more than just a top-quality white carbon-fiber skin. The exterior is treated to an aerodynamics update, engine tuning and custom-tailored 20-inch wheels further optimize handling and performance, and the interior adds even more touches of exclusivity.

To give the SLR even better looks while at the same time reducing lift on the front axle the BRABUS designers have developed a front spoiler that is attached to the stock bumper. This aerodynamics component was optimized in the wind tunnel. It is made from exposed carbon fiber, making it especially light and extremely robust. The rear apron is upgraded with a BRABUS diffuser also made from exposed carbon fiber. It replaces its production counterpart.

The sportier appearance of the SLR Roadster is further characterized by the BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch Platinum Edition wheels that fill out the wheel arches perfectly. The fully polished three-piece wheels with six double spokes are mounted on the sports car in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle. Thanks to their high-tech design that features a forged aluminum rim and a billet aluminum center the BRABUS 20-inch wheels are lighter than the 19-inch turbine-design wheels optionally available for the SLR ex factory.

High-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Pirelli and YOKOMAMA. The tire/wheel combination is custom-tailored for SLR coupe and roadster, and has more than just a visual effect: handling benefits from the switch to even lower aspect ratio tires and the lower rim weight.

Thus equipped the drop-top SLR is fit for BRABUS engine tuning. The tuning kit for the 5.5-liter supercharged engine consists of special camshafts and a fuel-cooling system. Power output increases by 24 hp / 18 kW to 650 hp (641 hp SAE net) / 478 kW at 6,500 rpm.

BRABUS also offers a special clutch-type limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent for the SLR. It optimizes traction and thus acceleration performance further: The tuned SLR Roadster rockets from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 337 km/h (211 mph).

Exclusive BRABUS cockpit design is characterized by precision handwork down to the last detail. The company-own upholstery shop created a striking combination of lipstick-red leather and black Alcantara. The waffle-pattern stitching of the SLR leather footwells alone - a special BRABUS exclusive - uses some 7,800 meters of the finest red thread.

The BRABUS sport steering wheel for the SLR is a sporty and highly functional BRABUS option. The wheel has a flattened bottom for easier entering and exiting and provides optimal grip with its combination of perforated leather and Alcantara. The BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes for manually shifting the gears of the SLR's automatic transmission without taking the hands off the wheel.

Sporty BRABUS carbon-fiber applications for dashboard, center console and door trim transfer the racing look of the BRABUS exterior components into the interior. The interior components are made from exposed carbon-fiber and can be color-coordinated with the leather color upon customer request.

The "tender to the SLR" in the white BRABUS fleet is the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112. It represents the ideal complement for city driving. The drop-top two-seater is built based on the latest smart fortwo Cabrio.

In addition to its special paint identical to the SLR the ultimate city sports car features a muscular body kit with front spoiler, rocker panels and BRABUS WIDESTAR fender flares front and back.

The larger wheel arches provide space for a tire/wheel combination that for this class of cars is highly unusual. The liquid-white BRABUS Monoblock VI double-spoke wheels are mounted on the front axle in size 7Jx18 with size 205/35 R 18 high-performance tires. 8.5Jx18 wheels with size 235/30 R 18 tires on the rear axle provide slip-free traction for the 112 horses under the hood.

The height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension is specially calibrated to the ultra-low profile tires and the wider track. It combines direct, safe and sporty handling with excellent ride comfort.

With these modifications the ULTIMATE 112 offers the perfect platform for the powerful BRABUS three-cylinder turbo engine. It produces a maximum power output of 112 hp (110 hp SAE net) / 82.4 kW at 5,600 rpm. Even more important for everyday driving is the peak torque of 150 Nm, available on a plateau from 3,330 to 3,900 rpm, an exceptional figure for a car in its class.

Shifting in the BRABUS ULTIMATE 112 is done either automatically or the sporty F1 way with shift paddles on the ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel.

With sprint times from 0 - 60 km/h (38 mph) of 3.9 seconds, 9.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and an electronically limited top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) the snow-white roadster is the ultimate city sports car and thus the optimal "tender to the SLR."

The car's performance is accompanied acoustically by the sounds of the BRABUS stainless-steel sport exhaust with its characteristic dual cast aluminum tailpipes.

Exquisite highlights also abound in the interior of the ULTIMATE 112: Like its big brother its interior is upholstered in a combination of especially soft and breathable lipstick-red BRABUS Mastik leather and black Alcantara.

Embossed BRABUS emblems are part of the exclusive concept as are accents such as speedometer, tach and clock, instrument bezels, dashboard trim, turn signal lever and door handles, all color-coordinated with the exterior color. Stainless-steel foot pedals with rubber pads and an aluminum shifter and emergency brake lever add a bit of racing atmosphere.

Climate control system, radio and a navigation system for quick navigating in the city are also part of the two-seater's standard equipment package.

Both vehicles in the white BRABUS fleet are available as a package or separately. Customers can freely choose their personal exterior and interior colors.

[Source: BRABUS]

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722

Lake Park, FL - 18DEC2007 - Officially official: Mercedes-Benz' SLR McLaren 722 GT, available exclusively at RENNtech.

While Mercedes' ultra-exclusive SLR McLaren 722 GT track car has been making rounds in the motoring press for several weeks now, a few key questions remained unanswered - including "How much?" and "Where can I get one?"

We can answer the "How much?" question rather easily (795,000 €, or about 1.2 million USD), it's the "Where can I get one?" question that's more interesting.

As of Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT will be made available to the North American market exclusively through RENNtech, the Florida-based MB tuning house owned and operated by super-tuner Hartmut Feyhl, who also lists "technical director, AMG North America" on his resume. "It's been a very exciting project to be involved in," explains Feyhl.

Similar in concept to Ferrari's Enzo FXX program, the 722 GT is built specifically for track use by renowned British motorsports specialists at the RML Group to be the fastest possible on a track. The SLR 722 GT offers impressive power and cornering and delivers exactly the kind of motorsports experience one would expect from a competition car - and, with only 21 examples of the hyper-exclusive track cars being offered for sale, driving one is sure be a special occasion.

RENNtech will be organizing several on-track events (to be announced) throughout the US, beginning in 2008.

The SLR 722 GT trackcars will be set-up and maintained by RENNtech, which will have specially trained technicians and engineers on hand at each of the planned on-track events, which will follow a format similar to the SLR.Club SAFETY & SPEED ACADEMY track weekends in Europe. Participating customers will receive a mix of on and off-track instruction by trained instructors and professional drivers (including Jochen Mass, David Coulthard, and others), as well as some track time in RENNtech's Aixro SLR.Karts - to get a good feel for each track before going out in their SLRs.

Feyhl explained that the concept is to deliver to SLR McLaren customers a true and authentic motorsports experience in a competitive and reasonably safe environment.

If it is RENNtech and Mercedes' goal to deliver "an authentic experience", the SLR McLaren 722 GT is a great place to start - compared to the road-going SLR, the 722 GT gets the full FIA GT treatment from RML: more than 400 redesigned components, FIA spec. safety equipment, fully adjustable suspension, full-on competition brake hardware, a no-nonsense interior, and a track-only exhaust system that bumps the 722 GT's output to well over 670 hp. The real game-changers, however, are the 722 GT's towering rear wing and drastically reduced weight. At 1390 kg, the 722 GT weighs some six-hundred pounds less (!) than the stock 722, and the rear wing (in conjunction with the car's front splitter) provide more than enough aerodynamic downforce to tackle the fastest turns with confidence.

The 722 GT also benefits from years of wind-tunnel and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) experience at RML and McLaren, making the wings and body mods much more than an aesthetic package. Everything on the car, every vent and louvre, is fully functional - a terrific enhancement to on-track performance.

With more power, less weight, and dramatically improved handling, the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT, one thing is certain: if you love cars, love racing, and have the money (but not the time) to campaign a full-on race series, the 722 GT is your ticket.

[EGMCarTech]

According to Automotive News Europe, there's trouble in supercar paradise. Mercedes and McLaren, once close as kittens in a basket, are reportedly parting ways, putting the kabosh on a successor to the SLR. Word is, Mercedes has opted for the mad motorsports acumen of HWA, partner in Merc's DTM racers. A prototype of Mercedes' next six-fig super-sports car, under the AMG banner, could arrive in time for the Geneva motor show next year. But utter no lamentations for McLaren. All those Formula One bucks have to go somewhere, and word is they're going toward a new F1 supercar. Methinks a supercar grudge match could benefit all. – Mike Spinelli

Updated: More details on Mercedes' super-sports car [Motor Authority]

Related:
Mercedes Drops Top On SLR McLaren Roadster [internal]

For once on the Gumball, I woke up in a bed. After a long day's journey into night and Athens, Herr Roy decided he wanted to be as close as possible to the M5 and booked a block of rooms at the Sofitel in Athens, rather than taking his room at the Hilton. A French cameraman was booked into the M5 for the day, riding rear-seat shotgun next to a spare wheel and Ross and Roy's excess baggage. Alex texted me to invite me down for breakfast with Fly and Jarod DeAnda. The morning was quiet and jovial, highlighted by Alex and I engaging in an impromptu game of Star Wars trivia one-upmanship that left Fly and Jarod gobsmacked at the sheer geekery. Then the text came in: the cars were ready to go.

We bolted for the rooms to pack. Alex had been requested to take Julie D., the on-the-ground French go-to girl to Tirana for a meeting with the Albanian president, who was reportedly hopping mad about the rally's delay. Then word came down that there was only one sheet of paper to get the non-EU cars out of Greece and into Macedonia. Julie was shuffled into another car. I ended up in a Sharan for the second day in a row. Most of the cars had fled the parking lot by the time we figured out how to divide up all of the gear in the Sharans to accomodate the necessary five passengers in each vehicle. I ended up with a snowboard for an armrest.

Meanwhile, a lone F430 sat in the parking lot, having been offloaded from the Antonov and parked, but missing its crew. They showed up right as we departed and followed us to the nearest Shell station, where we loaded up on goods and engaged in the first battle of what became known as Crewball 3000, making sure we found and pulled into the first diesel pump available.

At the fuel stop, I got to know the crew, headed by Nelson, a level-headed, no-bullshit Kiwi who'd owned multiple Mitsubishi Evos. We quickly dubbed the rest of the guys in the car Mandela, Ricky and Lord, while I ended up with the appelation of Horatio. Little did we know that a few hours later, our Crewball successes would be rendered as unfortunate as the Battle of Trafalgar was for the famed British Admiral.

With the Fezza guys in tow, we promptly got lost on our way to the tollway, but eventually figured out what we thought was roughly the right direction to Tirana. Meanwhile, the Ferrari guys had decided we were complete tools and went their own way. Pulling up a tollboth, we asked the super-pretty attendant with the tiny little diamond stud in her nose and the bright blue eyes how to get to Albania. She told us Exit 8 was the way to go, and we put our faith in that hottest toll attendant in recorded history. She did us proud, and once out of Athens we pushed the Sharan to 1.23 Fly, marvelling at the rolling, well-maintained roads with long sweepers, gradual-but-dramatic elevation changes, and simply brain-melting scenery. We all remarked that it was absolute supercar heaven; the perfect place to wring out an SLR or a Ford GT.

A couple of hours out of Athens, Nelson called out "Chivvy!" I didn't get what he was talking about. "The orange Chivvy!" he repeated. We'd come up on the '55 Chevrolet rolling on meth-addled Center Lines. We went by them as they cruised at a steady 80, taking it easy due to cooling problems. Just ahead, we pulled up behind a Mercedes SLR and a Carrera GT that would suffer an untimely end on the road to Bratislava. We relieved ourselves on the side of the road, shared some smokes and in due time, a certained mid-engined child of Enzo rolled up. The look on their faces was crestfallen. They couldn't believe that a Volkswagen people-carrier built in Portugal, loaded down with five corndogs and a ton of gear could have possibly been ahead of their Maranello-crafted machine of the highest order.

We, on the other hand, couldn't believe those schmoes were so entirely inept at navigation. Team Polizei, for example, was already in Albania before we left the Athens city limits. Giggles ensued in a bit of class-warrish smugness. Nelson climbed a wire fence with bare feet.

After making it to Larissa, which we all agreed is a hot girl's name, as well as a very neat town, we crossed up into the hills of Greek Macedonia on our way to the former Yugoslavian republic of the same name. Nelson mentioned that the landscape reminded him of New Zealand. Hobbit jokes flew. Regardless, it was the prettiest thing we'd seen yet, even trumping the coast of the Agean Sea, where in 334 BC, Alexander the Great utterly beat the armies of Persia.

We rounded a bend and were confronted with exposed male asses and a Honda Civic Type R with a camera rig mounted in the back. We stopped and conferred with the crew, had a few smokes and admired the view. Suddenly, someone spotted the Sharan that was supposedly a half-hour back coming toward us. We made with the rapid muster and piled back into the van, narrowly getting out of the turnout and up to speed on the two-lane road before they would've been able to get passed us. Dan, of Istanbul-to-Athens fame rocked a sublime pass, stranding us behind a truck. In the distance, we saw blue lights and prayed it wasn't the camera crew in tandem with wishes that the Greek police had hauled in the other Sharan. A couple of minutes later, we spottedn their Sharan on the side of the road, watching the flashing blue lights in the distance. We pulled up and blocked their exit. After a bit of chat, a group photo was called for.

Ricky did a runner. I followed. The rest followed me. In order for Mandela to get into the third row, Ricky ended up sitting on top of his folded-down seat for a harrowing minute or so. Then the message came in. Either the Chevy or the Escalade had crashed. Everything was confusing. The 'Slade ended up being okay. We decided one of the vans should go back for the Chevy guys, 45 miles behind us. But our vans were overloaded. Nelson argued that Gumball should have somebody there, even if we couldn't give them a ride. Then The Call came. Nelson ordered (as much as he had authority to order) the other van back to the Chevy boys, saying, "We've got another assignment. It sounds pretty bad." Within the next 45 minutes, I began to get sick. We grabbed dinner at a gas station near the Macedonian border. Old men sat around smoking in the mini-mart. We wondered why we couldn't get oregano-flavored chips at home. Nelson derided Red Bull as poison. I smoked nervously.

Eventually, after hearing that the other van had made it into Macedonia without incident, we gave it a shot. Somewhere in the night, we picked up the Kuwaiti Murcie, who'd been diverted to Thessaloniki due to some goof with their CoPilot GPS system. We also ended up with a Porsche 911 in Ivy Hotel livery from California. We passed a Maser with a tire problem that we couldn't help. We stopped for gas and saw footage of Morley's accident on TV at the gas station. We decided that the faster we got out of the country, the better.

Arriving at the Albanian border, we were informed that the UN escort we were promised to Tirana was done for the the night. Instead, we were to be led to the Albanian capital by a hyperserious off-road dedicated Land Cruiser and a VW Bora police car. While we were waiting at the border, the Turkish Taxi pulled up. We assumed that the convoy would be headed up front and rear by a police car. And in the spirit of the Gumball, we took up the rear position behind the Turkish Taxi, a vehicle that could take 45mph corners at roughly a third of that speed. Black humor crackled throughout the Volkswagen. One bridge was identified as leading to the Death Prison; distinct from the one leading to the mere Rape Prison. The darkness, the fact that we were supposed to be escorted by the military and instead got something that wouldn't have looked out of place at the Great Southern Crawl and the fact that we were stuck behind this great lumbering beast of a minibus while the rest of the pack had long-since pulled away started to eat at us. Then we got lost.

Somehow, somewhere, in some city, the Land Cruiser and the Polica Rrugorre Bora found us. The pretty, weathered, curly-haired Albanian woman asked if anyone needed a smoke. Having lost my pack of Davidoffs, I replied in the affirmative and she tossed a box of 18 Marlboro Lights through the window. We took off before I could hand them back to her, following the police car, leaving Kamal and Alikanur with the 4x4. We hit Tirana around 4am, having missed Prime Minister's proclaimation, "No guest is ever late in an Albanian house." Instead, I slept on a makeshift terrycloth mattress. The next morning's shower was a luxury I forced myself to indulge in. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
The Inverse of Alexander: Istanbul to Athens; Travels With Commander Kokolari; More Gumball 3000 [Internal]

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: An open-air adventure for all the senses

Stuttgart, May 04, 2007

Mercedes-Benz will in future also market its SLR McLaren super sports car in the form of a roadster with a top. In common with Formula 1 vehicles of today, it, too, will be made of carbon fibre, a material that will endow the vehicle with a very high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupé version. This gives rise, in combination with the racing-type chassis, to outstanding ride characteristics.

The maximum speed of the new high-performance sports car, which is powered by an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 hp, is 332 km/h, therefore at the same high level as the coupé. Although, thanks to its fully retractable top, the Roadster offers undiluted open-air driving pleasure in the highest performance class, its occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle's suitability for everyday use. Consequently, the new Roadster opens up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars.

Like the coupé version, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster once again unites the legend of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes team. Typical stylistic elements, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, establish a visual link with the racing cars. The SLR leg-end of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors.

The new Roadster benefits technically from the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren. Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to outstanding ride characteristics of the kind otherwise found only in closed-top super sports cars.

The puristic top is suitable for high speeds

The exceptional qualities of the Roadster are attributable also to the fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. Its newly developed roof material, which is available in three different colours, not only guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exception-ally unusual in a roadster. For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupé version. Conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when re-tracted.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and racing-type chassis

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high stan-dards. Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Unique safety and exclusive fittings

A high degree of safety is ensured by unique carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. The comprehensive specification also features adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The exclusive standard equipment includes semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads; dual-zone automatic air-conditioning; a high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupé, is produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, in accordance with stringent Mercedes-Benz quality criteria and will be available as from September 2007.

For years, Florida's RENNtech has long been the first stop for well-heeled Mercedes mavens and prospective road-rallyists who wanted an output boost for their SLs. But the company offers hi-po gear across the Merc range, from the lowly (not to us) Sprinter to the highbrow SLR. The SLR too? Right. Upgrades to the pride of Mercedes-McLaren 722 take the form of upgraded intercoolers and their respective pumps, allowing for more boost and putting the 722 (named after Stirling Moss's and Denis Jenkinson's starting time in the 1955 Mille Miglia of 7:22 am) closer to 722 horsepower. As for price, consult your tax accountant. – Mike Spinelli

RENNtech's 722HP Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722 [Motor Authority]

Related:
More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics [internal]

The Car and Driver society has procured some long-lens stalker shots of an upcoming Mercedes-McLaren SLR roadster prototype cruising the Canary Islands. The M&Ms have already confirmed the big-buck droptop is on the way. But whether the half-million-dollar supercar will get the coupe's butterfly doors or a straight-up scissor configuration is probably the most pressing question at this juncture. C'mon, the valet community has to know these things for parking's sake. – Mike Spinelli

Spied: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster - Car News [Car and Driver]

Related:
Silver Arrow Droptop: Mercedes McLaren SLR Convertible Confirmed [internal]

Just as reported late last year, Mercedes confirmed the new convertible McLaren SLR is on the way. The SLR droptop is slated for a summer debut, just in time for "the season," in bougie parlance. For visual guidance, we direct your attention to the auspicious 1999 Vision SLR concept convertible, one of the two concepts that introduced the world to Mercedes-McLaren's partnership at the Frankfurt motor show. (The Vision SLR coupe debuted in Detroit earlier that year.) No word on engine or power or price yet. We'll know more around the time we can wear white again. – Mike Spinelli

Benz Confirms SLR Convertible [The Car Connection]

Related:
Mercedes-McLaren SLR to Lose its Lid [internal]

If you were an F1 wunderkind like Fernando Alonso, who not only broke Schumacher's streak but also became the youngest F1 champion ever, what kind of company car would you want? Over at Renault, we'd imagine the best they could do for El Nano was an old R5 Turbo 2, but now racing for McLaren, he's just taken delivery of a 650-hp Mercedes-McLaren SLR 722, which sports a zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds. We're not sure whether the car was part of his contract, but of course it should have been if it wasn't. We're just wondering how many cases of Red Bull he turned down. – Mike Spinelli

Alonso gets McLaren SLR 722 as company car [Motor Authority]

Related:
A Very Special Edition: Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 [internal]

The Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury, MD made a mistake. They bought one more Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR than they thought they could sell. Well, actually, they bought one for a customer who backed out nearly a year ago and haven't been able to unload it. According to Marketing Director Chris Hagel, "If it were New York or Washington D.C., then it would probably be a lot easier to sell it." But since it's Maryland, the task's a bit tougher, which is why Hagel has put together a charity raffle to allow his company to cover their loss while benefitting Toys for Tots. A hundred bucks gets you in, and as of the moment, 1,200 tickets remain. – Davey G. Johnson

Orphaned Supercar Needs a Home [ForbesAutos]

Related:
Mercedes-McLaren SLR to Lose its Lid [Internal]

We were always under the impression that if you get a DUI, your car gets impounded — even if you're Paris Hilton. We dunno if there's a clause in the law for celebs like Paris — or maybe the law is if you're found guilty — regardless, we don't remember what happened last time. We kid. Either way, we didn't think you could just get someone to pick you up in your own car after you post bail, which is what seems to be happening with celeb-whore Paris Hilton. Is this video proof of another case of the LAPD showing some leniency to a celeb? And who the hell is giggling on the video during the first few seconds of the tape? And most importantly, how does Paris' spokes-whore Elliot Mintz look so calm at 4:00 AM — is it valium, or something more? Whatevs — we're getting bored of the whole story — so can't someone smack up the McLaren or tell Paris to get her freak on? Let's make this salacious, people! [Hat tip to tr!]

UPDATE: Yeah, it's not the SLR — however, then the question is — what happened to it?

Paris Hilton tape [TMZ.com]

Related:
The Benz Is The Problem: More On The Paris Hilton DUI [internal]

Paris Hilton Booked on DUI Charges [NYT]

Related:
That's Not Hawt: Paris Hilton Arrested For DUI, Claims "Fatigue" [internal]

Dude, being a sheik kinda seems as if it's the business. Harems, all the oil one can slather upon oneself, warm weather, clothes that never go out of style, hanging with T.E. Lawrence, and oh, most importantly, a whole shiek-sized garageload of exotic iron. Or, in Sheik Hamad bin Hamdan of Abu Dhabi's case, aluminum and carbon fiber. [Thanks to Mohammed for the pics.]

Related:
It's Good to be the Sultan: The Private Collection of Mr. Brunei [Internal]

Because Ms. Hilton, reveling in born-again virginity (sorry, Lindsay, we goofed) needs to work on her tan, The Merceded-McLaren tree trolls are working up a drophead version of the SLR, says AutoExpress. Word is, the model — which has the same mechanicals as the coupe — is in production and will hit the streets within six months — too bad, the Paris show is too soon (so not hot).

Big Mac prepares to blow its top [AutoExpress]

Related:
More on the SLR [internal]

Apparently no one before this weekend had ever driven more than 175.7 mph in London, except in PS2 (though one banker was reportedly clocked at 168 mph on foot following a stop for curry at Canary Wharf). It was a Mercedes McLaren SLR that set the record at London City Airport, outside the jurisdiction of traffic cameras, with Autocar editor-at-large Steve Sutcliffe at the wheel. The SLR beat nearest challengers the Ford GT, at 174mph, and the Corvette Z06, at 167mph. True, it was a publicity stunt to preceed the British Motor Show this week, but in the world of press-release regurgitation (guilty) any obscure bragging rights get column inches.

Related:
Top Gear Tests Two Faster Than Light Whips: The Porsche Carerra GT Vs. Mercedes SLR [internal]

Fat Stefan is losing his wheels. The Brokeback Enzo, its black brother and Eriksson's Mercedes SLR are all returning to England, where banks have laid claim to the vehicles. Although Eriksson's legal team claims he owns the vehicles, a judge has ruled that the cars' rightful home is with the financial institutions that doled out the loads. If the bank is smart, they'll send the cracked-up car back to Ferrari for an overhaul and then sell the thing at Barrett-Jackson. Also, reader Nick tipped us off to an extensive interview with Jim Parkman, Eriksson's Alabama-based lawyer. [Thanks also to Scott for tippage.]

Wreckage from Ferrari crash to be returned to England [Sacramento Bee]

Related:
Jim Parkman: In His Own Words [WSFA]; Stefan Eriksson Finds Lawyer in Alabama [Internal]

Mercedes announced it was building an homage to the 1955 Mille Miglia winner "722" 300 SLR (numbered for its start time of 7:22 am) driven by Stirling Moss. The "722 Edition" SLR gets a 650hp version of the AMG-built 5.5-liter V8, which gives it an advantage over the base model (how base is it really?) of two tenths of a second (3.6 seconds) and a top speed of 209 mph. Plus, it's got a "tailor-made" (i.e., stiffer) suspension — over 19" alloys — larger brakes and a "decidedly" sporty interior, among other adjectives.

Related:
More on the Mercedes-McLaren SLR [internal]

According to Mercedes-Benz, laying into an SLR McLaren too heavily could blow the alternator into smithereens. Well, not quite smithereens as much as a possible engine fire in the half-million-dollar supercar (who'd you think writes the press releases, Fritz Freleng?). As Mercedes points out, "A damaged alternator cannot assure sufficient voltage to supply the vehicle electrical system. If this condition occurs, the driver will first be informed of alternator damage by the instrument cluster multifunction displays indicating the shut down of some vehicle comfort features such as A/C, radio, etc. If voltage drops further, the multifunction display will indicate 'Battery/Alternator Stop Vehicle.' In that case the driver should shut off the vehicle and contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer and have the vehicle towed in for repair. The dealer will improve engine compartment cooling, install a modified control unit and a new alternator. Smithereens, indeed.

Related:
Mercedes SLR Prototype Spotted in Spain? [internal]

We're one of the first people who grumbles whenever we walk past a handicap parking spot and see some Prada-wearing and Gucci-carrying trophy wife unable to walk the extra 30 feet from her Hummer to the door of the local Whole Foods. We mean, come on — why do we get the hassle from the 5-0 when we're not coming to a complete stop at a deserted intersection, but a man in blue ain't around for li'l miss when she gets out of her car. That being said, somebody please tell us why Paris Hilton is able to do what today's Page Six claims:

PARIS Hilton looked able-bodied last time we looked, but she's been parking in a space reserved for handicapped drivers. Residents of a posh Los Angeles apartment complex that's home to her boy toy, Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart, say every time she visits, the celebutard thoughtlessly pulls into the handicapped spot...

Maybe "celebutard" is a Los Angeles-only disease — does this mean she'll get a telethon? Of course if it's not — we can't wait for the pics of her SLR getting towed!

PARKING PEST [NY Post]

Related:
Paris Loses Bentley in Poker Game, Somehow Keeps Clothes On; A Paris Hilton Type Dilemma: Getting In And Out of That New Mercedes SLR; Paris Does McLaren: Hilton Gets an SLR [internal]

Let's get ready to rumble! Call it our Friday night feast of fast — with this classic Top Gear footage pitting two of the road's speediest demons — the Porsche Carrera GT and the Mercedes SLR McLaren. So who wins? Well — watch the video, but know this — it's a win by a tenth of a second. That's what we call fast. If you're looking for more fun spelled with a Top and a Gear, check out the tag below — and remember to check back Sunday night as we'll try to have a torentially fast download of the newest episode.

Porche Carrera GT VS Mercedes SLR Top Gear test [YouTube]

Related:
More Top Gear [internal]

Over at Motorpasion, they have some shots of a supposed SLR prototype that kind of make us scratch our head. And no, it's not fleas. Is this the new, faster, juicier McMerc we reported on a month ago?

Mercedes SLR Prototype [Motorpasion]

Related:
Ach!: Mercedes McLaren SLR Due for an Upgrade? [Internal]