Jalopnik: mercedes slr

Mercedes Bids Farewell To SLR, Builds Final Stirling Moss

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

All good things must come to an end and the Mercedes McLaren SLR is no different. The total run of 2000 units will end with the final cars being the no-compromise, hirsute-motoring Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss. Appropriate in our opinion.

We've had quite a relationship with the SLR. We were in awe when it was first revealed, fell in love with the drop top version, our inner high-dollar hoon practically wet himself when the McLaren SLR 722 first debuted and one of the most enduring memes here at Jalopnik came about when one was unceremoniously crashed — SLR guy. Despite being purchased largely by annoying celebutards and oil sheiks bent on chroming their every inch, we cannot deny the staggering engineering and phallic proportions of this truly great grand tourer. Good night SLR, and go swiftly into the darkness.

The end of a great era: Mercedes-Benz is building the last examples of the SLR

Dec 02, 2009 Stuttgart/Woking – The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the active era of the SLR super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to an end. In 2004, with the swing-wing Coupé, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly set out to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s. Five exciting variants in the SLR family have been produced – two coupés, two roadster versions and finally the uncompromisingly purist SLR Stirling Moss. This breathtaking, high-speed racer is a limited edition of 75 examples, and is the final chapter in the modern SLR story. Overall 2000 SLR models have been produced – substantially more than any other sports car in this elite category. An SLR also represents a membership ticket to the SLR. CLUB. The spirit of the SLR will live on in this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers even after production ceases.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. On paper, the legendary name simply stands for "sporty", "light" and "raceworthy". But, for connoisseurs, this magical combination of letters designates a dream car of special standing, promising unequalled driving enjoyment – a unique symbiosis of outstanding dynamics, superior performance and exceptional comfort.

In January 2009 Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular and uncompromising version of the reinterpreted 300 SLR as the last model in the SLR family - the SLR Stirling Moss. With neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and front passenger from nature, allowing them to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. Further attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the SLR legend. A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW (650 hp) accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds, and is good for a top speed of 350 km/h – performance that no other standard-production car can match.

This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a worthy and legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, who piloted the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars to a succession of victories in the 1950s.The SLR Stirling Moss accompanied by the 300 SLR and members of the SLR. CLUB celebrated its maiden journey at this year's Mille Miglia, in the hands of the former Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Sir Stirling Moss himself had even made a return to Brescia to be an eye-witness to this historic event. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition of 75 examples, and production of the SLR series will then cease at the end of 2009.

The SLR spirit lives on
The SLR project was conceived for a limited period, and as a limited edition, from the very start, and is now coming to a magnificent, entirely fitting end with the SLR Stirling Moss. The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the enthusiastic members of the SLR. CLUB. In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts. The high-quality event calendar of the SLR. CLUB includes driving events on the most demanding race circuits, participation in the Mille Miglia and tours covering the most picturesque routes in Europe. Individual, long-term backup and care at the very highest level for SLR. CLUB members is assured by dedicated Mercedes-Benz personnel well beyond the end of production.

The birth of a legend
The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then head of passenger-car testing and in charge of racing-car development at Mercedes-Benz, transformed a fascinating idea into reality. He combined the design and technology of the spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" model produced since 1954 with the outstanding characteristics of the 300 SLR, one of the most successful racing machines of all time, which at that time dominated all the major road races – above all the notorious Tourist Trophy in Northern Ireland and the two Italian classics: Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Here Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson piloted the racing Mercedes to victory in a record time that still stands to this very day. But the Brits were not the only ones to achieve success in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to become Formula-1 World Champion five times, and the speedy Karl Kling drove the sports car from Untertürkheim to many a place on the rostrum.The road-going Coupé version of this legendary racing machine – better known as the "Uhlenhaut Coupé" among automotive aficionados – was at the heart of the passionate affection for the SLR held by automotive enthusiasts.

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort
The models in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren family, which have been rolling off the assembly lines at the world championship-winning team's headquarters in Woking since 2004, are the most emphatic reminders of the glory years of the SLR during the 1950s. They have brought the core values of the historic SLR models into the modern era – an exciting design featuring many details reminiscent of its predecessors, innovative technology and carefully hand-crafted, high-grade materials. They also continue the tradition of the high-class Gran Turismo models in time-honoured fashion. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models offer a beguiling mix of optimum handling, extremely high speed and outstanding acceleration, not to mention a wealth of exquisite appointments, all of which makes for a truly unique driving experience.

To keep faith with the traditionally unique standing of the SLR, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive pooled all of their extensive motor-racing know-how to produce the super sports car. By way of example, the SLR models set the very highest of standards in terms of handling, rigidity and safety for high-performance cars thanks to the extremely widespread use of exceptionally lightweight yet very strong carbon-fibre materials, including the carbon-fibre front structures based on Formula 1 monocoque constructions, which optimise the car's crashworthiness.
Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

In addition to this, the front-mid-engine concept allows the masses to be concentrated near the centre of the car, which makes for a low mass moment of inertia and consequently exceptional agility and handling dynamics. This concept, together with a chassis configuration born on the racetrack, forms the basis for optimum handling and peerless driving enjoyment.Here an important part is also played by the powerful high-tech engine with motor-racing genes, which was developed at Mercedes-AMG and provides power in abundance. In the Coupé and Roadster models, the driver can call upon 460 kW (626 hp) from the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5 litres, while the "722" models develop 478 kW (650 hp), ranking the SLR engines among the most powerful units for road-going production sports cars.

Exciting design and exquisite interior
The design of the SLR high-performance sports cars generates sheer excitement by virtue of the stretched bonnet, taut waistline, rear-set passenger cell and short rear end of the Coupé and Roadster – making the thrill of high-speed performance visible as well. Features born on the racetrack include the downforce-enhancing aerodynamic concept incorporating a diffuser, an enclosed underbody, a spoiler and the AIRBRAKE.
As for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models, the designers have created a synthesis of puristic sports-car feeling and extraordinary luxury. Exquisite materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and leather developed exclusively for the SLR are of the highest quality and exclusivity. They dominate the passenger area of the Gran Turismo and further emphasise the unique nature of the car.

McLaren SLR Crashes, Destroys Surrounding Cars In Ferrari Street Race

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EDT

A moron in a Mercedes McLaren SLR and a moron in a Ferrari were allegedly racing mid-day in Poland when the moron in the SLR crashed, destroying four surrounding cars and, miraculously, killing no one. It's a Crash Week miracle!

The crash happened Sunday when the two morons organized a race on public streets and the SLR driver just couldn't hack it. The car crashed in spectacular fashion, sending four individuals to the hospital after destroying as many as four other cars. The driver of the Ferrari fled the scene but eventually turned himself in. To make things even more stupid, it seems the McLaren driver had a kid in the car, but our Polish is rusty and software translation hasn't quite mastered the subtleties of the Polish language. In any case, this is a big box of stupid wrapped up in stupid paper and tied together with a stupid bow. (Hat tip to Lukasz!) [TVN (translated)]

Precious Metal-Plating Wars Turn So Hot, Chrome Mercedes SLR Melts

The Auto Insider — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:00:00 EDT

The precious metal-plating cold war that just gave us the gold-plated BMW M5? It just got hot. Really hot. The glare from that M5's apparently melted this chrome Mercedes SLR.

Seriously, we've got no idea what this is or what this is from. All we know is it takes the cheeseball cake if there's a real SLR underneath all that. Although our guess is there isn't one. We hope. [via Autoblog.nl]

The Fabulous Lifestyle of Ueli Anlicker, The Red Gold SLR Guy

Wes Siler — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:45:00 EDT

When we saw the Red Gold SLR this morning, we had no idea its creator would become our new hero. He even keeps shots of his model girlfriend's boobs on his gold-plated laptop. NSFW

Ueli Anlicker lives in Winznau, Switzerland where he own a museum devoted to his red and gold custom cars and motorcycles, a Thai restaurant, a disco club complete with Playstation 3, on which guests can play Formula One games, a café lounge, and his own modern art/design studio.

Ueli Anlicker's first Ferrari was a 246 Dino, but he later owned a custom 550 HP Ferrari 512 BB that he once drove to 205 MPH, nearly making it the fastest car on earth. He also once built a 180 HP Honda CBX1000 that he also drove to 205 MPH.

Ueli Anlicker also owns a custom offshore powerboat of his own design named the "Anliker Colibri." It has two V8 engines making 800 HP, propelling it to a top speed of 124 MPH.

In 2004 Ueli Anlicker traveled to Daytona Beach, Florida where his talking alarm and hydraulic suspension-equipped custom bike, the "Red Gold Dream" (also the name of his SLR), equipped with a talking alarm and hydraulic suspension, won Best In Show at Daytona Bike Week.

Ueli Anlicker describes his custom Red Gold SLR as the "absolute highlight" of his career. It's equipped with 500 rubies and gold plate, taking its value to a whopping $4.3 million. Ueli Anlicker, we salute you. [via Ueli Anlicker]

Thanks for the tip, Bertone-77!

Ruby-Covered Red Gold Mercedes SLR: Ronald McDonald's Wet Dream

Wes Siler — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EDT

This very special Mercedes SLR McLaren Red Gold Dream has been adorned with 500 rubies and 14k gold, transforming a once unassuming super car into something truly eye-catching.

A model of restraint and good taste, the builders focused on adding mechanical function before applying the classy finishes. The new front splitter, an excellent match for the SLR's styling, adds 220 Lbs of downforce at the vehicle's top speed: 217 MPH. That 9 MPH increase is thanks to engine tuning which brings the power up to 999 HP.

At the rear, a small increase in spoiler size and a revised diffuser, accented with gold trim, increase downforce by 80kg.

Of course, going that fast also requires excellent vision and to that effect 500 LEDs have been discretely incorporated in the revised bodywork. Even the functional ducts on the SLRs flanks are capable of lighting up in vibrant color to boost safety.

"Now, wait, gold is hardly an ideal material for automotive applications." I hear you saying. Do not worry! Areas under particular stress have been coated in 24k gold for enhanced durability. In order to avoid melting the gold in the area of the door sills due to increased exhaust gas temperatures, the exhaust pipes have been wrapped in a special insulating blanket. The car's makers have helpfully positioned mirrors on the floor underneath the car so that visitors may be able to view this enhancement.

Neither has the interior been neglected in this comprehensive improvement program. The leather has been painted gold, while buttons are in either gold or ruby.

As a final flourish, the wheel centers have had a simply extravagant gold and ruby SLR logo reimagined in the style of a dollar sign. This hints at the car's value, estimated to be $4.3 million. [via Autoblog.nl]

Pharell Williams Thinks His Non-Poser Benz Is Beautiful

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT

Like every other popular hip-hop artist, Pharell Williams has a blog dedicated to cars, yachts, and design. Credit him for posing as SLR Guy in his first post, at least. [BBCB via CelebCarBlog]

All-Chrome Mercedes McLaren SLR Sets New High Water Mark On Conspicuous Consumption

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EDT

Obnoxiously over the top is an understated way to describe this Mercedes McLaren SLR dressed head to toe in chrome (including chrome-tinted glass) as it causes a scene outside the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. Although this driver has a license plate number so high we'd assume it belonged to a pauper, we know it takes some serious scratch to buy an SLR, but can only imagine the price tag necessary to go ahead and chrome the living daylights out of it. But, while this silver-skinned SLR makes the all-chrome Audi and the all-chrome Ferrari look like last week's leftover meat loaf, we hear the owner's first choice may have been an all-chrome Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang. Jeez, the Financiapocalypse is really hitting us all, isn't it?

[Head over to Global Motors for more shots]

Mercedes McLaren SLR-Based Hamann Volcano Unveiled In Video

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT

We recently showed you first shots of Hamann's new hyperstyled Benz supercar, the Hamann Volcano, which basically consists of a heavily modified Mercedes McLaren SLR. All we know about at this point is the garishly modified body and we'll have to wait for the official announcement to find out if this beastie's bite matches its bark. We're betting this kind of tomfoolery doesn't come cheap and considering the premium Hamann will probably charge to make your SLR stand out from all the others at Costco, this seems like a silly proposition. We'd rather spend the money garage-building a Lamborghini Countach. [WorldCarFans]

RENNTECH Releases Mercedes Height Control System

Matt Hardigree — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

RENNTECH, tuners of all things Mercedes and pizza-sized, have released a digital lowering module (DLM) for monster Benzies equipped with Airmatic or ABC adjustable suspensions. The DLM allows drivers to dial-in heights for each wheel and set adjustable heights based on speed. The system uses an interface similar to an MP3 system, which makes us worried that we would accidentally bottom out the car while trying to switch between Elvis Costello albums. Press release below the jump.

RENNTECH REMOTE-CONTROLLED DLM
RENNTECH has updated its multi-processor digital lowering module to make installation and adjustment quicker and easier, with a unique, full-featured remote control.

"This lowering module was all-new in February already," says Hartmut Feyhl, RENNTECH's president and ex technical director at AMG North America. "As always, the module is 100% digital and fully adjustable, with the same microprocessors to communicate with the car's electronics. With the remote control, we have added functions like speed control settings, and the display has made fine adjustments easier."

RENNTCH's digital lowering module continues to offer individual adjustment for each of the car's four wheels, along with updated processors and the ability to set different heights for different speeds, a check for the latest hardware and firmware versions, and more - with an easy-to-use graphic user interface that works like your favorite MP3 player.

The new, remote-ready digital lowering module is available for all Mercedes-Benz and AMG models with ABC or Airmatic air suspension. Contact RENNTECH for more.

[Source: RENNTECH]

McLaren SLR Disintegrates In Deadly Qatar Accident

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:20:00 EDT

Details are sketchy, but sometime during the morning of July 15th, a 22-year-old male in a Mercedes McLaren SLR lost control of the vehicle and died in the resulting catastrophic crash. The massive debris field scattered across the Qatari desert suggests the car was traveling at very high speed, rendering any amount of carbon-fiber protection useless.
(Also, we'd like to point out while we do not believe SLR Guy was to blame for the destruction of this particular SLR, without more information we're unable to further speculate. — Ed.)

(Hat tip to Jason!) [LamboPower via Cardomain]

142nd Richest Man In World Doesn't Do Coffee Tables, Parks Mercedes SLR in Living Room

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EDT

If you're Eike Batista, the Brazilian steel, gold and oil tycoon gunning for Bill Gates' spot on the world's richest list, do you just drop some kind of fancy art or an Aston Martin love seat in your living room? Hell no. You park a Mercedes McLaren SLR in the living room as a display of obnoxious wealth. We're assuming he has it parked right next to the gilded unicorn and diamond-plated original Venus di Milo. Note also that this is the difference between new, douchey money, and real, "I can own your soul" money. [AbyssAndApex]

The End Of The Douchiness Is At Hand, Now Vote For The Best "SLR Guy" Entry!

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EDT

Well, this crazy mixed up SLR Guy photo chopping game has been a laugh riot, but all good things must come to an end. After a marathon gallery and a follow up with all the late entries, we've finally cut off submissions and it's time for you to make the final choice. Today we pitch our fifteen favorites and we'll let you vote on who takes home the fabulous prizes. That's right we said fifteen, hey, you try narrowing it down to only ten when you get well over three hundred entries — some of them were just too good to leave out. So without further ado, and in no particular order, the SLR Guy greatest hits.

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.

SLR Guy Spreads Like Yeast Infection, Hits The Car Lounge At VWVortex

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:20:00 EDT

We have to say we're having a good ol' time enjoying the SLR Guy p-chops you've created the last few days. But that doesn't mean we've gotten enough yet. It seems SLR Guy has made its way into The Car Lounge at VWVortex and some of their best and brightest have given it the old college try as well. Hit the jump to see their hard work in action.

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]

The Legend Of SLR Guy Continues

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:20:00 EDT

When we tossed the idea of a little photoshopping to celebrate the greatest achievement of SLR Guy's life — smashing up a $600,000 Mercedes McLaren SLR — we expected some pretty amusing responses. We did not expect 127 responses and counting. What we also learned was that although we don't think it's possible to actually die from laughing, it is possible to partially lose consciousness from lack of oxygen. We've collected all of the current entries into one mega-gallery after the jump and we're still accepting submissions (send them in to ben@jalopnik.com) for a top ten best entries tomorrow and we'll poll to figure out the winner. That is if we haven't passed out again.

Douche Wrecks Mercedes McLaren SLR, Thus Is Born "SLR Guy"

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:10:00 EDT

Let's say you're out in the Italian countryside with your bestest, wealthy car collector buddy and he lets you behind the wheel of a $600,000 Mercedes McLaren SLR. Of course, being a douche, you'll find it necessary to take a shot of yourself in front of said SLR posing in your most douche-like stance after you've just wrecked it into a pile of bricks. Yes, you are that guy. Seeing as this bright young chap's "after" picture is readily photoshoppable, we believe it's time to create a legend out of this d-bag — this — "SLR Guy." Below you'll find how you can help — as well as our own crack at showing off our newly-found P-shop skills.

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)