The Mercedes SLR

Positioned To Make History By Rewriting The Design

From whatever angle you analyze the Mercedes Benz SLR, you notice that it is well poised to make history in a very unique way. It’s thus not surprising that only 150 units saw full production and they sold out slashing fast even when priced at a mouthwatering $1.45 million.

America was privileged to have only 24 of them. This car was born out of the combined efforts between Mercedes and McLaren.

The brand’s production unit in Woking, England became the place of choice for its birth. But what does it really drive?

The Mercedes SLR makes good use of a 5.5-liter B8 engine that is supercharged. It generates 641 horsepower (478 kilowatts). It will take the droptop version 3.7 seconds to hit 60mph.

With a top speed of 208 mph (335 kph) the SLR becomes a serious competitor within the supercar circles where it compares with the Ferrari Enzo as well as the Porsche Carrera GT. But it is still distinguished as the ultimate high-speed grand tourer rather than an extreme supercar.

The brand’s makers were up to the task installing relatively lighter 19-inch wheels, a front splitter that is larger and carbon-ceramic disc brakes. The rear diffuser also got a revision.

The long hood and lengthy front gave the SLR its nosy front. It is incomparable to no other and stands out like a sore thumb.