The Mercedes SLR McLaren is not for everyone.
The SLR super sports GT car showcases the collective experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. This unique combination of expertise is evident not only in the pioneering developments and impressive performance of the SLR, but also in its high levels of safety and practicality.
One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fiber composite material of the new SLR body, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles. Instead, this $452,750 supercar is a limited-production, two-seater that combines the technical expertise of Mercedes-Benz, the world's oldest automaker, and McLaren Cars, a division of the British-based McLaren Formula One racing team that competes in Grand Prix competition with Mercedes engines.
Each supercharged, intercooled V8 engine is hand-built at manufacturing facility of AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, in Affalterbach, Germany. The engine is mounted behind the front wheels in a front mid-engine position.
The brake system alone can decelerate the SLR up to 1.3 g, producing the theoretical equivalent of 2,000 horsepower. In addition, an innovative airbrake in the form of an adaptive rear spoiler in the trunk lid increases downforce, improving stability and braking even further. Under hard braking above 59 mph, the air brake pops up at a 65-degree angle, helping to stop the car from 62 mph is just 114 feet.
Dry-sump lubrication eliminates the need for an oil pan, allowing the engine to be mounted as low as possible in the frame for better aerodynamics and a lower center of gravity, which benefits handling. Dry-sump lubrication also prevents oil starvation that can occur during hard cornering.