Adam Andre Gives us the lowdown on Mercedes' SLR Super Car
Let's take a look at Mercedes' super car the SLR McLaren. This car is nothing less than genius. This car combines Mercedes style, AMG performance and McLaren formula one technology. The car achieves 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. MSRP is $452,750 (includes $2,750 transportation and handling charge and $3,000 gas guzzler tax) This is a 2 seater, 2 door super car with many beautiful lines. It has a long hood similar to the old Jaguar E-Types and grills on the side to allow the engine to breathe, just like the legendary 300SL. The SLR is completely hand built, in the UK, by McLaren and AMG, powered by an AMG supercharged 5.5L 24v V8 engine, with twin intercoolers. It cranks out 617hp @ 6500rpm and 575ft/lbs of torque. Weight distribution is a perfect 50/50, with the engine located behind the front wheels and a dry weight of 3,748lbs. The doors open up and out. As you slip into the exquisite leather interior you flip open the top of the shifter to expose the push start ignition. The car will recognize you as long as you have your key fob on you (to let you in and start the car). There is no actual key to turn, similar to the new Corvette keys.
As you rev the engine air comes directly through the Mercedes emblem and out the side pipes. You can control shift settings with the AMG Speedshift R transmission programs. You won't have much time for manual shifting. The 19" wheels look similar to a turbofan on an airliner. There won't be any night time uncertainties with the beautiful bi xenon, twin headlamps. There are attractive LED lights at the rear, which I assume are the turn signals. You won't miss a beat with the 7 speaker Bose sound system, with a CD player hidden behind the SLR logo. There is an available CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. You can rock out all, the way up to the car's top speed of 207.5 mph. Those winds are no match for the SLR's superb aerodynamics. This includes underbody panels, and a rear diffuser.
What about coming back to earth? No problem for the ceramic disc brakes with Senstronic brake control boasting astounding stopping power, enormous heat resistance and incredible structural strength as well as deceleration up to 1.3g. Braking is assisted by an airbrake at the rear, controllable up to 65 degrees, with manual and automatic modes. This can also add stability in the turns when tilted at a lower angle, as a spoiler. How is safety? 6 airbags, ultra light yet rigid carbon fiber the frame is supported by crash tubes that can absorb up to four times more energy than steel in the event of an impact. It has a full carbon fiber monocoque construction and F1 derived crash structures, the first for any production car. I feel a car like this should require an entirely different license. One should probably go through some type of racing school. Not that you could even go top speed on public roads but it would be good to understand all of the car's capabilities. Mostly it is quite easy to maintain control in the car. It has virtually no body roll and feels glued to the road.
My overall take on the car.... Expensive, very expensive and yes the SLR is said to have very high performance characteristics but still maintains the feeling of a luxury car. It does not have many of the features you would find in an upscale Mercedes such as heated or power seats, navigation, back up sensors etc. It has lots of leather though. The trunk is a decent size and will hold two golf bags but you won't hear many echoes as you would in the Camry or Impala. This vehicle is strictly for those looking to make a couple trips to the moon or NY to London in 3 hours as the Concorde did. Not really for your grandma, Louise. I feel the car is a good value, what else would you expect to pay for a 617hp Mercedes supercar? If you are serious about having an SLR in your garage I would check eBay for one less than 450,000. Every inch of this machine took much consideration. This car will remain in the hearts and minds of many auto enthusiasts. It will be admired for years to come.
As you rev the engine air comes directly through the Mercedes emblem and out the side pipes. You can control shift settings with the AMG Speedshift R transmission programs. You won't have much time for manual shifting. The 19" wheels look similar to a turbofan on an airliner. There won't be any night time uncertainties with the beautiful bi xenon, twin headlamps. There are attractive LED lights at the rear, which I assume are the turn signals. You won't miss a beat with the 7 speaker Bose sound system, with a CD player hidden behind the SLR logo. There is an available CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. You can rock out all, the way up to the car's top speed of 207.5 mph. Those winds are no match for the SLR's superb aerodynamics. This includes underbody panels, and a rear diffuser.
the rear, controllable up to 65 degrees, with manual and automatic modes. This can also add stability in the turns when tilted at a lower angle, as a spoiler. How is safety? 6 airbags, ultra light yet rigid carbon fiber the frame is supported by crash tubes that can absorb up to four times more energy than steel in the event of an impact. It has a full carbon fiber monocoque construction and F1 derived crash structures, the first for any production car. I feel a car like this should require an entirely different license. One should probably go through some type of racing school. Not that you could even go top speed on public roads but it would be good to understand all of the car's capabilities. Mostly it is quite easy to maintain control in the car. It has virtually no body roll and feels glued to the road.