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The Mercedes-Benz SLR marks a new era for high-performance cars and at the same time, celebrates the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s. The SLR McLaren combines unmatched power and performance with classic Mercedes-Benz design cues. Featuring a full carbon-fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels, the SLR is powered by a 617-horsepower supercharged 5.5-liter V8 that rockets the new SLR from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 3.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed exceeding 200 mph.

A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Collaboration

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.

Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection. The SLR is distinguished as the first series production vehicle to utilize a front crash structure made exclusively of carbon fiber. Specially designed to absorb crash energy at a constant rate, the carbon fiber crash structure absorbs four to five times more energy in a severe frontal collision than similar structures made of conventional steel.

AMG Supercharged V8 Power

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. 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.

Ceramic Composite Brake Discs

The high-performance SLR super sports car is one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology. The brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material – a fiber-reinforced ceramic with astounding stopping power, high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength and long service life. The discs weigh less than half that of conventional brakes, and are fitted with eight-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear. 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.

Broadening the Mercedes-Benz Product Portfolio

Not only does the new SLR boast a rich heritage, but it is also the new flagship of the multi-dimensional Mercedes-Benz brand. With by far the broadest product portfolio of any luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz offers an array of models ranging from mid-size coupes and large premium sedans to luxury roadsters and the SLR super sports car. [source]