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The Original Mercedes 300 SL from 1954 Mercedes unveiled its new sports car, the 300 Sl in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York, and in so doing lit the fuse for an icon of the automotive world. With its flat, graceful body, the 300 SL had lost nothing of its freshness. Models:
© 1998 - 2007
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Mercedes-Benz: SLR McLaren 722 Edition
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Boasting an impressive output of 478 kW/650 hp, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only outperforms its historic forefather, it even outstrips the scintillating peak performance of the current SLR model. The new limited-edition series – only 150 models are being produced, for the most part handcrafted, at the McLaren Formula 1 works in Woking – is the brand's response to calls from highly discerning SLR customers for even more sportiness combined with the same high level of everyday practicality. At the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, Germany, based on the "One man, one engine" principle. Among the high-performance powerplant's major strengths are its exceptionally spontaneous response to accelerator pedal movements, high torque and that unmistakable V8 sound.
Boasting an impressive output of 478 kW/650 hp, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only outperforms its historic forefather, it even outstrips the scintillating peak performance of the current SLR model. The new limited-edition series – only 150 models are being produced, for the most part handcrafted, at the McLaren Formula 1 works in Woking – is the brand's response to calls from highly discerning SLR customers for even more sportiness combined with the same high level of everyday practicality. At the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, Germany, based on the "One man, one engine" principle. Among the high-performance powerplant's major strengths are its exceptionally spontaneous response to accelerator pedal movements, high torque and that unmistakable V8 sound. The powerplant's entire engine block with its enclosed crankcase sump is made from cast aluminium. Each crankshaft is precision-weighted and revolves in five bearings made from a high-durability material to enable sustained transmission of the tremendous forces emanating from the supercharged engine.
The oil cooling technology employed for the power unit as a whole also draws on the brand's racetrack experience: a sophisticated dry-sump lubrication system with a capacity of around eleven litres combines with a five-speed oil suction pump and a two-speed oil pressure pump to guarantee reliable lubrication under all driving conditions.
Moving inside, the sports bucket seats, upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, offer excellent lateral support, while the colour contrast provided by the distinctive "300 SL red" stitching throughout the interior, the 722 insignia on the head restraints and the red seat belts is designed for added visual impact. The attractive material mix comprising semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, which gives the interior its characteristic look and feel, also features prominently on the roof lining and door panels. Frequently used controls, such as the shift lever and handbrake lever, are trimmed in easy-grip, moisture-absorbing suede. The sporty design philosophy that is at the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is also reflected by the widespread use of carbon throughout the interior. This material, straight from the world of Formula 1, lends the centre console an extremely puristic look. The restyled instrument cluster focuses the driver's attention on the key vehicle data, comprising classic-style round dials with a signal-red background. The functionality of the multifunction display is given an extra sporty touch in the form of the AMG RACETIMER.
Finally, the designers paid special attention to the steering wheel as the key link between driver and car: with its combined leather/suede trim, the rim is extremely easy to grip and helps the driver to stay in complete control when performing high-speed manoeuvres, as do the new aluminium shift paddles. In terms of exterior design, the SLR 722 Edition features discreet sporty touches, thereby satisfying the desires of keen gentleman drivers and affluent sports-car collectors – the core target group – to the letter. The new-look 19-inch light-alloy wheels afford a perfect view of the red-painted brake callipers and the large brake discs, emphasising the sheer power and performance that underpins every aspect of the SLR 722 Edition. In addition, individual components in carbon with a clear-coat finish highlight the close ties with Formula 1. Plus, the grille-style design of the black-painted air outlets on the bonnet, not to mention the front and rear light clusters with their palladium grey surrounds, blend in perfectly with the carbon-fibre look. The SLR 722 Edition is available with a crystal antimony grey paint finish which creates a vivid impression of depth and produces an extremely intensive-looking surface structure. January 28, 2007 photos: Mercedes-Benz
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