The retractable top underwent extensive aerodynamic tests and it allows for a comfort at high speeds and for performances very similar to the SLR McLaren coupé. The top speed is 332 km/h, and the 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 3.8 seconds.

The body structure features steel reinforced A pillars, in order to maintain the overall torsional stiffnes of the closed version. The engine is the AMG V8 compressor unit, which delivers 460 kW/626 hp.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster will be produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England and will be available starting from September 2007.

Design and Body construction

The SLR Roadster retains many stylistic elements of the coupé, such as the arrow-shaped tip of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, which establish a visual link with the racing cars.

"The SLR legend of the 50s lives on stylistically in the distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gullwing doors."

Apart from two aluminium engine frames, its body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials, making the vehicle an exception among high-performance sports cars.

Especially for the Roadster, complex carbon-fibre technology has been intelligently further developed for the monocoque chassis. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and, therefore, extremely high occupant safety as well as a degree of torsional stiffness hitherto unattained in open-top vehicles. This leads to ride characteristics, usually found only in closed-top super sports cars.

Aerodynamics

The fully retractable top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the SLR McLaren. is made of an innovative material, which is available in three different colours.

Not only it guarantees complete suitability for everyday use in all weathers, but it also endows the high-performance sports car with characteristics that are exceptionally unusual in a roadster.

For example, at 332 km/h, the maximum speed is at the high level of the coupé version. Conversation is still possible at over 200 km/h on open-air journeys thanks to the favourable aeroacoustics.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in less than ten seconds, thereby combining the desire for convenience with the puristic character of the roadster. To open, the roof merely needs to be unlocked from the windscreen frame and be briefly raised, after which it folds away electrically. Since an aluminium cover is integrated into its front section, the roof elegantly closes off the top when retracted.

In the wind tunnel, the Roadster has been optimised for high speeds with regard to handling, aeroacoustics and aerodynamics. It likewise employs the aerodynamic concept already known from the coupé version, featuring an airbrake integrated into the access lid and a diffusor in the rear bumper to provide increased downforce on the rear axle.

Other features

The open two-seater is equipped with a racing-type chassis featuring high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs, thereby setting extremely high standards.

Its front-mid-engine provides for optimum weight distribution. With 460 kW/626 hp and a maximum torque of 780 Nm, the AMG V8 compressor engine, which is coupled to an AMG Speedshift R five-speed automatic transmission, accelerates the Roadster from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Among the safety features are the carbon-fibre crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars.

Passive safety equipment includse adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The exclusive standard equipment includes:

• semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fibre bucket seats which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger by means of differently sized seat pads;
• Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning;
• A high-quality BOSE premium sound system; a multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles;
• A navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster, like the coupé, is produced at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking (England) and will be available as from September 2007.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)