The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is powered by a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine hand-built by Mercedes-AMG.

The unit delivers 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque (compared to the 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm of the standard SLR McLaren Roadster), allowing for an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h.

The fully retractable folding soft top is made of carbon fibre and is capable of withstanding the high speed .

In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics.

The name SLR Roadster 722 S recalls the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia race in 1955 by Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722.

This limited edition of 150 examples will be mainly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and will be available from January 2009.

Technical Features

The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear.

The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs.

The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster.

For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically.

The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents "ballooning" at high speeds.

The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle.

The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle.

With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). The monocoque was further developed for the roadster: the result is low weight, high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car.

A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars.

Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Design

The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively.

The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.

In the interior, lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara.

Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts.

Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. The generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.

The exclusive equipment includes two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)