The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an impressive testament to the competence and experience of Mercedes-Benz and our Formula 1 partner McLaren in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. The two-seater, with its striking swing-wing doors and styling elements borrowed from the Formula 1 Silver Arrows, builds on the legacy of the famous SLR race cars of the 1950s. Equipped with cutting-edge race car technology and ground-breaking new Mercedes developments, designed to ensure a high standard of safety and suitability for day-to-day use, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren creates a distinctive image for itself as a 21st-century Gran Turismo - a thrilling synthesis of tradition and innovation.
The newly developed V8 supercharged engine delivers an output of 460 kW/626 hp and accelerates the sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is approximately 334 km/h. The body of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, like those of the Mercedes-McLaren Formula 1 race cars, is made from carbon fibre composites - lightweight materials which demonstrate exemplary energy absorption, hence ensuring the highest standard of occupant protection. The SLR is the world's first series-produced car to have a front crash structure manufactured entirely from carbon fibres. Adaptive airbags, newly developed kneebags and sidebags, belt tensioners, high-performance ceramic brake discs and an automatically adaptive airbrake in the boot lid round off the range of safety equipment on board the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, setting new standards in this vehicle class.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Technology way ahead of its time and an abundance of power - these were the hall-marks of the legendary SLR race cars in which Fangio, Moss, Kling and other Mercedes drivers achieved spectacular victories in all of the major road races in 1955. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren demonstrates the same characteristics, its groundbreaking technical innovations distinguishing it as the Mercedes-Benz among high-performance sports cars.
Two longitudinal members made from carbon fibre composite absorb energy in a head-on collision
The 21st-century Gran Turismo is made almost entirely from carbon fibre composite. This lightweight yet extremely rigid material originated in the aeronautical and space industries and has also proven its benefits in today's Formula 1 race cars. The weight advantage of the high-tech material over steel is around 50 percent, and the carbon fibres, on impact, are characterised by four to five times higher energy absorption than steel or aluminium. Mercedes-Benz exploits these qualities by incorporating two 620-millimetre longitudinal members made from carbon fibre in the front structure of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. These absorb the entire energy of the crash in a defined head-on collision, leaving the passenger cell largely undamaged. It is also made entirely from carbon fibre composite and therefore offers a very safe survival zone in side-on or rear-end collisions too.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced new material technology to the manufacture of the brake discs too. They are made from fibre-reinforced ceramic and are characterised by high fade-resistance and a very long life. In collaboration with the electrohydraulic braking system, Sensotronic Brake Control (SMC™), they allow outstanding deceleration figures too, impressively underlining the motor racing heritage of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
460-kW/626-hp V8 powerplant with cutting-edge compressor technology
In the interests of optimum dynamic handling and high stability on braking, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a front mid-engined design. The high-performance V8 engine, mounted on a robust aluminium frame, is installed at a low level which allows a low centre of gravity for agile handling.
With its 5.5-litre displacement, the supercharged engine develops a peak output of 460 kW/626 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 780 Newtonmetres from 3250 rpm - a figure which remains constant across a broad engine speed range of up to 5000 rpm. This means that the SLR 8-cylinder is among the most powerful engines currently available in a series-produced roadgoing sports car. This high-performance car takes just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, it passes the 200 km/h mark after 10.6 seconds, and from a standing start it takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300 km/h. The top speed is 334 km/h.
Water-type charge-air cooling, dry sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters are further special features of this powerful engine - an engine which already meets stringent EU 4 exhaust gas regulations which are not due to come into force until 2005.
The 5-speed automatic transmission, fitted as standard, is also designed for high performance. It allows the driver to choose between three programs with different shift characteristics. When "Manual" is selected, the five gears can either be shifted using buttons on the steering wheel or using the selector lever's Touchshift function. In this mode the driver can also select between three shift stages - "Sport", "SuperSport" and "Race" - significantly shortening the shift times still further for an even sportier drive.
Aerodynamic concept uses expertise from the world of Formula 1
The body design of the Gran Turismo with the Mercedes star takes classical styling elements from the legendary SLR race cars of the 1950s and blends them masterfully with the sophisticated, avantgarde design language of both the latest Mercedes passenger car models and of the modern-day Silver Arrow race cars which took the McLaren Mercedes team to Formula 1 World Championship glory in 1998 and 1999. The design's concept, in other words, thrillingly spans the divide between past and present, whilst at the same time showing the way forward for the sports car designs of tomorrow.
In order to meet the highest of standards in terms of handling at top speed, directional stability and the cooling air requirements necessary for high-performance cars of this kind, Mercedes-Benz worked with McLaren on developing this model's superlative aerodynamics, ensuring exemplary roadholding plus the on-road safety standards typical of Mercedes. Following extensive wind-tunnel tests, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was given a virtually smooth underbody with a special six-channel diffusor under the rear. Both features are familiar design principles from Formula 1. They ensure that the airflow beneath the vehicle is virtually unimpeded and that negative lift, or downforce, is produced at higher speeds. The distinctive sidepipes on each side of the vehicle are also the result of this high-performance sports car's aerodynamic underbody concept: a conventional exhaust gas system would have disrupted the smooth line of the underbody.
At the rear of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren an adaptive spoiler provides additional downforce. From a speed of 95 km/h, it automatically adopts a 10-degree position, increasing the contact pressure at the rear axle. The spoiler also doubles as an airbrake: when the driver brakes heavily, it rises to an angle of 65 degrees, not only ensuring increased aerodynamic drag but also shifting the aerodynamic centre further towards the rear. This lends the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren excellent stability when braking from high speeds.
Functionality and luxury stylishly combined
It is the very high levels of practicality and luxury that truly make the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stand out. Individually padded carbon-frame seats, a multifunction steering wheel with race-car-type buttons for manual gear selection, clearly arranged chronometer-style instruments and high-grade materials define the atmosphere inside the high-performance sports car.
Alongside carbon and aluminium, the Mercedes designers have used "Silver Arrow" leather, specially developed for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which is available in the distinctive red of the legendary 1950s SLR race car.
Design: Spanning the divide between the past, the present and the future
Legend and innovation — this is the precept underpinning the body design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, as it takes the classical styling elements from the legendary SLR racing cars of the 1950s and blends them masterfully with the sophisticated, avant-garde design language of both the latest Mercedes passenger car models and of the modern-day Silver Arrows race cars with which the McLaren Mercedes team competes in the Formula 1 World Championship.
The design's concept therefore spans the divide between past and present and cre-ates a car with a unique charisma - a Mercedes synthesis of legend and innovation which is impressive in every respect.
It is the front end in particular which singles out the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren as a direct descendent of the racing cars which have been so successful in recent times: the centre is dominated by the distinguishing, arrow-shaped nose of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, encompassing the Mercedes star at the front, an unmistakable hallmark of manufacturing origins that are steeped in tradition.
Underneath the nose can be found a further typical styling element taken from the Formula 1 race cars which took McLaren Mercedes to the World Championship crown in 1998 and 1999: the twin-fin front spoiler with the distinctively curved struts. As on the Silver Arrows, these aerofoil fins are more than just a stylish identifying feature, they are actually crucial to the car's aerodynamics. The high contact pres-sure they produce at the front axle plays a key role in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's sure-footed, race-car-like roadholding.
The fin design was adopted as a recurring feature of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's exterior, thereby main-taining a high level of design consistency: finned sections also separate the head-lamps from the nose, form the base for the two exterior mirrors and adorn the tail lights on each side of the car, where the indicators' LEDs are housed in two self-supporting fins positioned one above the other.
Mercedes design breeding: twin-headlamp face forms identifying feature
Above the generously proportioned air intake for the engine cooling is the wide, flat bonnet, whose rear edge lies below the starting point of the A-pillars, permitting the deep-set design of the front windscreen. This is another typical element taken from the world of motorsport which gives drivers the good level of visibility needed for high-speed motoring.
The headlamp arrangement is a refreshingly new version of the highly familiar and equally successful twin-headlamp face, which has been the calling card of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 1995. In this SLR-style reinterpretation, al-though the dipped-beam and main-beam headlamps form a single unit, they never-theless succeed in emphasising their basic, pronouncedly oval form. The design team has reinforced the powerful visual effect by sheathing the powerful projection head-lamps in casings which resemble high-quality camera lenses, all housed behind clear glass.
As with all current Mercedes passenger cars, the oval lines of the twin-headlamp face form the starting points for modelling the bonnet and the wings. The rounded contours of the headlamps develop into powerful domed curves which quite deliberately evoke associations with the human anatomy: the curves extend back over the wings like the sinewy muscles of a trained athlete, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that this car bristles with the pure power of a sporting superstar.
These contours — soft yet brimming with power and dynamism — combine with taut lines to produce a fascinating, sculpted exterior form, a clear expression of the uncompromising manner in which this car's high-performance credentials have been honed. The car flexes its muscles visibly but without any hint of aggression, with each fibre of its lithe body trimmed and tensed, ready to launch forward at any time.
The domed curves leading off from the inner pair of headlamps sweep seamlessly all the way back to the A-pillars, forming a smooth visual link between the front end and the passenger compartment. As they run up the long bonnet, the softly rounded domes again transform into taut, clean-cut lines, which in turn mould the appearance of the A-pillars and the side profile. This is also one of the elements underpinning the characteristic, powerful proportioning of the SLR silhouette: the long bonnet, taut midriff, compact passenger compartment and short tail create a deliberate association between the flow of the SLR's lines and the styling elements of Mercedes sports cars from years gone by, and symbolise the sense of forwards surge that courses through the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
The high-performance sports car exudes the same powerful, yet harmonious impression when seen from the rear too. This is down to the elegant way in which the lines flow from the passenger compartment into the lid of the boot, helped by the slender roof pillars which taper towards the bottom. Unlike the SLR Silver Arrows of the 1950s, whose tail curved gently downwards, the boot of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren continues at the same high level in order to enhance the aerodynamic qualities.
The large tail lights are an immediate eye-catcher. The distinctive, triangular form of the transparent lenses, a typical feature of Mercedes passenger cars, has a wrap-around design which extends far into the side panelling to emphasise the width of the body.
Side gills and wide-opening swing-wing doors
It is above all the side profile of the high-performance sports car that identifies it as a car whose maker has a long and illustrious motor-racing tradition, with large, finned air openings breathing new life into the SLR legend. These "gills" are far more than a mere styling touch, serving now as they did back then to ventilate the engine compartment. The designers of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren have lent further emphasis to this particular function by enlarging the surface of the fins towards the rear of the gills, and by placing a clean-cut line at the end of the fins which then sweeps further backwards to add to the styling of the swing-wing doors.
If there is one distinctive feature that the new Gran Turismo has adopted from the Uhlenhaut Coupé, the coupé version of the legendary SLR race car, designed in 1955 by Mercedes' head of testing at that time, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it is the doors.
In their modern interpretation, however, they are attached to the front roof pillars rather than to the roof itself and swing forwards and upwards in a wide angle. No less sensational than the gullwing design from the 1950s, this new concept also enlarges the entrance to the vehicle to make getting in and out easy for both driver and passenger.
Functionality and an inspiring look define the interior design
Inside, every detail of the interior reflects the high-performance character of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Take your place on board, and you'll feel the thrill of sitting in a thoroughbred sports car. The on-board atmosphere, however, is also one of safety and calm - key requirements where concentrated, fast driving is concerned.
The reason behind this is a straightforward yet very emotional design language. It takes up the fin design and continues it consistently in the interior. Here the typical SLR fins are reflected in the ventilation outlets, the airbags and the instruments. The profiles appear light and delicate, deliberately reducing the cockpit to the bare essentials, in keeping with motor racing philosophy. The design deliberately concentrates on the essential factor: the dynamic driving experience.
The focal point of the interior is undoubtedly the centre console with its high-grade aluminium trim. A visual extension of the distinctively shaped Formula 1 domes on the bonnet, the centre console serves as the transition between exterior and interior, whilst also picking up the powerful lines of the front-end design before they flow backwards over the transmission tunnel to the tail of the SLR. In order not to disrupt this clear-cut look, the radio and navigation system are inconspicuously housed below a cover in the centre console which opens in an elegant arc when pressed lightly. The instrument cluster surround also reinforces the impression of power. The two tubes appear to plunge into the bonnet, forming a visual link with the Gran Turismo's power source. Clearly designed, circular instruments are centrally located in these tubes and perfectly positioned in the driver's field of vision.
The design of the instruments is based on the look of a high-quality chronometer. The large dials are inscribed with letters specially developed for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The rather stark appearance conceals the latest display technology.
Despite its motor racing character, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren also has a high-quality, in-viting feel. This is thanks to the stimulating interplay of select materials. Aluminium and carbon contrast with supple "Silver Arrow" leather, which was specially devel-oped for the new high-performance sports car and sets peerless standards in terms of its quality and material thickness. 20 different appointments colours are available to choose from, including the same bold shade of red which set new trends back in the 1950s when it was featured in those legendary, unforgettable sports cars, the SL and the SLR: the result is automotive tradition you can truly feel. A two-tone interior concept ensures both high functionality and an exquisite on-board atmosphere. In many areas the various materials are combined to create visual islands. A fine, haematite-coloured frame, for example, embedded in sumptuous leather, surrounds the aluminium centre console.
Interior: Harmony of forms and materials
The combination of luxurious appointments and a stark sports car-style feel creates a uniquely spellbinding atmosphere on board the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Exclusive, soft "Silver Arrow" leather, specially developed for the SLR, and select materials such as aluminium and carbon contrast strikingly with the pure functionality of a ve-hicle whose roots lie in the world of motor racing. In the interior, as in the exterior, the motor racing heritage is combined with the clear advantages of a classic Gran Turismo: outstanding ride comfort and a deliberate concentration on the pleasures of refined dynamic driving.
Despite its focus on luxury and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's interior dimensions are clearly those of a high-performance sports car. In keeping with extraordinarily high demands in terms of dynamic handling, the passenger cell is com-pact, creating a tailored feel. Nevertheless, there is a generous sense of space inside the two-seater, thanks, in part, to the deep seat position, which allows a low roof line, at the same time lowering the centre of gravity, which benefits dynamic handling. The backrest of the carbon fibre seat is set at an angle of 28 degrees to the seat cushion, rather than 25 degrees, in order to allow a sporty seating position.
Generous dimensions ensure an attractive interior. The SLR exceeds the shoulder and elbow width dimensions of many luxury and mid-class saloons, providing its occupants with plenty of personal space. The key interior dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:
Interior length: 1006 mm
Headroom: 919 mm
Shoulder-height width: 1371 mm
Elbow width: 1443 mm
Seat cushion height: 565 mm
Interchangeable seat cushions for an individual fit
Having entered through the wide-opening swing-wing doors, the driver and passenger take their places on light, single-piece carbon fibre seats, the basic design features of which have proven their benefits in the world of motor racing. Thanks to the multi-layer carbon fibre composite structure, they are not only 25 percent lighter than con-ventional car seats but also offer ergonomic advantages: a set of two upholstery modules, in three different sizes, allows the seat contour to be adapted individually to the anatomy of the driver. Three sets of these side upholstery modules are available, ensuring that the seats can be adapted to the optimum upper body and hip width for the driver, providing made-to-measure lateral support. The individual modules, upholstered in semi-aniline leather, are bolted onto the carbon frame.
The single-piece carbon fibre composite frame is connected at four points to an electric seat adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the seat's fore-and-aft position (by 130 millimetres), height (by 41 millimetres) and angle (up to 9.6 degrees) according to personal requirements. As a result of the single-piece design of the carbon fibre composite seat frame, the angle of both the seat cushion and the backrest are adjusted simultaneously.
High-class chronometer look for cockpit
Even the process of inserting the electronic ignition key has been imbued with an enthralling, uniquely SLR feel: a starter button on the solid metal shift knob at the top of the gearshift lever on the centre tunnel instantly begins to glow red. Apply slight pressure with your thumb, and the grid-style flap opens to provide access to the illuminated button. One press with your thumb brings the tremendous power of the V8 supercharged engine to life.
The newly developed V8 supercharged engine delivers an output of 460 kW/626 hp and accelerates the sports car from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The top speed is approximately 334 km/h. The body of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, like those of the Mercedes-McLaren Formula 1 race cars, is made from carbon fibre composites - lightweight materials which demonstrate exemplary energy absorption, hence ensuring the highest standard of occupant protection. The SLR is the world's first series-produced car to have a front crash structure manufactured entirely from carbon fibres. Adaptive airbags, newly developed kneebags and sidebags, belt tensioners, high-performance ceramic brake discs and an automatically adaptive airbrake in the boot lid round off the range of safety equipment on board the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, setting new standards in this vehicle class.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Technology way ahead of its time and an abundance of power - these were the hall-marks of the legendary SLR race cars in which Fangio, Moss, Kling and other Mercedes drivers achieved spectacular victories in all of the major road races in 1955. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren demonstrates the same characteristics, its groundbreaking technical innovations distinguishing it as the Mercedes-Benz among high-performance sports cars.
Two longitudinal members made from carbon fibre composite absorb energy in a head-on collision
The 21st-century Gran Turismo is made almost entirely from carbon fibre composite. This lightweight yet extremely rigid material originated in the aeronautical and space industries and has also proven its benefits in today's Formula 1 race cars. The weight advantage of the high-tech material over steel is around 50 percent, and the carbon fibres, on impact, are characterised by four to five times higher energy absorption than steel or aluminium. Mercedes-Benz exploits these qualities by incorporating two 620-millimetre longitudinal members made from carbon fibre in the front structure of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. These absorb the entire energy of the crash in a defined head-on collision, leaving the passenger cell largely undamaged. It is also made entirely from carbon fibre composite and therefore offers a very safe survival zone in side-on or rear-end collisions too.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced new material technology to the manufacture of the brake discs too. They are made from fibre-reinforced ceramic and are characterised by high fade-resistance and a very long life. In collaboration with the electrohydraulic braking system, Sensotronic Brake Control (SMC™), they allow outstanding deceleration figures too, impressively underlining the motor racing heritage of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
460-kW/626-hp V8 powerplant with cutting-edge compressor technology
In the interests of optimum dynamic handling and high stability on braking, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a front mid-engined design. The high-performance V8 engine, mounted on a robust aluminium frame, is installed at a low level which allows a low centre of gravity for agile handling.
With its 5.5-litre displacement, the supercharged engine develops a peak output of 460 kW/626 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 780 Newtonmetres from 3250 rpm - a figure which remains constant across a broad engine speed range of up to 5000 rpm. This means that the SLR 8-cylinder is among the most powerful engines currently available in a series-produced roadgoing sports car. This high-performance car takes just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, it passes the 200 km/h mark after 10.6 seconds, and from a standing start it takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300 km/h. The top speed is 334 km/h.
Water-type charge-air cooling, dry sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters are further special features of this powerful engine - an engine which already meets stringent EU 4 exhaust gas regulations which are not due to come into force until 2005.
The 5-speed automatic transmission, fitted as standard, is also designed for high performance. It allows the driver to choose between three programs with different shift characteristics. When "Manual" is selected, the five gears can either be shifted using buttons on the steering wheel or using the selector lever's Touchshift function. In this mode the driver can also select between three shift stages - "Sport", "SuperSport" and "Race" - significantly shortening the shift times still further for an even sportier drive.
Aerodynamic concept uses expertise from the world of Formula 1
The body design of the Gran Turismo with the Mercedes star takes classical styling elements from the legendary SLR race cars of the 1950s and blends them masterfully with the sophisticated, avantgarde design language of both the latest Mercedes passenger car models and of the modern-day Silver Arrow race cars which took the McLaren Mercedes team to Formula 1 World Championship glory in 1998 and 1999. The design's concept, in other words, thrillingly spans the divide between past and present, whilst at the same time showing the way forward for the sports car designs of tomorrow.
In order to meet the highest of standards in terms of handling at top speed, directional stability and the cooling air requirements necessary for high-performance cars of this kind, Mercedes-Benz worked with McLaren on developing this model's superlative aerodynamics, ensuring exemplary roadholding plus the on-road safety standards typical of Mercedes. Following extensive wind-tunnel tests, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was given a virtually smooth underbody with a special six-channel diffusor under the rear. Both features are familiar design principles from Formula 1. They ensure that the airflow beneath the vehicle is virtually unimpeded and that negative lift, or downforce, is produced at higher speeds. The distinctive sidepipes on each side of the vehicle are also the result of this high-performance sports car's aerodynamic underbody concept: a conventional exhaust gas system would have disrupted the smooth line of the underbody.
At the rear of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren an adaptive spoiler provides additional downforce. From a speed of 95 km/h, it automatically adopts a 10-degree position, increasing the contact pressure at the rear axle. The spoiler also doubles as an airbrake: when the driver brakes heavily, it rises to an angle of 65 degrees, not only ensuring increased aerodynamic drag but also shifting the aerodynamic centre further towards the rear. This lends the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren excellent stability when braking from high speeds.
Functionality and luxury stylishly combined
It is the very high levels of practicality and luxury that truly make the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren stand out. Individually padded carbon-frame seats, a multifunction steering wheel with race-car-type buttons for manual gear selection, clearly arranged chronometer-style instruments and high-grade materials define the atmosphere inside the high-performance sports car.
Alongside carbon and aluminium, the Mercedes designers have used "Silver Arrow" leather, specially developed for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which is available in the distinctive red of the legendary 1950s SLR race car.
Design: Spanning the divide between the past, the present and the future
Legend and innovation — this is the precept underpinning the body design of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, as it takes the classical styling elements from the legendary SLR racing cars of the 1950s and blends them masterfully with the sophisticated, avant-garde design language of both the latest Mercedes passenger car models and of the modern-day Silver Arrows race cars with which the McLaren Mercedes team competes in the Formula 1 World Championship.
The design's concept therefore spans the divide between past and present and cre-ates a car with a unique charisma - a Mercedes synthesis of legend and innovation which is impressive in every respect.
It is the front end in particular which singles out the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren as a direct descendent of the racing cars which have been so successful in recent times: the centre is dominated by the distinguishing, arrow-shaped nose of the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, encompassing the Mercedes star at the front, an unmistakable hallmark of manufacturing origins that are steeped in tradition.
Underneath the nose can be found a further typical styling element taken from the Formula 1 race cars which took McLaren Mercedes to the World Championship crown in 1998 and 1999: the twin-fin front spoiler with the distinctively curved struts. As on the Silver Arrows, these aerofoil fins are more than just a stylish identifying feature, they are actually crucial to the car's aerodynamics. The high contact pres-sure they produce at the front axle plays a key role in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's sure-footed, race-car-like roadholding.
The fin design was adopted as a recurring feature of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's exterior, thereby main-taining a high level of design consistency: finned sections also separate the head-lamps from the nose, form the base for the two exterior mirrors and adorn the tail lights on each side of the car, where the indicators' LEDs are housed in two self-supporting fins positioned one above the other.
Mercedes design breeding: twin-headlamp face forms identifying feature
Above the generously proportioned air intake for the engine cooling is the wide, flat bonnet, whose rear edge lies below the starting point of the A-pillars, permitting the deep-set design of the front windscreen. This is another typical element taken from the world of motorsport which gives drivers the good level of visibility needed for high-speed motoring.
The headlamp arrangement is a refreshingly new version of the highly familiar and equally successful twin-headlamp face, which has been the calling card of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars since 1995. In this SLR-style reinterpretation, al-though the dipped-beam and main-beam headlamps form a single unit, they never-theless succeed in emphasising their basic, pronouncedly oval form. The design team has reinforced the powerful visual effect by sheathing the powerful projection head-lamps in casings which resemble high-quality camera lenses, all housed behind clear glass.
As with all current Mercedes passenger cars, the oval lines of the twin-headlamp face form the starting points for modelling the bonnet and the wings. The rounded contours of the headlamps develop into powerful domed curves which quite deliberately evoke associations with the human anatomy: the curves extend back over the wings like the sinewy muscles of a trained athlete, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that this car bristles with the pure power of a sporting superstar.
These contours — soft yet brimming with power and dynamism — combine with taut lines to produce a fascinating, sculpted exterior form, a clear expression of the uncompromising manner in which this car's high-performance credentials have been honed. The car flexes its muscles visibly but without any hint of aggression, with each fibre of its lithe body trimmed and tensed, ready to launch forward at any time.
The domed curves leading off from the inner pair of headlamps sweep seamlessly all the way back to the A-pillars, forming a smooth visual link between the front end and the passenger compartment. As they run up the long bonnet, the softly rounded domes again transform into taut, clean-cut lines, which in turn mould the appearance of the A-pillars and the side profile. This is also one of the elements underpinning the characteristic, powerful proportioning of the SLR silhouette: the long bonnet, taut midriff, compact passenger compartment and short tail create a deliberate association between the flow of the SLR's lines and the styling elements of Mercedes sports cars from years gone by, and symbolise the sense of forwards surge that courses through the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
The high-performance sports car exudes the same powerful, yet harmonious impression when seen from the rear too. This is down to the elegant way in which the lines flow from the passenger compartment into the lid of the boot, helped by the slender roof pillars which taper towards the bottom. Unlike the SLR Silver Arrows of the 1950s, whose tail curved gently downwards, the boot of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren continues at the same high level in order to enhance the aerodynamic qualities.
The large tail lights are an immediate eye-catcher. The distinctive, triangular form of the transparent lenses, a typical feature of Mercedes passenger cars, has a wrap-around design which extends far into the side panelling to emphasise the width of the body.
Side gills and wide-opening swing-wing doors
It is above all the side profile of the high-performance sports car that identifies it as a car whose maker has a long and illustrious motor-racing tradition, with large, finned air openings breathing new life into the SLR legend. These "gills" are far more than a mere styling touch, serving now as they did back then to ventilate the engine compartment. The designers of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren have lent further emphasis to this particular function by enlarging the surface of the fins towards the rear of the gills, and by placing a clean-cut line at the end of the fins which then sweeps further backwards to add to the styling of the swing-wing doors.
If there is one distinctive feature that the new Gran Turismo has adopted from the Uhlenhaut Coupé, the coupé version of the legendary SLR race car, designed in 1955 by Mercedes' head of testing at that time, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it is the doors.
In their modern interpretation, however, they are attached to the front roof pillars rather than to the roof itself and swing forwards and upwards in a wide angle. No less sensational than the gullwing design from the 1950s, this new concept also enlarges the entrance to the vehicle to make getting in and out easy for both driver and passenger.
Functionality and an inspiring look define the interior design
Inside, every detail of the interior reflects the high-performance character of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Take your place on board, and you'll feel the thrill of sitting in a thoroughbred sports car. The on-board atmosphere, however, is also one of safety and calm - key requirements where concentrated, fast driving is concerned.
The reason behind this is a straightforward yet very emotional design language. It takes up the fin design and continues it consistently in the interior. Here the typical SLR fins are reflected in the ventilation outlets, the airbags and the instruments. The profiles appear light and delicate, deliberately reducing the cockpit to the bare essentials, in keeping with motor racing philosophy. The design deliberately concentrates on the essential factor: the dynamic driving experience.
The focal point of the interior is undoubtedly the centre console with its high-grade aluminium trim. A visual extension of the distinctively shaped Formula 1 domes on the bonnet, the centre console serves as the transition between exterior and interior, whilst also picking up the powerful lines of the front-end design before they flow backwards over the transmission tunnel to the tail of the SLR. In order not to disrupt this clear-cut look, the radio and navigation system are inconspicuously housed below a cover in the centre console which opens in an elegant arc when pressed lightly. The instrument cluster surround also reinforces the impression of power. The two tubes appear to plunge into the bonnet, forming a visual link with the Gran Turismo's power source. Clearly designed, circular instruments are centrally located in these tubes and perfectly positioned in the driver's field of vision.
The design of the instruments is based on the look of a high-quality chronometer. The large dials are inscribed with letters specially developed for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The rather stark appearance conceals the latest display technology.
Despite its motor racing character, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren also has a high-quality, in-viting feel. This is thanks to the stimulating interplay of select materials. Aluminium and carbon contrast with supple "Silver Arrow" leather, which was specially devel-oped for the new high-performance sports car and sets peerless standards in terms of its quality and material thickness. 20 different appointments colours are available to choose from, including the same bold shade of red which set new trends back in the 1950s when it was featured in those legendary, unforgettable sports cars, the SL and the SLR: the result is automotive tradition you can truly feel. A two-tone interior concept ensures both high functionality and an exquisite on-board atmosphere. In many areas the various materials are combined to create visual islands. A fine, haematite-coloured frame, for example, embedded in sumptuous leather, surrounds the aluminium centre console.
Interior: Harmony of forms and materials
The combination of luxurious appointments and a stark sports car-style feel creates a uniquely spellbinding atmosphere on board the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Exclusive, soft "Silver Arrow" leather, specially developed for the SLR, and select materials such as aluminium and carbon contrast strikingly with the pure functionality of a ve-hicle whose roots lie in the world of motor racing. In the interior, as in the exterior, the motor racing heritage is combined with the clear advantages of a classic Gran Turismo: outstanding ride comfort and a deliberate concentration on the pleasures of refined dynamic driving.
Despite its focus on luxury and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's interior dimensions are clearly those of a high-performance sports car. In keeping with extraordinarily high demands in terms of dynamic handling, the passenger cell is com-pact, creating a tailored feel. Nevertheless, there is a generous sense of space inside the two-seater, thanks, in part, to the deep seat position, which allows a low roof line, at the same time lowering the centre of gravity, which benefits dynamic handling. The backrest of the carbon fibre seat is set at an angle of 28 degrees to the seat cushion, rather than 25 degrees, in order to allow a sporty seating position.
Generous dimensions ensure an attractive interior. The SLR exceeds the shoulder and elbow width dimensions of many luxury and mid-class saloons, providing its occupants with plenty of personal space. The key interior dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:
Interior length: 1006 mm
Headroom: 919 mm
Shoulder-height width: 1371 mm
Elbow width: 1443 mm
Seat cushion height: 565 mm
Interchangeable seat cushions for an individual fit
Having entered through the wide-opening swing-wing doors, the driver and passenger take their places on light, single-piece carbon fibre seats, the basic design features of which have proven their benefits in the world of motor racing. Thanks to the multi-layer carbon fibre composite structure, they are not only 25 percent lighter than con-ventional car seats but also offer ergonomic advantages: a set of two upholstery modules, in three different sizes, allows the seat contour to be adapted individually to the anatomy of the driver. Three sets of these side upholstery modules are available, ensuring that the seats can be adapted to the optimum upper body and hip width for the driver, providing made-to-measure lateral support. The individual modules, upholstered in semi-aniline leather, are bolted onto the carbon frame.
The single-piece carbon fibre composite frame is connected at four points to an electric seat adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the seat's fore-and-aft position (by 130 millimetres), height (by 41 millimetres) and angle (up to 9.6 degrees) according to personal requirements. As a result of the single-piece design of the carbon fibre composite seat frame, the angle of both the seat cushion and the backrest are adjusted simultaneously.
High-class chronometer look for cockpit
Even the process of inserting the electronic ignition key has been imbued with an enthralling, uniquely SLR feel: a starter button on the solid metal shift knob at the top of the gearshift lever on the centre tunnel instantly begins to glow red. Apply slight pressure with your thumb, and the grid-style flap opens to provide access to the illuminated button. One press with your thumb brings the tremendous power of the V8 supercharged engine to life.