Tuesday 11th July 2006

Mercedes tweaks the SLR

722 Edition adds power and new interior bits

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Mercedes SLR 722 Edition

Mercedes has tweaked the SLR supercar to produce the 722 Edition. It adds more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a "decidedly sporty" interior.

The motivation for the tweaks is (it says here) a homage to the unforgettable victory of Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22am) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. The car goes on sale today.

The supercharged 5.5-litre V8, hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, now generates 650bhp compared to the original's 626bhp -- just over five per cent more. Still, it boots you to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, and 125mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The extra power gains you under two mph more at a Vmax now up to 211mph.

The suspension, together with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, gets a stiffer damper configuration, a 10mm lower body and larger brake discs with a diameter of 390mm.

The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing, according to Mercedes, which also reckons the tweaks will appeal to "the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group".

Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide improved lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a racing touch to the interior.

Your tutor is David Coulthard

Fancy a preview? Merc is launching a worldwide SLR Club at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the club provides events related to the SLR, and a safety and speed academy offering driver training courses and seminars. Instructors include David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer.

[adycav]

I thought that it was referring to 722 bhp...

[sidesauce]

Hmmmm..... No, I like it!

[4WD]

So did I. That might have made some sense, or even worthwhile.

[RR-eng]

You have got wonder how hard it would be for them to strip out all of the ~ 400kg of luxuary gubbins. It managed a 1:20 lap of the TG circuit and is neck and neck with a CGT in a drag race. Imagine what it would do with a bit of serious weight reduction. Its not like there isn't a market for expensive supercars with no luxuary kit in them.

[Jimisaracer]

I was disappointed to learn that it wasn't 722bhp, it wouldn't appear to be that unrealistic an output considering how much some of the tuning companies get out of Merc lumps.

[mybrainhurts]

No, Nas, no....

[thekirbyfake]

I was going to get one until I saw DC would be teaching me to drive...

[bruciebonuz]

Have seen a fair few SLRs now (I live in London so you see a great assortment of cars) and they are one of the only cars that genuinely does stand out from the hordes of Astons, F430s and Lambos. Only other car that I have seen in the flesh that has genuine "wow" appeal was an Enzo. If I had the cash, an SLR would be in the collection

[Richards 7]

bruciebonuz said:

Have seen a fair few SLRs now (I live in London so you see a great assortment of cars) and they are one of the only cars that genuinely does stand out from the hordes of Astons, F430s and Lambos. Only other car that I have seen in the flesh that has genuine "wow" appeal was an Enzo. If I had the cash, an SLR would be in the collection

Does it not look a bit too much like lesser Mercs? Not seen one in the flesh so rely on your opinion. Truly an amazing car though, like the boot spoiler thingy, I'd play with that for hours.

[annodomini2]

Jimisaracer said:

I was disappointed to learn that it wasn't 722bhp, it wouldn't appear to be that unrealistic an output considering how much some of the tuning companies get out of Merc lumps.

Could possibly be the output in PS, about 715 so approximately 722. (1.1 ps to 1bhp)

[Burnham]

I saw the Gumball SLR (with the Fighter Jet decals) popping down Marlow High Street a few weeks back....I can safely say that that stuck out from the crowd. Awesome looking machine!!

[paulie-mafia]

Hmm, if I was going to be schooled by the great Jochen Mass, then I'd want to be in something with a clutch!

[jakemad]

Another 24bhp... How "special" is that. You would think that AMG could do a bit better if they are going to make a "special" edition of the SLR. How much more will this "huge" power hike and life changing interior modifications cost? £35,000? I have seen a few in London myself and the only thing that stands out is the horrible sound the brakes make.

[lap_time]

thekirbyfake said:

I was going to get one until I saw DC would be teaching me to drive...

sniffpetrol.com
Ach aye tha noo mother******s

[adycav]

mybrainhurts said:

No, Nas, no....

[iluvmercs]

I want one!

(Back wheels need to be deep dish at the rear, though IMHO - Sorry )


Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Tuesday 11th July 13:49

[Polarbert]

jakemad said:

Another 24bhp... How "special" is that. You would think that AMG could do a bit better if they are going to make a "special" edition of the SLR. How much more will this "huge" power hike and life changing interior modifications cost? £35,000? I have seen a few in London myself and the only thing that stands out is the horrible sound the brakes make.

Horrible sound? Are you joking? It sounds like a flipping spitfire!

[eein]

If I had money (lots of it) I would certainly buy an SLR over some of the other cars it gets compared with. Mainly because it does have those creature comforts. I don't want a road car that it very close to a race car. I would also buy a non road legal full on race car - maybe an old le mans or millie miglia car and race that on tracks all over the place. (you'd never guess I was a GFOS at the weekend!)

My best SLR 'spot' was seeing one 'racing' (ie driving fast in front of) an Enzo going down the A3. It was just after teh SLR was on official sale. I tried to keep up, but despite the stage 1 tuning kit on my car a 40bhp mini is no match for them. Still, at least my mini is british!

[Frik]

jakemad said:

Another 24bhp... How "special" is that. You would think that AMG could do a bit better if they are going to make a "special" edition of the SLR. How much more will this "huge" power hike and life changing interior modifications cost? £35,000? I have seen a few in London myself and the only thing that stands out is the horrible sound the brakes make.

How much more power do you think it's possible to get out of the engine?

Of course, they could have always given it less power to start with so that the leap would be higher...

[Richards 7]

eein said:

If I had money (lots of it) I would certainly buy an SLR over some of the other cars it gets compared with. Mainly because it does have those creature comforts. I don't want a road car that it very close to a race car. I would also buy a non road legal full on race car - maybe an old le mans or millie miglia car and race that on tracks all over the place. (you'd never guess I was a GFOS at the weekend!)

My best SLR 'spot' was seeing one 'racing' (ie driving fast in front of) an Enzo going down the A3. It was just after teh SLR was on official sale. I tried to keep up, but despite the stage 1 tuning kit on my car a 40bhp mini is no match for them. Still, at least my mini is british!

Good on you eein!!!! Look at it like this though...If you were in an economy run you'd win. Thought the Mc Merc was buit in Britain by the demons at McLaren. No doubt someone will tell me if I'm wrong