Friday 4th May 2007

SLR Roadster

Merc supercar now available as a roadster

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Roadster is the third SLR model

These are the first official pictures of the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren Roadster.

Since its launch in 2004, the big supercar has had a mixed reaction from both press and public alike, so M-B will no doubt be hoping the addition of fresh air and sun tan possibilities to the SLR’s repertoire will renew interest.

The Roadster’s new roof panel is made from carbon fibre and opens and closes in less than ten seconds. However, it’s only semi-automatic in operation, meaning the driver still has to manually unlatch and push clear the roof from the window header rail. Strangely, Mercedes has chosen to limit the colour choice of this roof panel to only three different shades.

The essential SLR recipe remains much the same however. The V8 compressor engine produces an identical 617bhp and 575lb ft of torque, with drive passing through a five-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The construction is still an exotic mix of carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels over a carbon fibre monocoque with only the supporting frames for the engine crafted from aluminium.

Engine produces the same 617bhp as coupe

Unique carbon fibre crash elements in the structure and reinforced steel A-pillars, along with two fixed roll-over bars, line up in the SLR’s safety arsenal along with the usual passive safety features. The firm is confident that normal conversation is possible at speeds of over 120mph such is the work that’s gone into the air flow management around the car. In fact, the Roadster shares its 207mph top speed with the coupe, although there’s no word on whether the engineers have tested the strength of the average human scalp to withstand such punishment.

The SLR Roadster is due to join the regular coupe and the recently launched and more focused ‘722 edition’ on sale this September. Expect a price tag somewhere around £350,000.

 

[angrys3owner]

That is a seriously nice looking car as a drop top!

[sprinter885]

Oh bugger ! Another car to add to my fantasy garage.
Article said: [In fact, the Roadster shares its 207mph top speed with the coupe, although there’s no word on whether the engineers have tested the strength of the average human scalp to withstand such punishment.]
Clearly had Ron Dennis in mind

Edited by sprinter885 on Friday 4th May 09:08

[Wigeon Incognito]

angrys3owner said:

That is a seriously nice looking car as a drop top!

Agreed, the coupe always looked unresolved but this is what the SLR should always have been. It suits its supposed character too.

[BUG4LIFE]

Yeah, the SLR was always a cruiser - this is about the ultimate drop-top ever, just imagine driving one of these, people would be breaking their necks looking at you as you fly by!!!

[MrKipling43]

BUG4LIFE said:

Yeah, the SLR was always a cruiser - this is about the ultimate drop-top ever, just imagine driving one of these, people would be breaking their necks looking at you as you fly by!!!

And think of the NOISE!

Love those doors too...

[thirsty]

Anyone out there got an extra 350K I can borrow ???

[E38]

Nice, but im sure they have had pop-up roll bar things for many years now, why must a £350K car have massive triangles behind the seats?

[FourWheelDrift]

E38 said:

Nice, but im sure they have had pop-up roll bar things for many years now, why must a £350K car have massive triangles behind the seats?

Well if you happen to be doing 207mph when you roll maybe the popup bars wouldn't be strong enough.

[johnnywb]

stunning

[Andrew D]

Wow! Excellent job on the styling, its just right. Now there's a roadster the SLR could well rival the Carrera GT for a place in my fantasy garage!

Wouldn't mind seeing if the styling success has been maintained when the roof is up though. But what's all the manual latch stuff about? Are they scared it'll come down on it's own at 207mph?

[iluvmercs]

Utterly gorgeous car!

Darren

[garc]

Good to hear nobody going on about structural rigidity...... Woops, slipped out

[Dr S]

The SLR was irrelevant as a coupe and will remain so as a convertible...

[angrys3owner]

Dr S said:

The SLR was irrelevant as a coupe and will remain so as a convertible...

I don't think anything that has over 600bhp is irrelevant, care to explain?

[nubbin.]

Dr S said:

The SLR was irrelevant as a coupe and will remain so as a convertible...

A bit like the 911 then - Porsche has produced better cars in the Boxster and Cayman, but daren't kill the 911, nor put it's engines into the superior packages they sell for less money. Whoops, sorry, didn't realise you were a Porsche fan....

Thank goodness for variety.

[Alex Gurr]

Why oh why would anyone pay £350,000 for one of these.I think they are horiffic A Ferrari 599 has got to be a much better car at 2/3 of the price.

[Vodka Margarine]

Alex Gurr said:

Why oh why would anyone pay £350,000 for one of these.I think they are horiffic A Ferrari 599 has got to be a much better car at 2/3 of the price.

That p1sses on a 599 looks wise IMO

It's somehow vulgar but beautiful. Sort of car I would build a shrine for.

[robcrezz]

Vodka Margarine said:

Alex Gurr said:

Why oh why would anyone pay £350,000 for one of these.I think they are horiffic A Ferrari 599 has got to be a much better car at 2/3 of the price.

That p1sses on a 599 looks wise IMO

It's somehow vulgar but beautiful. Sort of car I would build a shrine for.

You are absolutly spot on.

[ec523]

thirsty said:

Anyone out there got an extra 350K I can borrow ???

I will second that...

[Leoparky]

Drivers car?????.....with an automatic gearbox (ideal for Miami or L.A!!)