September, 2008
The SLR program just doesn't want to die as we now have another iteration of this brash front engined, automatic transmission beast - the SLR 722S Roadster. You might remember the 722 Coupe, the first revision of the original SLR concept introduced in 2005. Like the aggressive 722 Coupe, the new 722S Roadster is a refinement of the original Roadster theme. While there are still unsold Roadsters sitting in Mercedes showrooms around the world, this did not deter the release of 150 new 722Ss.
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| 722 "S" Roadster: quicker and lower than standard SLR Roadster. |
The "722" theme has been worked hard by Mercedes and honors the time the 1955 Mille Miglia winning 300SLR of Stirling Moss/Denis Jenkinson was flagged off the starting ramp in Italy: 7:22 AM. Engine output has been increased from "massive" to "daunting" at 650hp with an attendant increase in torque. SLRs have quite a bellowing exhaust note and the new "S" Roadster should sound even more sinister.
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| Long nose/short tail aspect of SLR design evident here. |
A ride height reduction of 10 mm and slightly stiffer spring/shock combination will put the car's dynamic handling capabilities even farther beyond its new owner's abilities. The car receives an undernose "splitter," carbon fiber hood vents, palladium grey accents around front/rear light modules to distinguish the car from a "stock" SLR roadster. The interior is finished in the very stylish semi-aniline leather/Alcantara trim with "300SL" red stitching, red seat belts and additional carbon fiber trim accents. While not mentioned in the press release I see attractive new wheels as well. The car will become available January 1, 2009.
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| Grey trim materials accented with red stitching and seat belts - very chic. |
Yes, this is very cool car - an exercise in pure automotive fantasy but another addition to the growing list of supercars from Mercedes and McLaren. I'm reluctant to say this is the last hurrah for the SLR program - there may be even more SLR bits and pieces to be screwed together at the McLaren facility in Woking - but if it is, the 722S Roadster may become the most collectible of the SLR range.
Roy Spencer,
editor www.ourSL.com
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| The baddest convertible money can buy! |
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