Introduction
The SLR is the abbreviation which has a great influence upon the auto sport fans. It involves three notions and became the symbol of car splendor and perfection. These are the principles which are basis for construction and developing such legendary racing cars as Mercedes-Benz. These cars took part in the rallies of 1995 as Mille Miglia, Targa Florio or Tourist Trophy and turned out to be 2- and 3 times champions.
Legend and innovation, this is the formula which was assumed as the principle for body design of new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. The main features of legendary racing cars like SLR of the 50-s with modern vanguard models of recent models like Mercedes plus modern “silver arrows” style complete this unique style. This design, style and construction allowed winning the World Formula 1 championship
Design
The front side of SLR looks like Mercedes SL but it is designed for McLaren Formula 1 with its famous front shape. But side shape is not likable to Mercedes. It looks more like a fighter of the World War II times with a long cowl and a small cabin displaced back. The back of the body is again the copy of Mercedes. But its back is so unusual.
But to tell the truth Mercedes SLR reminds the concept car placed on the African road. Strips of silvery plastic are built in back lanterns. Actually these are turn signals. Silvery strips are covered with circuit of orange light-emitting diodes which flash on the background of constant red "dimensional" luminescence.
But the main features of this car are doors. They are opened not sideway as in the usual car and upwards as in the well-known Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, “Wing of the seagull ". These doors are opened upwards and simultaneously sideway. In fact loops of doors are fastened to the racks of a windshield!
There is a lack of space inside. The body of a person takes a half sleeping pose dictated by the dislocation of black reinforced plastic cone. Seat is integral here. Corner of back pillow inclination is impossible to change.
But it is comfortable to seat here. The structure of a seat is chosen very successfully. Legs disappear in a long and narrow tunnel with two floor pedals: brakes and gas. Here is a small platform Instead of coupling. But hands lay down comfortable on the helm designed specially for SLR. A rudder has two adjustments and they are electric too.
Engine
Engine with mechanical supercharger, and five-step "automatic device" were inhered from roadster Mercedes SL 55 AMG. If SL of 5.4 volumes accelerates to 476 horse power and 700 Nm so SLR was forced up to 626 forces and up to 780 Nm.
Brakes
There is a novelty. New ceramic brake discs are presented in this model. Such disc weighs 6.4 kg against 15.6 kg in the similar steel model SL 55 AMG. This disc maintains heating up to 1000°C and it is considered to run over than 300000 km. It is practically impossible to overheat such brakes! There are front disks of 370 mm diameter and eight-piston supports. Back disks of 360 mm diameter have six piston supports
Other Features
The Body SLR is a true masterpiece. A cabin is completely made of black-reinforced plastic. The cast aluminum frame of a motor compartment fastens to the body with the help of bolts and glue. It is necessary to pay attention to suspension bracket with the "top" stabilizer connected with the bottom levers by pushing racks. And two cones are attached to a frame. They are deformed with very high degree energy absorbing at any crash. Such body is approximately 20-30 % easier than steel.
Adaptive air bags, knee and lateral air bags of new design, seat belts and also the ceramic brake discs supplement the list of safety system for Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It establishes new standards in this class of cars.
Performance
Mercedes McLaren SLR is more than worthy successor of Rudolf Ulenhaut. In fact if original racing Mercedes 300SLR has approximately 275 horse power being of 1 ton weight, Mercedes McLaren SLR has 370 horse powers of the same weight! This magnificent car will be produced 3500 copies in quantity.
