Stuttgart, Jul 10, 2006 – The new Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car. Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior.
A continuing tradition: the new model variant SLR 722 Edition is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.
The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the 722 Edition, which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 478 kW/650 hp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the 722 Edition accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.
Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.
Discreet visual modifications mark the SLR 722 Edition out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. 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. At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolises the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.
Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR 722 Edition at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France.
Story by DaimlerChrysler, edited by Supercars.net.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| price $ | $ $480 000 USD |
| engine | 90 Degree AMG V8 w/Dry Sump |
| position | Front-Mid Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Screw-Type Compressor w/Two Charge-Air Coolers |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 5439 cc / 331.9 in³ |
| bore | 97 mm / 3.82 in |
| stroke | 92 mm / 3.62 in |
| compression | 8.8:1 |
| power | 484.7 kw / 650 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| specific output | 115.09 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 354.07 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 820.27 nm / 605 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Carbon Fibre & Compsite Body & Chassis |
| front tires | 245/40 ZR 18 |
| rear tires | 295/35 ZR 18 |
| front brakes | Internally Vented Carbon Discs w/8-Piston Calipers, ESP, SBC |
| f brake size | x 370 mm / x 14.6 in |
| rear brakes | Solid Carbon Discs w/4-Piston Calipers, ESP, SBC |
| r brake size | x 360 mm / x 14.2 in |
| front wheels | F 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in |
| rear wheels | R 45.7 x 29.2 cm / 18 x 11.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Assist |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Doube wishbones |
| curb weight | 1768 kg / 3898 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2700 mm / 106.3 in |
| front track | 1638 mm / 64.5 in |
| rear track | 1569 mm / 61.8 in |
| length | 4656 mm / 183.3 in |
| width | 1908 mm / 75.1 in |
| height | 1261 mm / 49.6 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Auto w/Speedshift System |
| gear ratios | 3.56:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.831:1, :1 |
| top speed | ~337 kph / 209.4 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~3.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~7.8 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~11.5 seconds |
Keyword: 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition