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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren is a uniquely named car as befitting its unique identity. Clearly the car visually relates to the design themes of its sibling Mercedes cars and as a Mercedes will have unprecedented levels of refinement, robustness and day to day drivability for a car capable of more than 340km/h. The name SLR (an acronym for Sport Light Racing) harks back to the original SLR racing car that famously won the Mille Miglia and closely links the car to the current SL. And the McLaren element of the name relates to the Formula One McLaren Mercedes programme and the UK based McLaren company that is responsible for much of the car’s development and which will manufacture the car.
The design concept was previewed at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show as both coupe and cabrio versions. But due to the need for exceptional structural strength and minimal weight, whilst maintaining Mercedes Benz levels of comfort, the greater rigidity and lightness of a coupe only structure was chosen over that of a roadster for production, and is made from carbon fibre using computer controlled automation – a world first.
The production car’s surfaces all differ slightly from the concept car’s, mostly due to aerodynamic requirements and particularly evident in the higher upper rear surface of the boot. Changes that see one of the most dramatic, long nosed sports car proportions for over 50 years stemmed from the need to move the front engine rearward for a better weight distribution whilst also accommodating two full size adults. Yet it maintains the concept car’s design theme that connect all the elements of its identity; Mercedes Benz production car facial identity and flowing surface language, SLR inspired gull-wing doors (although here opening forward from hinge points on the A-pillar), side exhausts and finned side air outlets strakes, and the Formula 1 McLaren inspired arrow shaped nose and front spoiler. The line that sweeps around the air outlet to join with the door opening cutline further emphasises the dramatic proportions of the SLR.
Due for launch on the 9th Sepember at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the SLR will go head to head with the Porsche Carrera GT with similar price and performance, but is a uniquely impressive car in name, concept and design.
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