2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Edition

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