Mercedes-Benz is one of the few car makers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces; from the compact SLK roadster and mid-size CLK four-seater, to the large SL roadster. With the
Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in
Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future, but for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have 'to do'.
This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gull-wing doors. Its lightweight semi-automatic top folds down in just 10 seconds, offering "undiluted open-air driving pleasure" for two lucky occupants.
Power is sourced from the same front-mid-mounted AMG-enhanced supercharged V8 found in the coupe variant, delivering 626bhp and a maximum 575lb.ft of torque to the rear wheels. An AMG Speedshift R five-speed transmission shifts automatically through the cogs, while high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs are charged with slowing the SLR once it's completed its 3.8 second sprint to 62mph.
The SLR Roadster utilises many F1-bred technologies employed by partner McLaren. The body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic materials and two aluminium sub-frames cradle the engine. Riding atop a specially-reinforced carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics have been optimised for handling at high speed. Like its coupe sibling, the Roadster incorporates an 'airbrake' to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed, along with a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce.
Safety aboard the open top SLR is ensured by carbon-fibre crash elements consisting of steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system are all standard fare.
The carbon-fibre bucket seats - which can be specially adapted for occupants with individually sized seat pads - are covered in semi-aniline-leather, while the cockpit also features dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a Bose audio system, multi-function sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.
Built at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, the SLR will be available from September 2007.
Eric Gallina - 10 May 2007
