SHOCK! DAIMLER-CHRYSLER & TAG McLAREN JOIN FORCES OFF THE TRACK

The car is to be developed and constructed at the McLaren Cars Ltd factory in Woking. A total investment of �135 million is to be made with the first sales scheduled for 2003. The prototype SLR was shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It is designed to reflect the racing heritage and styling of a Mercedes-Benz, but will be built using the state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques at the new TAG-McLaren factory in Woking.

Through the concept of the Mercedes-Benz SLR, DaimlerChrysler and McLaren intend to ensure the transfer of technology and image from their successful Formula 1 partnership to series production, while at the same time reviving the myth of the Silver Arrows with this super sports car. According to their research, the segment of top-class sports cars - at which the Mercedes-Benz SLR is aimed - will almost double during the next five years and reach an annual volume of approx. 2,500 units. DaimlerChrysler expects to be able to meet up to 20 per cent of the demand in this segment. The major markets for the Mercedes-Benz SLR will be the USA, Europe, Japan and Middle East.

Hubbert: "The benchmark for 21st Century sports cars"
Prof. J�rgen Hubbert, the DaimlerChrysler board member responsible for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars said: "By designing and producing the Mercedes-Benz SLR, we will once again underline our globally leading position in the field of technical innovations. The Mercedes-Benz SLR is an incomparable combination of the brand's characteristic design, future-oriented innovation and unparalleled safety, quality and performance - in this way, it will become the benchmark for 21st century sports cars. McLaren is the ideal partner for us to develop and produce the Mercedes-Benz SLR in close cooperation."

Ron Dennis, Managing Director of the TAG McLaren Group said: "Today's announcement represents one of the most important milestones in the development of the TAG McLaren Group. It is, of course, our intention to bring the same level of focus to bear on this project which has seen us achieve success with Mercedes-Benz in Formula One. I am sure the SLR will reflect the total commitment to excellence that both our companies constantly strive to achieve."

Bodywork made of high-performance materials
With the decision in favour of series production of the Mercedes-Benz SLR, the Stuttgart-based brand returns to the segment of the legendary Gran Turismo. The two-seater will continue the tradition of the legendary Silver Arrows from Mercedes-Benz and will secure pole position among tomorrow's high-performance sports cars with ground-breaking technical innovations adopted from Formula 1.

Like the current McLaren-Mercedes racing car which carries the three-pointed star, the super sports car will have a bodywork made of an intelligent combination of carbon fibre and other high-performance materials which ensure maximum rigidity and occupant protection at a weight that will set the standards in this category. Exemplary handling stability and safety will be provided by features such as optimum aerodynamics, advanced electronic control systems and fibre-reinforced ceramic brakes.

Top-class values in terms of torque and road speed
The Mercedes-Benz SLR will be powered by a V8 engine with an output of more than 544bhp. The car has a target weight of 1,400kg, which will permit top-class acceleration and speed. Equipped with a supercharger and a special water-based charge air cooler, the engine will develop a maximum torque of more than 700Nm upwards of 4000 rpm.

Front section in Formula 1 design, gullwing doors reminiscent of the 300 SL
The fascinating bodywork design, clearly identifying the sports car as a Mercedes-Benz, is characterised by the balanced integration of traditional and modern styling elements. The front section - with Mercedes' characteristic four headlights, arrow-shaped front and distinctive double wings at the lower tip of the front end - reflects the fascination of the current McLaren-Mercedes formula one design. The design of the bonnet and wings newly interprets features of the SL sports cars from the '50s. Likewise, the gullwing doors, which open automatically by means of gas-pressure springs, are a modern-day interpretation of the legendary Silver Arrows the Stuttgarters launched in the '50s.

Designed & maintained by caint.com