Share

Bruising 478-kW SLR 'poser'

accreditation

Mercedes-Benz won't allow its flagship SLR McLaren supercar to disappear quietly… Take a look at the über Roadster 722 S.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is a hefty one-uppance on the "regular" Roadster on which it is based.

But along with a higher power output, the Roadster 722 S has also had its springs and shock absorbers altered to display more dynamic qualities.

The roadster's body is lower by 10 mm and although the roadster's aerodynamics are largely based on the SLR Coupe, some adjustments allow for more precise handling and stability at high speeds. 



478 kW, 820 Nm

But what level of performance can be expected? All we'll say is, "Hold on to your toupee!"

As with all AMG mills, this supercharged 5.5-litre V8 is hand-built at Affalterbach. Compared with the 460 kW and 780 Nm available on the "regular" SLR McLaren Roadster, it produces a thumping 478 kW and 820 Nm .

Merc mentions this car is a good mix of "sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality" although we're a bit hesitant to believe them, especially then this 722 S super poser accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and has a top end clipping the 335 km/h mark...

The five-speed automatic transmission has, according to Mercedes-Benz been designed for high performance and is specially adapted for high torque loads. It allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift patterns.

Lightweight 19-inch forged aluminium wheels partially obscure cheeky red-painted brake calipers on the heavy duty carbon fibre brake discs.



Quick but safe

Although this promises scorching deceleration times, safety for the two occupants is bolstered by reinforced crash structures and two fixed rollover bars. Moreover, other safety features include adaptive front, side and knee airbags and a tyre pressure monitor.

The roadster's exterior is finished in metallic grey paintwork. The interior is equipped with leather and Alcantara bucket seats and details include contrasting red stitching, red seat belts and "722 S" embossed on the head rests.

Comfort equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a Bose sound system and a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles.

The car's fully retractable folding soft top is made to withstand high speeds and the semi-automatic structure opens and closes in around 10 seconds.

This version of the SLR recalls the historic 1955 Mille Miglia win by Stirling Moss in a 300 SLR bearing the race number 722. Only 150 units will be produced from McLaren's workshops in Woking. 

 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE