The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an incredible car, and impressive to this day for a number of reasons, but one of the most important is the fact that it is the result of a collaboration between two of the greatest names in the automotive industry. At the time in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren were partners in Formula 1, and their racing collaboration was brought to the road in the form of the incredibly impressive SLR McLaren, inspired by the Silver Arrow race cars from long before in Mercedes-Benz history.
Designed by the legendary Gordon Murray, also responsible for the mythical McLaren F1, the SLR is remembered for its greatness today because of its incredible engineering, still-impressive performance, even in the face of new hypercars and performance cars, stunning looks, and performance car ethos that honors its very long heritage and history.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Price
A combination of 2 famous automakers is bound to command a premium. A nominal Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will sell between $300,000 and 400,000 depending on mileage and condition. As they are approaching 10 years old, now is the time to find your Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren for sale.
You will receive a supercar that combines the best in design and engineering from both companies. Each example is historically significant, as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is the last Mercedes-Benz flagship built without input from AMG. As time continues to pass and the model begins to be viewed by more as a time-honored classic, the Mercedes SLR McLaren price will continue to increase.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Review
Many consider this car to be the best of both worlds. McLaren supplied a sleek & aerodynamic body. The engine, suspension & many smaller components were shipped to McLaren in England for final assembly. McLaren produced the carbon fiber monocoque, making it the strongest Mercedes-Benz flagship to-date.
Millions Worth of SLR McLarens at the Mile Miglia
It was there that body and chassis became one. It was the first street-legal McLaren since their F1 a decade earlier, so no expense was spared. A proper Mercedes-Benz SLR review should note the curb weight of almost 3,900 lbs.
A supercharged 5.4L V8 allows the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren horsepower to be 617 along with 575 lb-ft of torque. Since the transmission is mounted ahead of the cockpit, the car tends to understeer in most situations. Keep it in a straight line and you will be fine.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Specs
As the perfect combination of German & English engineering, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren specs are the product of a decade of Formula 1 dominance. When the top-brass at Daimler needed a new flagship, they owned 40% of McLaren Technologies.
England would be responsible for the body and chassis, while Germany would provide the drivetrain and electronics. This gave the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren top speed of 208 mph. Using the latest in automatic transmission technology, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 0-60 time averaged 3.4 seconds. When drag racing, every Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 1/4 mile time is deep in the 11-second range. It is still a potent performer 10 years later.
Specs:
- Price: 299,995
- Engine: 5.4L Supercharged V8
- Transmission: Five-speed Automatic
- Horsepower: 617 hp
- Torque: 575 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 3.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 208 mph
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Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Engine
Under the iconic hood lies a work of art. The Mercedes-Benz 5.4 dates back to the 5.0L engine that debuted in 1998. In order to reach the power levels of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, AMG was hired to unlock more power.
Bored & stroked to 5.4 liters, each Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren engine was assembled by hand. A lysholm supercharger was tuned to deliver 13 lbs of boost. This required a compression ratio of 8.8 with twin intercoolers to prevent knock. As for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren mpg, expect to average 12 in the city and 16 on the highway. The engine offers almost the same power in every circumstance, and it requires premium fuel.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Transmission
Always leading the way in gearbox technology, we assumed the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would arrive with their 7-speed automatic. However the weight and complexity proved to go against the nature of the car. Instead, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren transmission is the AMG Speedshift R. It is a 5-speed automatic with three manual modes. While especially today, a 5-speed transmission might seem dated and insufficient, it was able to provide excellent performance to the SLR McLaren that still holds up today. Close ratios and a deep overdrive allow it to stay in the engine's powerband. It is also filled with hardened internals for years of long life.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Interior
Nothing is more telling of a car's age than what lies inside. While the power and styling were contemporary for the era, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren can't hide its 1990's influences. Microfiber is everywhere these days, so we enjoy acres of red leather. Controls are placed in an ergonomic and intuitive layout. You won't be fumbling in frustration. A major selling point are the vents. They are aimed and spaced perfectly. This is praise that ends with this model, as its successors moved into avant-garde aesthetics.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Brakes
Here is where the legends about this car really begin. Not only are the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren brakes among the first carbon-ceramics offered in the U.S. It was the first car to legally offer Sensotronic brakes in North America. This innovative Bosch system determines how much pressure to send to each caliper. It combines active handling, ABS, and stability control into one system. Prospective owners should know that these pistons need to be excercised on a monthly basis, because the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was not built to sit still.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Standout Features
Because the carbon fiber floorpans are part of the aero package, the exhaust was forced to exit under the front fenders. While the side-mounted exhaust tips were a solution to a challenge that the SLR McLaren's design presented, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren turned it into a strength as the exhaust tips became one of the most prominent design features of the SLR McLaren and a large part of its vintage racing inspiration and collector appeal. It could be the only McLaren or Mercedes-Benz with exhaust ahead of the doors. Midway though production, the engine was upgraded.
Find Your Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren for sale
The new car was known as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition, a reference to Stirling Moss's historic starting time of 7:22 AM at the 1955 Mile Miglia. It was offered as a Roadster and GT models also. This also spawned a Stirling Moss Edition, without a roof or windshield. The ultimate collectible for racing fans. It has to be amazing to be part of Jay Leno's Collection. Click the button above to find yours!