Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss Unveiled

Today marks the end of a long chapter in supercar history. The last car ever to be produced by a cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, the Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss was officially unveiled today, providing a bittersweet close to the partnership.

On paper, the fourth SLR production car is simply amazing. It uses a supercharged V8 to get from 0-100 km/h in under 3.5 seconds. With a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph), the SLR takes complete advantage of its 650 horsepower rating. Built without a windshield, side windows, nor a roof, the driver and passenger are completely unprotected from nature. Although a frightening thought, this can only enhance the excitement felt from driving this car.

It was in 1955 Mercedes-Benz driver Stirling Moss took the 300 SLR to successive victories in the Mille Miglia, the Eifel race, Targa Florio, and the Tourist Trophy. Moss' Mille Miglia victory still stands today at a record ten hours, seven minutes, and 48 seconds. This is why the latest reincarnation of the legendary SLR bears the name "Stirling Moss".

Mercedes intended to keep the Silver Arrow concept rolling along with the SLR Stirling Moss, by giving the car an incredibly long hood, with a small rear. The hood is meant to be integrated with the interior to make the car look even longer than it is. Intricately detailed wing and black grilles on the side and hood are in keeping with SLR tradition. The interior is composed of a combination of carbon fibre trim, aluminum, and leather. An aluminum plaque surrounds the shift lever, embossed with Stirling Moss' signature.

Instead of a windscreen, air deflectors are utilitzed. Roll bars are built into the two scoops rising over the seats. To keep weight down, the entire body is made from carbon fibre. The owner of the vehicle can close off the vehicle with two carbon-fibre tonneau covers, carried in the trunk.

Mercedes/McLaren claim the car generates plenty of downforce, but the driver also has access to a semi-manual airbrake just in case. When the car is traveling over 120 km/h (75 mph) and the driver hits the brakes, the airbrake raises automatically.

Limited to just 75 units, the €750,000 Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss begins production in June. Only current SLR customers will get the opportunity to purchase the new vehicle.