Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are adding the crowning glory to their range of successful SLR super sports cars by launching a new, spectacular, and uncompromising model. With neither a roof nor a windscreen to separate the driver and front passenger from nature, allowing them to enjoy sheer high-speed excitement with all the attributes of a speedster. Further traits of the new SLR Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the legendary 300 SLR. A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW/650 hp accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and is good for a top speed of 350 km/h – performance that no other standard-production open-top car can match.
This extreme concept makes it a legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend and Mille Miglia record holder Stirling Moss, who piloted the Mercedes-Benz SLR race cars to a succession of victories in 1955. The exclusive SLR Stirling Moss, which marks the end of the current SLR family, is a 75-model limited edition priced at 750,000 euros (excl. VAT). Production of the SLR Stirling Moss starts in June 2009. Production of the SLR Roadster will cease, on schedule, at the same time.
Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. In the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLRracked up victory after victory, winning Mille Miglia, the Eifel race, Targa Florio, and the Tourist Trophy, piloted by some of the biggest stars in motorsport at that time: Juan Manuel Fangio, Karl Kling and, above all, the British racing driver Stirling Moss, who still holds the Mille Miglia record of ten hours, seven minutes, and 48 seconds. This is why the latest reincarnation of the legendary SLRbears the name "Stirling Moss". The new SLRStirling Moss combines the character of the modern-day SLRmodels with the allure of the SLRof 1955. Core values at the heart of both the historical and the current SLRmodels include a breathtaking new design, innovative technology, first-class materials that have been perfectly handcrafted and, above all, a unique driving experience that appeals to all the senses.
Extremely puristic concept with no roof and no windscreen
Following the lead set by the 300 SLR in every respect, the new Silver Arrow is of extremely high quality yet puristic when it comes to equipment, dispensing with the side windows and the roof. All that protects the driver and front passenger from the wind are air deflectors measuring two centimeters in height. Two scoops integrated in the body serve as roll-over bars. This extreme concept also clearly distinguishes the new SLR Stirling Moss from all other vehicles in the elite-sports-car class on a visual level.
Like the legendary race cars of yesteryear, the SLR Stirling Moss impresses with its scintillating performance. With the power to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h, the puristic high-performance sports car brings a whole new dimension to open-top driving. Not just because of the impressive performance figures, but also since every drive in the SLR Stirling Moss appeals to the senses with a new intensity and conveys the driving experience in its purest and most sensuous form. Hence this automotive thoroughbred offers an open-air experience that is unique for a road-going car.
Alluring design as a reminiscence to the SLR race cars
The entire body of the SLR Stirling Moss is made from lightweight carbon fiber and features a unique design. When the Mercedes-Benz designers came to design the body of the new SLR Stirling Moss, they never lost sight of the fact that they were designing a car with a top speed of 350 km/h. At the same time, however, this top athlete is a convincing reminiscence to the design idiom of the SLR race cars of the 1950s, which still sends people into raptures to this day.
The strikingly arrow-shaped, exciting form of the SLRStirling Moss is characterized by an elongated hood and a compact, muscular rear end. Since there are no windows, the exterior and interior merge into one another. By way of example, the hood appears to flow from its distinctive nose right into the interior, making the car body seem much longer than it is. Even when stationary, therefore, the sports car exudes a dynamism that immediately casts a spell over the observer.
Further prominent features include two scoops behind the driver and front passenger, which carry additional roll-over bars and likewise create a blend of the traditional and the modern. The wings are powerfully contoured, while facetted, black-painted ventilation grilles inserted at the sides and on the hood are unequivocal references to the legendary SLRmodels. Expressive lines create an beguiling interplay between light and shade, which emphasizes the dynamic overall impression.
Like its historic forebears, the new SLR Stirling Moss boasts extremely high side skirts, which is why the designers opted for forward-opening gullwing doors.
The car is closable using two carbon-fibre covers – known as tonneau covers – which are carried in the trunk. When both tonneau covers are fitted and the doors are closed, the SLR Stirling Moss resembles a fine sculpture.
In keeping with the car's puristic exterior, the interior has been pared down to the bare essentials. Interwoven surfaces on the dashboard and doors create a gripping ambience and convey perfectionism. Here high-quality and authentic materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and high-grade leather define the style. An aluminum plaque bears the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.
Innovative technology and sophisticated aerodynamics concept
For the technical basis – sophisticated carbon-fiber design, high-performance chassis and robust V8 supercharged engine – the designers of the SLRStirling Moss were able to draw on their experience gained with the SLRCoupé and Roadster models. The Stirling Moss shares the same aerodynamics concept as the other members of the SLRfamily, featuring a closed underbody and a diffuser in the rear bumper to maximize downforce at the rear axle, although this diffuser is much larger than the one for the Coupé and Roadster models.
Thanks to painstaking work in the wind tunnel, the SLRStirling Moss always generates enough downforce for extremely reliable handling; however, the driver can raise the airbrake manually in order to further increase downforce – for extremely sporty driving. In addition, the airbrake is raised when the brakes are applied at speeds above 120 km/h in order to further stabilize the car and maximize deceleration.
Limited edition of just 75 models – the crowning glory of the SLR range
The new SLR Stirling Moss is a high-caliber speedster designed to appeal to lovers of the genre. It also marks the crowning glory of an era and, for the foreseeable future at least, a farewell to the SLR. Production of the SLR Roadster models will cease as scheduled in May 2009. A limited edition of just 75 Stirling Moss models will be produced between June and December 2009, with each chassis being individually numbered from 1 through 75. As well as being the final member of the current SLR family, this exclusive car is a thank you to the most loyal SLR customers, since they are the only ones who will be able to purchase a Stirling Moss model.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
