Mercedes McLaren will be building an even faster SLR. Called the "SLR 722 Edition", it takes its name from the race number of the famous 1955 Mille Miglia-winning 300 SLR driven by Stirling Moss, and navigated by 'DSJ', the initials of the celebrated writer Denis Jenkinson.

Featuring more than 300 modified components, the super sports car serves up a boost in output, more dynamic chassis tuning, improved aerodynamics and new interior appointments.

Boasting an output of 478 kW/650 hp, the new SLR McLaren 722 Edition super sports car not only out-performs its historic forefather, it even outstrips the peak performance of the current SLR model – a technical masterstroke on the part of the engineers at Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The new series is limited to only 150 models.



At the heart of the SLR 722 Edition is a 5.5-litre V8 supercharged powerplant assembled by hand at the Mercedes-AMG engine workshops in Affalterbach, Germany.

Further modifications were made to influence the interplay of the engine with the gearshift. For each of the individually selectable transmission modes – M (Manual) and S (Sport) on the one hand and C (Comfort) on the other – there is now a different accelerator pedal characteristic curve which has been optimised in line with the very different operating conditions that apply in each case.

The end result is an impressive set of performance figures, even by high-end super sports car standards: the SLR 722 Edition completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds (SLR 3.8 seconds), going on to achieve 200 km/h in just 10.2 seconds (SLR 10.6 seconds) and 300 km/h in a mere 28.0 seconds (SLR 28.8 seconds).

Plus the top speed of 337 km/h is even higher than that of the current SLR (334 km/h).

The stiffer spring rates and shock-absorber characteristics of the chassis (body lowered by 10 mm at both the front and rear) are what gives the SLR 722 Edition its increased directional stability and noticeably further enhanced handling dynamics. Body roll on bends has been reduced by over 20 percent, allowing the new SLR 722 Edition to corner at even greater speeds.

New 19-inch forged-aluminium wheels,with a unique, palladium grey design, also improve the handling dynamics of the special-edition model. Their low weight, compared to ordinary tyres, reduces the unsprung masses, making the SLR 722 Edition even more responsive. Plus the 19-inch wheels allow larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm to be fitted on the front axle. Hailing from the Italian manufacturer “Brembo”, the new braking system combines with the carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic discs to provide a highly impressive deceleration rate which is fully in keeping with the SLR 722 Edition's all-round performance.

Extensive tests were carried out to develop a new ESP® control system for this new brake configuration.

Inside, the sports bucket seats, upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, offer excellent lateral support, while the colour contrast provided by the distinctive "300-SL-red" stitching throughout the interior, the 722 insignia on the head restraints and the red seat belts is designed to deliver maximum appeal. The attractive material mix comprising semi-aniline leather and Alcantara, which gives the interior its characteristic look and feel, also features prominently on the roof lining and door panels. Frequently used controls, such as the shift lever and handbrake lever, are trimmed in easy-grip, moisture-absorbing suede.

Story: Classic Driver
Photos: DaimlerChrysler - Strictly Copyright