The new Mercedes-Benz SLR "722 Edition" is powered by a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine, hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generating 478 kW/650 hp. The car went on sale on July 11th.

The the new model variant SLR "722 Edition" is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955.

The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the "722 Edition" accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h (124 mph) is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h) (209 mph) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.

The "722 Edition" comes with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm should ensure excellent braking performance.

The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a racing touch to the interior.

Exclusive "SLR. Club" for SLR owners

Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR "722 Edition". This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide "SLR. Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the "SLR Club" provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Maas, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.

The SLR 722 will cost an additional 20,000 EURO above the standard car

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: DaimlerChrysler