Mercedes-Benz announced today that it is building the last examples of the SLR Stirling Moss as it prepares to end the era of the SLR supercars from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren. The two started in 2004 to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s.

Five variants later – two coupes, two roadsters and the exclusive SLR Stirling Moss edition – the SLR days will come to an end. Mercedes-Benz will only produce 75 units of the Stirling Moss bring the total of SLR models produced to 2,000, which is more than any other supercar in its category.

Follow the jump for an SLR history lesson.

2009 Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss:

Press Release:

The end of a great era: Mercedes-Benz is building the last examples of the SLR

Stuttgart/Woking ““ The last examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the active era of the SLR super sports car from Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to an end. In 2004, with the swing-wing Coupé, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly set out to continue the story of the legendary SLR racing sports cars of the 1950s. Five exciting variants in the SLR family have been produced ““ two coupés, two roadster versions and finally the uncompromisingly purist SLR Stirling Moss. This breathtaking, high-speed racer is a limited edition of 75 examples, and is the final chapter in the modern SLR story. Overall 2000 SLR models have been produced ““ substantially more than any other sports car in this elite category. An SLR also represents a membership ticket to the SLR. CLUB. The spirit of the SLR will live on in this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers even after production ceases.

Three letters are all it takes to make car fans go into raptures: SLR. On paper, the legendary name simply stands for “sporty”, “light” and “raceworthy”. But, for connoisseurs, this magical combination of letters designates a dream car of special standing, promising unequalled driving enjoyment ““ a unique symbiosis of outstanding dynamics, superior performance and exceptional comfort.

In January 2009 Mercedes-Benz presented the most spectacular and uncompromising version of the reinterpreted 300 SLR as the last model in the SLR family – the SLR Stirling Moss. 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 attributes of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss include highly sophisticated technology and breathtaking design that provides a new take on the SLR legend. 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 car can match. This extreme concept makes the new high-performance sports car a worthy and legitimate bearer of the name of British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss, who piloted the legendary Mercedes-Benz SLR racing cars to a succession of victories in the 1950s.The SLR Stirling Moss accompanied by the 300 SLR and members of the SLR. CLUB celebrated its maiden journey at this year’s Mille Miglia, in the hands of the former Mercedes Formula 1 drivers Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. Sir Stirling Moss himself had even made a return to Brescia to be an eye-witness to this historic event. The SLR Stirling Moss is a limited edition of 75 examples, and production of the SLR series will then cease at the end of 2009.

The SLR spirit lives on

The SLR project was conceived for a limited period, and as a limited edition, from the very start, and is now coming to a magnificent, entirely fitting end with the SLR Stirling Moss. The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the enthusiastic members of the SLR. CLUB. In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts. The high-quality event calendar of the SLR. CLUB includes driving events on the most demanding race circuits, participation in the Mille Miglia and tours covering the most picturesque routes in Europe. Individual, long-term backup and care at the very highest level for SLR. CLUB members is assured by dedicated Mercedes-Benz personnel well beyond the end of production.

The birth of a legend

The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut, then head of passenger-car testing and in charge of racing-car development at Mercedes-Benz, transformed a fascinating idea into reality. He combined the design and technology of the spectacular Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” model produced since 1954 with the outstanding characteristics of the 300 SLR, one of the most successful racing machines of all time, which at that time dominated all the major road races ““ above all the notorious Tourist Trophy in Northern Ireland and the two Italian classics: Targa Florio and Mille Miglia. Here Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson piloted the racing Mercedes to victory in a record time that still stands to this very day. But the Brits were not the only ones to achieve success in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. Juan Manuel Fangio, who went on to become Formula-1 World Champion five times, and the speedy Karl Kling drove the sports car from Untertürkheim to many a place on the rostrum.The road-going Coupé version of this legendary racing machine ““ better known as the “Uhlenhaut Coupé” among automotive aficionados ““ was at the heart of the passionate affection for the SLR held by automotive enthusiasts.

High-class synthesis of legend, performance and comfort

The models in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren family, which have been rolling off the assembly lines at the world championship-winning team’s headquarters in Woking since 2004, are the most emphatic reminders of the glory years of the SLR during the 1950s. They have brought the core values of the historic SLR models into the modern era ““ an exciting design featuring many details reminiscent of its predecessors, innovative technology and carefully hand-crafted, high-grade materials. They also continue the tradition of the high-class Gran Turismo models in time-honoured fashion. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models offer a beguiling mix of optimum handling, extremely high speed and outstanding acceleration, not to mention a wealth of exquisite appointments, all of which makes for a truly unique driving experience.

To keep faith with the traditionally unique standing of the SLR, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive pooled all of their extensive motor-racing know-how to produce the super sports car. By way of example, the SLR models set the very highest of standards in terms of handling, rigidity and safety for high-performance cars thanks to the extremely widespread use of exceptionally lightweight yet very strong carbon-fibre materials, including the carbon-fibre front structures based on Formula 1 monocoque constructions, which optimise the car’s crashworthiness.

Outstanding powerplant for the front-mid-engine concept

In addition to this, the front-mid-engine concept allows the masses to be concentrated near the centre of the car, which makes for a low mass moment of inertia and consequently exceptional agility and handling dynamics. This concept, together with a chassis configuration born on the racetrack, forms the basis for optimum handling and peerless driving enjoyment.Here an important part is also played by the powerful high-tech engine with motor-racing genes, which was developed at Mercedes-AMG and provides power in abundance. In the Coupé and Roadster models, the driver can call upon 460 kW (626 hp) from the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5 litres, while the “722″ models develop 478 kW (650 hp), ranking the SLR engines among the most powerful units for road-going production sports cars.

Exciting design and exquisite interior

The design of the SLR high-performance sports cars generates sheer excitement by virtue of the stretched bonnet, taut waistline, rear-set passenger cell and short rear end of the Coupé and Roadster ““ making the thrill of high-speed performance visible as well. Features born on the racetrack include the downforce-enhancing aerodynamic concept incorporating a diffuser, an enclosed underbody, a spoiler and the AIRBRAKE.

As for the interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren models, the designers have created a synthesis of puristic sports-car feeling and extraordinary luxury. Exquisite materials such as carbon fibre, aluminium and leather developed exclusively for the SLR are of the highest quality and exclusivity. They dominate the passenger area of the Gran Turismo and further emphasise the unique nature of the car.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz has just dropped a couple of more shots of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. We saw the car earlier this month in Paris and we expect to catch it again at the 2008 LA Auto Show next month.

Mercedes-Benz will only be making 150 units of the drop-top SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S with production to take place at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England. Power will come from an AMG 5.5L V8 that makes 650-hp with a maximum torque of 604 lb-ft. The 0 to 62 mph sprint comes in at 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. Power is transferred to the wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Click through for more high-res images of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S:

About a year ago, RML teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to offer the McLaren SLR 722 GT, a SLR 722 made only for the track with an upgraded suspension, braking system, interior and exhaust system. Power came from a supercharged AMG 5.5L V8 that produces 680-hp giving the SLR 722 GT the ability to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 195 mph.

Those interested in one had to cash out $1.2 million in the U.S. and could only purchase the SLR 722 GT from RENNtech. Of course, we thought that would be pretty steep for anyone to cash out on a track-only car – we were wrong.

As RENNtech promised, it has been organizing several on-track events throughout the US, in 2008. And a recent event was caught on video showing eight SLR McLaren 722 GTs in action with Brazilian race car driver Bruno Senna Lalli leading the pack.

You can check out the video after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 GT Gallery:

Mercedes-Benz is ending the production of the McLaren SLR Roadster with this last unique version of the car with carbon fiber bodywork, Sienna Pearl metallic paint and Tobacco Brown leather interior. But this one isn’t going on sale.

The only Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster that will look like this will go up for auction on an exclusive online auction on Nov. 20, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue.

Power comes from the original V8 that makes 617-hp allowing for a 0 to 62 mph run in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 206 mph that is certain to mess up your hair when your top is down.

If you’re interested in this exclusivity, you will have to return here on Nov.1 to pre-register for the auction. But make sure you check your bank account before entering because pricing starts at $529,500. The money raised will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Well you always have the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S:

Press Release:

The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster exclusively for the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Catalog

The provenance of a singular vehicle, built to the exacting standards of
Mercedes McLaren, the creators of world championship-winning Formula
One racing cars, this SLR is the only one built for the United States. 
Legends are created by a combination of unrivalled performance, technological
leadership and exclusivity.  The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster follows the
lineage of the Mercedes-Benz 900 SLR racing car, which triumphed at the
1955 Mille Miglia endurance race and forever imprinted this historic racing
victory on the brand Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster underscores the racing tradition with
its 206 mph top speed, 617 horsepower supercharged V-8 engine and carbon
fiber body with scissor-type articulated doors.  No other roadster on Earth
combines this level of technology and performace – and no other SLR will
match the singular model.

The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster completes its limited production with this
unique SLR Roadster.  With carbon fiber bodywork finished in bespoke SLR
Sienna Pearl metallic paint and composition Tobacco Brown leather interior,
only one SLR in this combination is destined for the United States.

Owning this unique vehicle, the final production SLR Roadster
for the United States, will make a statement to automotive
enthusiasts for years to come.

This vehicle will be available in an exclusive online auction on November 20, 2008 from
1:00 pm to 5:00 pm EST.  The vehicle’s price is $529,500 with any and all funds raised above
and beyond donated to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Performance and Design Highlights

Sienna Pearl Super Metallic Paint – This unique finish is reserved for this
single SLR Roadster and has metallic elements which are three times the
size of traditional metallic paint and give this SLR a radiant brown metallic
finish with deep metallic copper undertones.

Composition Leather – Complimenting the SLR exterior finish, is an interior
of equal beauty.  The Tobacco Brown composition leather interior exudes
performance for the driver and passenger and compliments the exterior finish.

Wheels and Brakes – Fitment of 19-inch SLR wheels with special brake
system, accented with gold brake calipers, completes the exterior design
with a technical statement hinting at this vehicle’s incredible performance.

Vehicle Specifications

Total displacement: 5,439 cc
Horsepower: 617 at 6,500 rpm
Torque: 575 lb-ft at 3,200-5,000 rpm
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 206 mph
Wheels, front: 9.0 x 19
Wheels, rear: 11.5 x 19
High-performance tires, front: 255/35 R19
High-performance tires, rear: 295/30 R19

MSRP: $529,500.00

Earlier this week, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S along with some computer generated images. Today the German automaker is showing off at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Power comes from the same hand-built 5.5L V8 AMG from the SLR McLaren 722 coupe. It’s good for 650-hp with a maximum torque of 604 lb-ft that allows for a 0 to 62 mph time of 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. A 5-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the wheels.

Production of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S will take place at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England with a limited production run of 150 units.

Live from Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S:

Earlier last month, we saw spy shots that revealed that Mercedes-Benz and McLaren were working on a convertible version of the SLR McLaren 722. Today the two revealed the Mercedes-Benz McLaren Roadster 722 S, an open-top 722 that will see a limited production run of 150 units.

Power for the SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S comes from the hand-built 5.5L V8 AMG engine producing 650-hp with a maximum torque of 604 lb-ft. Mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that allows for a 0 to 62 mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. Mercedes-Benz also added a stiffer suspension, lowered the body by 10 millimeters at the front and back, improved the handling dynamics and added 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels with red brake calipers.

Production of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S will take place at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England. The car will be made available by  January 1, 2009.

Click through for a high-res image gallery and the press release.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S:

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S: Thrilling high-performance roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars ““ the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre. This endows both models with a very high degree of safety and extreme torsional stiffness. In addition to increased power, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S features even more dynamic suspension tuning and improved aerodynamics. While enjoying exceptional performance, the new roadster”s occupants in no way lose out in terms of comfort or the vehicle”s suitability for everyday use. With its sporty, premium-quality interior appointments and distinctive motorsport pedigree, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is limited to 150 vehicles and will inspire the most discerning automotive enthusiasts.

Spectacular dimensions in open-top driving are opened up by the new Mercedes-Benz SLRMcLaren Roadster 722 S. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h, this open two-seater betters the standard set for open-air super-sports cars by the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both have a fully recessible soft top suitable for high speed driving, and are made from carbon fibre. This produces a very high level of safety and extremely high torsional strength. In addition to a higher engine output, the new SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S has an even more dynamic suspension setup and further aerodynamic improvements.

By naming this new model variant the SLRRoadster 722 S, Mercedes-Benz is recalling the historic victory won at the classic Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S continues the legend of the successful 1950s SLR racing sports cars, with innovative technology adopted from the world of motorsport.

Engine hand-built by AMG

The powerful heart of the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine which is hand-built in the Mercedes-AMG engine shop in Affalterbach. The special strengths of this high-performance engine include extraordinary responsiveness to movements of the accelerator, a high torque and an unmistakable V8 sound. Moreover, with an output of 478 kW/650 hp and 820 Nm of torque, power is on tap almost to excess (SLR McLaren Roadster: 460 kW/626 hp, 780 Nm). Accordingly the new model variant meets the wishes of the most discerning customers for even more sportiness combined with excellent day-to-day practicality.

The five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz is designed for high performance. It is specially configured for a very high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster achieves performance figures that are even outstanding for the high-end sports car segment: the SLR Roadster 722 S absolves a sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in 10.6 seconds. The maximum speed is 335 km/h, which is unrivalled by any other series-production roadster.

Even more dynamic suspension setup

The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. This ensures the greater handling stability of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, with a significant improvement in handling dynamics. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a view of the red-painted brake callipers on the highly-resistant carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs, which make for impressive deceleration figures.

Sophisticated aerodynamics and a fabric soft top suited to high-speed driving

The outstanding qualities of the 722 S are complemented by the fully recessible fabric soft top, which blends harmoniously into the flowing lines of the roadster. The weave structure of this high-tech roof material reflects the carbon-fibre look, guarantees full day-to-day suitability in any weather conditions and allows the vehicle a top speed of 335 km/h ““ a unusual figure for a roadster. Thanks to favourable aeroacoustics, conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 200 km/h.

The soft top opens and closes semi-automatically in around ten seconds, combining comfort expectations with the purist nature of the roadster. For opening, the roof needs to be unlatched at the windscreen frame and lifted slightly, after which it folds down electrically. The front section of the soft top features an integral aluminium cap, which effectively prevents “ballooning” at high speeds.

The handling and aerodynamics of this high-end roadster were optimised for high speeds in the wind tunnel. The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an enclosed underbody and a diffusor in the rear bumper to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. The so-called airsplitter at the front end augments this downforce, while small wheel spoilers reduce turbulence at the rear axle. The result is precise handling and steering at high speeds.

Outstanding performance and safety thanks to carbon fibre technology

In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is completely of carbon-fibre materials (CFRP). This makes it highly exceptional among high-performance sports cars. Especially for the roadster, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.

A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and sidebags, belt tensioners and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

A thoroughly sporty appearance

The roadster has a crystal antimony grey paint finish, which highlights the sculptured look of this high-performance car particularly effectively. The carbon-fibre technology is visually complemented by the black, grid-like air vents on the bonnet and the front and rear light modules with palladium grey surrounds.

In the interior, outstanding lateral support is guaranteed by sports bucket seats upholstered in a combination of semi-aniline leather/Alcantara. Striking visual highlights are provided by the contrasting seams in 300 SL red, the embossed 722 S lettering on the head restraints and the likewise red seat belts. Frequently used controls such as the shift and parking brake levers are lined in particularly high-grip and moisture-absorbing suede leather. In the interior too, the generous use of carbon-fibre underlines the high-performance philosophy and adds a particularly puristic touch.

Exclusive appointments

The exclusive appointments include two-zone automatic climate control, a high-quality BOSE Premium sound system, a multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and a navigation system with an integrated radio and CD player.

This limited edition of 150 examples is predominantly hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.