Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz "SLR" 2004......Now a reality...See it at Frankfurt in Sept. 2003
By L.Marvin Editor / additional photos MBUSA
Jul 30, 2003, 18:00 PST

Everyone has the same reaction......L.Marvin 1999

Yes think way back to 1999, my how the world has changed. Well way back then there was this very special concept car known as the Mercedes SLR. The car was one of the most stunningly beautiful cars I have ever made contact with. Well in 1999 We at Motorsports Center were covering Frankfurt's Auto Show for the first time.

Comaprison shot of both versions SLR Concept Car 1999 ...Photo MBUSA

Hearing about this car was one of the main reasons for picking Frankfurt as our first assignment for publication. Just a few days ago we recieved a very short one page press release from MB-USA. Saying that the production version of the SLR will actually be at the Frankfurt 2003 Auto Show.

Got to love those wings...SLR 1999 ...Photo MBUSA

Close up of rear profile SLR 1999 .........L.Marvin 1999

Four years seems like forever. But the SLR will still be not only a stunning car but creation of this true supercar required a special factory and so a joint venture between Mercedes and McLaren. The SLR has always been the primary mission and the current SL was a marketing exercise to fill the void until the SLR was and it's exotic production materials and technologies were inplace.

The SLR has been waiting 4yrs to return to the spotlight.........L.Marvin 1999

New SLR Super Sports GT to Debut at Frankfurt Show

Past & Present ....now a new chapter.....Photo MBUSA

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which is set to celebrate its world premiere this fall at the Frankfurt Auto Show, celebrates the formidable SLR race cars of the 1950s and marks a new era of Mercedes-Benz passion for grand touring sports cars. A futuristic interpretation of styling elements from the original 300SLR and from the latest Formula 1 Silver Arrow race cars bridges the past and future, bringing cutting-edge motorsports-inspired design and technology to the road, just as the SLR did in 1955.

Interior of SLR Concept car 1999.....Photo MBUSA

The new SLR allows Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren to showcase their collective experience in the development and production of high-performance sports cars. This unique combination of expertise is evident not only in the pioneering developments and impressive performance of the new SLR, but also in its high levels of safety, as well as the grand touring comfort already associated with the renowned SL.

Frankfurt 1999....The SLR works it's magic....L.Marvin

The limited-production SLR will go on sale in Europe late this year, and its U.S. market launch is planned in mid-2004. While pricing will be announced later, it's expected to be in the mid-$300,000 range.

SLR ....concept car...Frankfurt 1999...L.Marvin 1999

Carbon Fiber Body

One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fiber composite construction of the new SLR McLaren monocoque and body panels, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles, with reduced weight to help ensure the SLR's targeted performance characteristics.

Full rear "coupe"....Farnkfurt 1999....L.Marvin 1999

Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection - specially designed crash structures of carbon fiber help this innovative car to set new standards in energy absorption.

SLR rear 3/4..Frankfurt 1999.......L.Marvin 1999

Ceramic Brake Discs

Brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material - a fiber-reinforced ceramic that boasts extremely high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength, reduced unsprung weight and long service life. The high-performance SLR sports car will be one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology.

A fresh edge shows in the details.....L.Marvin 1999

AMG Supercharged V8 Power

Under the SLR hood in a front mid-engine location lurks a supercharged V8 engine with dry-sump lubrication developed and built by Mercedes-AMG. Delivering unprecedented levels of horsepower and torque, each SLR engine is hand-built at AMG's manufacturing facility.

SLR 2003 very true to original concept.....Photo MBUSA

Now that production of the SLR is ready, it's a sure thing that just finding one to buy could be very difficult. The new SLR will be an instant incon for collectors around the world for many years after production would end. How can that ever happen??

Reinventing the SLR Legend

The first SLR was one of the most successful sports racing cars of all times, achieving a string of five

1st and 2nd place finishes in 1955 with drivers such as Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio. Like the new car, the SLR of the 1950s combined leading-edge technology from the 300SL sports car and the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 racecar. Its three-liter, straight-eight engine made 310 horsepower, pushing the SLR to speeds of around 190 miles per hour.

The SLR "Gullwing" .....a collectors dream....L.Marvin 1999

Perhaps the original SLR's most astonishing feat was in the 1955 Mille Miglia, at the time a no-holds-barred race through Italy over twisty public roads. Setting a record never to be matched, Stirling Moss and navigator/journalist Dennis Jenkinson piloted the 300SLR over the 1000-mile road course in 10 hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds - an average speed of about 100 miles per hour!

300 SLR & Roadster................Photo MBUSA

Once again thanks to our friends at MBUSA and will all look forward to the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2003

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