On occasion of the 1999 international Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz launched a study of a Gran Turismo for the 21st century which combines stylistic elements of the current Formula 1 Silver Arrow and the SLR sports car from the 1950s into a new fascinating concept. Its name: Vision SLR. The striking front section with the arrow-shaped nose and the typical double spoilers takes the Formula 1 racing car with which Mika Häkkinen won the 1998 world championship as its model, a formal concept which is repeated variously on the body and in the interior. These Formula 1 looks harmonize with the familiar double headlights of the typical Mercedes four-eyed design which appears in the Vision SLR in a new, unusual interpretation. The long and extended hood, the powerful sweep of the wings and the gull-wing doors of the Vision SLR are based on the stylistic ideas of the legendary SL models from the 1950s and their SLR racing variants, in which Juan Manuel Fangio, Rudolf Caracciola and Stirling Moss drove from one victory to the next. The long hood of the Vision SLR conceals an enhanced design of the 5.5 liter V8 engine. A compressor and water intercooling mean that the eight-cylinder achieves peak performance of 410 kW/557 hp and delivers maximum torque of 720 Newton meters at 4000 rpm. This engine turns the Gran Turismo into a powerful performer: it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.2 seconds and from zero to 200 km/h in 11.3 seconds. Top speed is 320 km/h. The SLR is to built in 2003 by McLaren Cars Ltd in Woking, Great Britain. The In the opinion of experts, the segment of top-class sports cars - at which the Mercedes-Benz SLR is aimed - will almost double during the next five years and reach an annual volume of approx. 2,500 units. DaimlerChrysler expects to be able to meet up to 20 percent of the demand in this segment. The major markets for the Mercedes-Benz SLR will be the USA, Europe, Japan and Middle East.
Company press release, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
Did you hear the latest news yet ? The final version of the SLR is going to have two double-sidepipes just behind the front-wheels!! Yeehaw! I've been waiting for such a feature on a sportscar for ages now and after all, It's even going to be on the SLR!! Unbelievable!
Final engine = More Power
Sir Firekahn 8-5-2003
One thing about the engine of the street version: It'll be the known 5.5 litre V8 but the power will be pretty higher than the 560 hp of the Vision. Dr. Hubbert (CEO of Mercedes) said that they may even top the 6 litre V12 of the CL 65 (612hp). Whatever this baby is gonna blow the Carrera GT and maybe the horrible styled Enzo. But who cares about power if you look at the astonishing style of the SLR?
its not all about horses under the hood
Lucky 3-4-2003
"GeaKana, im pretty sure that the real reason why it was not shown at the show last autumn or geneva show this year (march 2003) is simply because the car has taken on too much weight and either mcclaren or merc or both of them are unhappy with the affect its had on their original intentions. I havent heard or read anywhere that they are increasing the horsepower significantly from the released figures of around 550hp / 590lbs ft to compete on terms with the porsche GT. I would like to know where you came by this info. However, first and foremost, it is better to reduce weight rather than generate more horses. I am in agreeement with you and everyone however - this car is going to be fantastic - this is the only new supercar i havent seen in the flesh (e.g. pagani, koeniggsegg, bugatti and porsche GT ive had the pleasure of)and by the pictures, it is by far the most attractive of the lot and probably most practical. i.e. it has amenities that make it a comfortable cruiser and you can see clearly out the back. Furthermore, it has realistic proportions. When i spoke to the chief engineer at bugatti on their stand at the paris show, he laughed and said nothing when i asked him about being able to see out the back of his ú700000 car. If i had been a serious punter, i still would have asked the same question - although these things are works of art, they are also there to be driven. There appeared to be less ability to see out the rear 3/4 view in the bugatti than in a diablo. Who in their right minds (apart from Countach drivers) would want to spend all that money on a car when they have to open the door to reverse the car - even the mega-wealthy have to reverse park too! So, i feel we can break out the champagne early such is my confidence in the two companies getting this car spot-on. we've waited four years; so many months more waiting for a perfected drive is ok by me."
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Vision SLR
On occasion of the 1999 international Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz launched a study of a Gran Turismo for the 21st century which combines stylistic elements of the current Formula 1 Silver Arrow and the SLR sports car from the 1950s into a new fascinating concept. Its name: Vision SLR.
