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McLaren SLR Speedster caught testing at Nürburgring

Muamer Hodzic — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:48:22 +0000

KGP has managed to get another glimpse of the future McLaren SLR Speedster. Like we reported earlier this month, the Speedster will be lighter by 200kg compared to the current SLR; it will still pack the same engine power, which in theory should produce better performance numbers.

Its top speed is rumored at around 218mph and it can go from 0-300km/h (180mph) in 26 seconds; only 75 are going to be produced and will cost more than a $1 million.

Check out the gallery

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Mercedes-Benz SLR Speedster Spied

Muamer Hodzic — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:39:36 +0000

A spy video of the Mercedes-Benz SLR Speedster has just surfaced on the interweb showing that the rumors of a chop top and windshield-less SLR speedster are true. It is reported that the Speedster will weigh 200kg less than the current SLR, mainly because it will be missing the top half of the car, but also because air conditioning will not be necessary in this car.

Its top speed is rumored at around 218mph and it can go from 0-300km/h (180mph) in 26 seconds; only 75 are going to be produced and will cost more than a $1 million.

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Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG caught testing at Nürburgring

Muamer Hodzic — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:24:38 +0000

The guys at InsideLine have gotten their hands on some very cool video of the so called SLC AMG being tested and prepped at Nürburgring. The SLC, not the official name, is rumored to be the replacement for the current SLR. While getting rid of the SLR name would be idiotic, the fact that AMG and HWA (racing wing of Mercedes) will be buidling this new monster might be an indication that everything will be overhauled. HWA will probably work on the body and suspension, and AMG will concentrate on what they do the best - the engine. It’s rumored that the SLC will boast an impressive 700 hp with a 7-speed automatic trany. Check out the video, and be sure to crank up the volume.

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TopGear: Supercar Fuel Economy Comparison Test

Muamer Hodzic — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:37:58 +0000

Top Gear is back again, and the 11th season is looking good. In their first episode, they decided to help folks out and do a fuel economy test. Well if you know Top Gear, you’ll know that this is no ordinary economy test. They put five supercars on the race track to see who can go further on 1 gallon of fuel. The cars: Lamborghini Murcielago, Audi R8, Mercedes McLaren SLR, Aston Martin DBS, and the Ferrari 599GTB

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RENNtech introduces new performance package for the SLR - with 740hp

Muamer Hodzic — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:49:50 +0000

When Mercedes-Benz introduced its SLR McLaren 722, there was a bit of confusion about the special-edition’s name. Many believed the car would offer a fire-breathing, 722 hp supercharged V8, but it doesn’t (it makes 650 hp). Some believed that “722″ meant there would be 722 of the cars made … but that was wrong, too. In the end, the 722 badge actually referred to 7:22AM - the starting time of Sterling Moss’ epic 1955 Mille Miglia run in a then-new Mercedes SLR.

The guys at RENNtech were not impressed by the naming convention, nor by the 650hp that the SLR was producing. In April of last year, they introduced a sport package kit along with a custom tuning chip that would bring the SLR 722 to 722hp. A year later, they are introducing another package, but this time, they have taken the performance to a whole new level - a 740hp level.

Video: RENNtech’s performance package for the SLR

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Press Release:

SO, 722 = 7:22AM, not 722 hp.

While the automotive enthusiasts of the world uttered a collective (and skeptical) “um … OK”, Hartmut Feyhl took one look and announced: “this car should have 722 hp”. When most enthusiasts say things like that, they can be easily ignored - but when Feyhl says something like this - it happens.

Hartmut is the owner and chief engineer of RENNTECH, the South Florida-based tuning firm best known for producing incredibly powerful Mercedes-Benz automobiles that often redefine what highly-tuned exotic cars should and should not be capable of.

Last year, RENNTECH introduced their own “722″ option: RENNTECH SLR Performance PKG1. RENNTECH’s PKG1 upgrades included upgraded intercoolers, a larger crankshaft pulley, and custom ECU software that delivered the full 722 hp SLR customers expected (along with more than 700 lb-ft of torque!). RENNTECH announced the package in an April ‘07 press release titled “Here in Florida, 722 Means What You Think it Means”, and SLR customers responded by sending their cars to Feyhl’s Florida garage from across the Western hemisphere …

… of course, after driving their new 722 hp rocketship for a few months, some of Feyhl’s customers started asking for more, which brings us to RENNTECH’s latest batch of SLR tuning options: SLR Performance PKG2 and new RENNTECH Signature 10-spoke, 3 pc. performance wheels.

Available for both the “standard” SLR and 722 models, PKG2 builds on RENNTECH’s previous upgrades by adding a less restrictive, motorsports-style exhaust system and re-mapped ECU software to boost the already powerful SLR engine to over 740 hp at 6400 rpm.

To give the SLR more visual impact, RENNTECH now offers its Signature 10 spoke wheels in SLR offsets and 3 finishes (chrome, satin-ceramic, and sniper gray). Pricing for RENNTECH’s SLR performance upgrades are set at 12990US for PKG1 and 26990US for PKG2. RENNTECH 20″ wheels are 1950US (ea.). Big Brake upgrades also available - contact RENNTECH for more.

Mclaren Mercedes’ supercharged V8 to power next gen Zonda

Shrawan — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:50:23 +0000

The Pagani Zonda is the latest candidate to join the list of ‘proper and passionately’ made Supercars. Its violent looks will instantaneously remind you of the F-22 Raptor. Nine long years have passed and its time for a new Zonda, so which engine would they put in the best of supercars? Obviously the best of engines- the supercharged V8 from the Mclaren-Mercedes SLR.

The current Zonda employs a 7.3 litre engine developed by AMG. The 5.4 liter supercharged V8 was chosen for its higher power output and fuel economy. The entire details of this engine are as follow.

Engine: 90 Degree AMG V8 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
Position: Front-Mid Longitudinal
Aspiration: Screw-Type Compressor w/Two Charge-Air Coolers
Valve train: SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder
Displacement: 5439 cc / 331.9 cu in
Bore: 97 mm / 3.82 in
Stroke: 92 mm / 3.62 in
Compression Ratio: 8.8:1
Power: 466.8 kw / 626 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Specific output: 115.09 bhp per litre
bhp/weight: 354.07 bhp per tonne
Torque: 780 nm / 575.3 ft lbs @ 3250-5000 rpm

The buzz is around that the new Zonda would sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in little more than three seconds with a top whack in excess of 200+ mph, carbon-fiber construction and the new engine helping it to achieve such feats. Expect to see this car in the market in the initial months of 2009.

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Next-gen SL to replace the SLR?!?

Muamer Hodzic — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:41:38 +0000

Reports are emerging, from the German newspaper - Handelsblatt, that Mercedes will not be building a successor for the SLR McLaren. They say that the new generation of the SL, which will be available in 2010, will be replacing Mercedes’ supercar. As usual, Mercedes has declined to comment on any of these rumors, but something tells me that some of these reports may be accurate, as it seems that Mercedes is pretty bad at hiding their intentions.

The recent rumors about a Mercedes and Aston Martin marriage may have some truth to it, and may be directly related to the SLR rumors. If the SL does not replace the SLR like rumored, will Mercedes be replacing the SLR supercar with a Aston Martin branded model? While a Mercedes Aston Martin co-op would be nice, I doubt it would achieve the same success that the SLR did.

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Mercedes-Benz SLR Wins Award

Muamer Hodzic — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:18:37 +0000

The Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster has won the cabriolet and roadster category of the prestigious “Auto 1 von Europa” (engl. “Europe’s No. 1 Car”) awards, which was organized by Germany’s leading car magazine - AUTO BILD. The super sports car from Stuttgart was selected by readers of the 26 European editions of AUTO BILD as well as an international jury for its exceptional qualities. The award honoring the SLR Roadster as the most sought-after open-top car was presented at the Geneva International Motor Show yesterday.

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SLR Roadster featured at Toronto Auto Show

Chris — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:53:18 +0000

The Canadian International Autoshow, which has been running since 1974, is taking place from February 15 to 24 in Toronto, Ontario. The show is situated in the North & South Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre in the heart of downtown Toronto. Over 1,000 new cars and trucks are on display featuring many North American and Canadian premieres. Mercedes-Benz is there as usual and the stunning SLR McLaren Roadster and the specially equipped M-Class Edition 10 are featuring. For those of you wishing to visit, Mercedes-Benz can be found on Level 300 of the North Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I will be visiting and reporting on the show next week.

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The Mercedes-Benz official news release was as follows:
‘Mercedes-Benz is showcasing the SLR McLaren Roadster and the M-Class Edition 10 at the Toronto Auto Show.

Combining high-tech motor racing features and the performance of a sports car, the SLR McLaren Roadster is sure to turn a few heads at the show.

Like the Formula One vehicles of today, the SLR McLaren Roadster is made of carbon fibre providing a high level of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness.

An AMG V8 compressor engine provides the Roadster with 626hp offering high performance an open-top pleasure.

The roof opens and closes semi-automatically in under ten seconds combining convenience with the character of a Roadster.

Wind tunnel testing has allowed the Roadster to be optimized for high speeds, better handling and aerodynamics.

The front-mid placing of the engine gives the Roadster the best possible weight distribution while the suspension and electrohydraulic brake system and high-endurance carbon-fibre discs offer great breaking performance.’

RECALL II: 2007 SLR MCLAREN

Shrawan — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:46:42 +0000

It was not supposed to happen, but, to err is human. Mercedes-Benz is recalling 3 models of its 2007 SLR McLaren on the account of incorrectly installed windshields. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website says that “If a crash occurs, the windshield may not be retained, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant”. It also added that “either the primer or activator was missing at the time of installation.” The recall is expected to begin this month. The dealer’s job will deal with removing the windshields, cleaning and reinstalling them correctly with primer and activator, as instructed by NHTSA. Owners can also reach Mercedes-Benz at (800) 367-6372 for further information.

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