2004:Detroit Auto ShowMercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Makes Debut

New SLR Super Sports GT Highlighted at Detroit Show

DETROIT, Jan. 5 -- The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is making its North American debut today during press activities preceding the opening of the North American International Auto Show at the Cobo Center in Detroit, January 10-19. The SLR features a full carbon fiber monocoque, crash structures and body panels as well as a 617-horsepower supercharged V8 that rockets the new SLR from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 3.8 seconds, and to a top speed exceeding 200 mph.

Stopping the car is equally quick, thanks to ceramic composite brake discs and an innovative airbrake -- an adaptive rear spoiler in the trunk lid. Under hard braking above 59 mph, the air brake pops up at a 65-degree angle, to provide greater down force. With visual cues from the famous SLR race cars of the 1950s, the limited-production SLR McLaren is now on sale in Europe, and its U.S. market launch is planned for summer 2004.

A Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Collaboration

The new SLR super sports GT car showcases the collective experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula 1 partner McLaren 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 and practicality.

One dramatic example of technology transfer from Formula 1 racing is the carbon fiber composite construction of the new SLR body, which provides rigidity and strength never before achieved in road-going vehicles.

Equally impressive is its high level of occupant protection. The SLR is distinguished as the first series production vehicle to utilize a front crash structure made exclusively of carbon fiber. Specially designed to absorb energy at a constant, predetermined rate, the carbon fiber crash structure absorbs four to five times more crash energy in a serious collision than similar structures made of conventional steel.

AMG Supercharged V8 Power

Mounted behind the front wheels in a front mid-engine position, each supercharged, intercooled V8 engine is hand-built at AMG's manufacturing facility in Affalterbach, Germany. As a prime example of the engine's innovative design, its dry-sump lubrication system makes the engine shorter, allowing to be mounted lower in the frame for better aerodynamics and an even lower center of gravity.

Ceramic Composite Brake Discs

The high-performance SLR sports car is one of very few production cars to make use of ceramic brake technology. The brake discs on the SLR are made of a new composite material -- a fiber-reinforced ceramic that boasts astounding stopping power, high heat resistance, outstanding structural strength and long service life. With eight-piston calipers in front and four-piston calipers in the rear, the brake system alone can decelerate the SLR up to 1.3 g, and the adaptive rear spoiler increases downforce, improving stability and braking.

Broadening the Mercedes-Benz Product Portfolio

Not only does the new SLR boast a rich heritage, but the super sports GT car also has an exciting future as the flagship of the multi-dimensional Mercedes-Benz brand. With by far the broadest product portfolio of any luxury automaker, Mercedes-Benz offers an array of models ranging from mid-size coupes to large premium sedans as well as luxury roadsters and now the SLR super sports GT.