New SLR McLaren continues legend

22 September 2003: The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a two-seater with striking swing-wing doors and stylistic elements of the Formula 1 Silver Arrows, continues the legend of the SLR racing sports cars from the 1950s.

The car is made almost entirely of carbon-fibre materials (CRP) which is 50 percent lighter than steel and exhibits four to five times the energy absorption of steel or aluminium.

The car is powered by a 5.5-litre 626 hp V8 engine with the latest supercharger technology and the SLR McLaren accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds

A retractable spoiler at the rear of the SLR creates an additional downforce. When the car reaches a speed of 95 km/h the spoiler automatically extends into the slipstream at an angle of ten degrees and increases the downward pressure acting on the rear axle.

The spoiler also acts as an airbrake when required: if the driver brakes heavily it pivots to a 65-degree angle, not only increasing wind drag but also shifting the aerodynamic centre of gravity further to the rear.

©2003 irishcar.com