Occurred alongside the Formula 1 cars, McLaren was one of the most special supercars of its era. Carbon fiber and power pouring is one of the most exclusive cars, now celebrating its tenth anniversary.
One of the most remarkable supercars recently just turned 10 years. This is the Mercedes SLR McLaren, a model born fruit of technical collaboration between two brands of automobile, equipped with items salvaged from the competition without sacrificing luxury and glamour. Made of carbon-fiber chassis and body – both with a supercharged V8 engine, 626 hp, at the time was one of the more like an F -1 car street. Rival of Ferrari Enzo and Porsche Carrera GT, with contesting not only performance and circuit times, but the role in professional journals, the price of 490,000 Euros him away from the world of most mortals.
It was not easy to produce the Roadster version of one of the early concepts -a Vision SLR coupe and cabrio- other , since we had to wait to evolve the domain of carbon fiber to make the pillars sufficient safety guarantees when overturned. Initially, in fact, said he never said variant that exist at the time of its release would have a starting price of 534,528 Euros. McLaren ‘s expertise in Formula 1 Computer helped simulate the behavior of carbon fiber to large impact (much more unpredictable than the metal) , and finally was enough to change the orientation of the braid to achieve more stiffness necessary areas, fiber pillars with steel core , and little else. Of the 56 additional kilos weighed against the coupe, only 10 were due to structural chassis reinforcements. Still, it was a heavy philosophy for McLaren car, but Mercedes did not want to give up certain luxuries and trim level. The break between the two brands began to emerge.
Meanwhile, there were 722 versions configuration and Sterling Moss. Of the latter only 75 units sold at a price of € 750,000 were made. The owners of an SLR had priority when purchasing one of these works of art, with the engine boosted to 650 hp and 200 kilos less weight, allowing a top speed exceeding 350 km / h.
