Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is offered solely as a two-seat roadster in a single trim level. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon HID headlights, a heated glass rear window, heated exterior mirrors, a semiautomatic fabric soft top, six-way power carbon fiber sport seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, aluminum trim, Bluetooth phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control and a seven-speaker Bose surround-sound system with a trunk-mounted six-CD changer. The SLR's list of limited options includes various interior and soft-top color schemes, as well as 18-inch wheels.

Powertrains and Performance

A supercharged 5.4-liter V8 (which is mounted behind the front wheels for optimal weight distribution) powers the rear-wheel-drive 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren with a visceral 617 hp and 575 pound-feet of torque. The SLR 722 produces 650 hp. A widely spaced five-speed automatic transmission translates the engine's brute force into motion. Steering-wheel-mounted buttons enable the driver to shift manually. A brief 3.8 seconds is all it takes for this supercar to rocket from zero to 60 mph, and the top speed for the SLR is an F1-worthy 206 mph. Powerful carbon ceramic brakes and a rear air brake help to bring this beast from 62 mph to a halt in a respectable 114 feet. EPA estimates -- if there's a potential buyer who cares -- come in at a predictably low 12 mpg city/16 mpg highway and 13 mpg combined.

Safety

Although no crash tests have been performed on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, its construction promises a very high level of occupant protection. Carbon fiber, which is extremely light yet strong, makes up a large portion of the car's structure. Steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars protect the driver and passenger in the event of a rollover. Other standard safety features include airbags, knee-protecting airbags, Mercedes' TeleAid telematics system, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist.

Chassis
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	255/35 R19 - 295/30 ZR19
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Engine
Type:	V8, Supercharged
Displacement cu in (cc):	332 (5439)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	617(460) / 6500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	575(778) / 3250-5000
Redline at RPM:	7000
Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:	183.3 × 75.1 × 49.6
Weight lb (kg):	3897 (1768)
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	3.8
Top Speed mph (km/h):	207 (334)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	13/18 (14.8)