Talk about excess. Mercedes-Benz and McLaren are two names that are usually associated with things that are uber-expensive and exclusive. Put the two together and what you get is something very special indeed. The two companies are preparing to launch one of their final joint efforts, the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. It will be formally unveiled this week at the 2008 Paris Auto Show, but the official pictures are already all over the net.
The Roadster 722 S is faster than the standard car too. Its supercharged 5.5-liter V8, which is hand-built in Affalterbach by AMG, delivers 641 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque. That’s a healthy boost from the 617-hp and 575 lb-ft generated by the standard SLR McLaren Roadster. A beefed-up five-speed automatic gearbox handles all that extra power.
The Roadster 722 S will run to a top speed of 208 mph. With 0-60 mph coming in less than 3.7 seconds, this car is firmly in a very small group of automobiles as far as performance goes. To enhance handling, the car gets stiffer springs and shocks, and the body has been lowered 0.4 inches. It also rolls on its own exclusive wheels, and features red painted brake calipers. The Roadster 722 S distinguishes itself from its standard brethren with features like a carbon fiber-body painted in crystal antimony gray and a cockpit that is trimmed in carbon fiber, leather and Alcantara, with red stitching and red seat belts for contrast.
The Roadster 722 S will go on sale worldwide starting in January 2009. Only a limited run of 150 cars will be built. Given its exclusivity and position, the price is rumored to exceed $1 million. Excess at its finest.
