Press Release
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren -- The Technology
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In brief:
Top-class technology for 21st-century Gran Turismo
- High-torque V8 compressor engine with 460 kW/626 hp output
- 0 to 62.5 mph in 3.8 seconds
- World's first series-produced car to have carbon fibre front crash
structure
- High-performance brake discs made from fibre-reinforced ceramic
Back in the mid-1950s the three letters SLR acquired a hallowed status, as a Mercedes-Benz racing car of that name set new standards in the world of high-class Gran Turismo vehicles. Visually breathtaking and, thanks to innovative technology, superior to its rivals in terms of performance and handling, it spawned a legend.
Mercedes-Benz and McLaren have successfully imbued the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (due to make its debut in autumn 2003) with the same charismatic qualities. Just like its legendary predecessor of 1955, this SLR incorporates new technological developments which are ahead of their time. For evidence, simply take a glance under the bonnet at the Mercedes-AMG V8 powerplant. With its 5.5-litre displacement and screw-type compressor, the engine develops a peak output of 460 kW/626 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 780 Nm from 3250 rpm - a figure which remains constant across a broad engine speed range of up to 5000 rpm. With this kind of power under the bonnet, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren delivers performance figures which are among the best in its class: this high-performance sports car takes just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 62.5 mph, it passes the 124 mph mark after 10.6 seconds, and from a standing start it takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 186 mph. The two-seater has a top speed of 208 mph (334 km/h) (provisional figure).
In the interests of optimum weight distribution, optimum dynamic handling and high stability on braking, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a front mid-engined design. The V8 powerplant is mounted on a robust aluminium frame and has a low installation position. Water-type charge-air cooling, three valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters are further special features of this powerful engine - an engine which already meets stringent EU 4 exhaust gas regulations which are not due to come into force until 2005.
Three transmission programmes for short, sporty gearshifts
The 5-speed automatic transmission, fitted as standard, is also designed for high performance. It allows the driver to choose between three programmes, letting him or her determine the shift speed individually. When "Manual" is selected, the five gears can either be shifted using buttons on the steering wheel or using the selector lever's Touchshift function. In manual mode the driver can select between three shift stages - "Sport", "SuperSport" and "Race" - significantly shortening the shift times still further for an even sportier drive.
High-tech material for exemplary safety and outstanding rigidity
The bodyshell of the high-performance sports car is also distinctly high-tech. Along with the front and rear structure and the passenger cell, the swing-wing doors and the bonnet, it is made entirely from carbon fibre composite. This lightweight yet extremely rigid material originated in the aeronautical and space industries and has also proven its benefits in today's Formula 1 race cars. The weight advantage of the high-tech material over steel is around 50 percent.
In addition to this, carbon fibres, on impact, are characterised by four to five times higher energy absorption than steel or aluminium. Mercedes-Benz exploits these qualities by inserting two 620 mm longitudinal members made from carbon fibre in the front structure of the new SLR. These absorb the entire energy of the crash in a head-on collision without exceeding tolerable deceleration values for the occupants. In an impact the fibres of these elements shred from front to rear with precisely calculated deformation behaviour, ensuring constant deceleration.
This makes the SLR the world's first series-produced car to have a front crash structure made entirely from carbon fibre. The carbon fibre longitudinal members each weigh just 3.4 kg.
The passenger cell of the high-performance sports car is also made entirely from this high-tech material. In a head-on, side-on or rear-end collision, it offers the passengers an extremely rigid, safe survival zone. At the rear, two internal longitudinal members made from laminated carbon fibre and a robust cross member take on the task of energy absorption in the event of a crash - as a rule the passenger cell remains structurally unaffected.
Adaptive front airbags which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the accident, newly developed sidebags which protect the head, plus belt tensioners and belt force limiters all form part of the new SLR's occupant protection system.
Ceramic brake discs and SBCâ„¢ for exemplary braking safety
The brake discs of the cutting-edge swing-wing door vehicle are also made from a high-tech material which meets the highest of standards. Here Mercedes-Benz has used carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic to achieve outstanding performance, temperature-resistance and longevity. Thanks to the highly robust material, the SLR's large brake discs allow maximum deceleration of up to 1.3 g - a top value in a series-produced car. At the front axle alone a total brake pad area of 440 cm2 is available.
Further features of the new SLR include Sensotronic Brake Control (the electrohydraulic braking system), the Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®), automatic tyre pressure monitoring, 18-inch wheels and aluminium suspension which bears the signature of experienced race car constructors - all of which create the necessary criteria for perfect dynamic handling and excellent driving safety.
