Thursday 3rd July 2008

SLR Speedster 'Spy' Pics

Mercedes planning limited run of roofless SLR

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Mercedes is planning a speedster version of the SLR supercar to mark the end of production next year. The car will be strictly limited to just 75 cars and will be highly modified with no roof and no windscreen.

The doors lift vertically and the driver will only be protected by a small deflector. The benefit of all this is a lower curb weight and the car is expected to accelerate from 0-180mph in 26 seconds and will have a top speed of 218mph.

It should weigh in up to 200kg lighter than the standard model thanks to increased use of carbon fibre in the body, new carbon-ceramic brakes and a new exhaust system. The air conditioning system and power windows have also been removed.

It should cost in the region of €450,000 ($712,605) and is expected to be presented at the end of the month by Lewis Hamilton, who is also expected to be given one of the cars.

The limited edition car is a nod towards the silver 300 SLR driven by Stirling Moss in the mid fifties and will have no roof and only a small wind screen in place of the car’s windshield.

 

[Mastiff]

I love these "utterly pointless, but we do it because we can" type of cars!!!

[AbarthChris]

Can you imagine how ridiculously quick that will feel!

It will be awesome!

[Road_Terrorist]

Mastiff said:

I love these "utterly pointless, but we do it because we can need to maintain interest in an old model" type of cars!!!

EFA

[Taita]

Why do they bother with all that tape etc? Is it to try and hide the angles?

[Droptheclutch]

Mastiff said:

I love these "utterly pointless, but we do it because we can" type of cars!!!

Yep, me too :-) We need more of them (just at more friedly prices!LOL)

[dan1981]

I bet this car comes with no windscreen or roof with only a deflector to protect the driver......

[OperationAlfa]

I hope they keep that as the final finish.

Why do they bother.

[chunkymonkey71]

Getting flies in your teeth at 200 mph must be a pretty interesting experience...

[bencollins]

dan1981 said:

I bet this car comes with no windscreen or roof with only a deflector to protect the driver......

[MrTappets]

Sounds more like the car Mclaren originally wanted to make. Can't get my head around the idea of a 218mph breeze in your hair though lol

[fathomfive]

MrTappets said:

Sounds more like the car Mclaren originally wanted to make. Can't get my head around the idea of a 218mph breeze in your hair though lol

Would you actually have hair left at that speed? I was never a fan of the SLR, but this is just pure madness in such a good way.

[Hunttheshunt]

MrTappets said:

Can't get my head around the idea of a 218mph breeze in your hair though lol

Surely the majority of people that will buy this car will have no hair....and be rather orange!

The 200kg saving could be a mute point also

I'll get my coat!

[DamoLLb]

what, no power windows LOL

[louiebaby]

Do they really expect to sell 74 of them?

(After they give one to Hamilton.)

[kambites]

louiebaby said:

Do they really expect to sell 74 of them?

(After they give one to Hamilton.)

I don't think they'll struggle, somehow. They'll probably be sold the day they announce it.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 3rd July 11:50

[MrKipling43]

That's awesome - WANT IT!

[PhilLL]

I bet it stings a bit getting a sizeable flying insect in the face at 218mph!

[H2DaE]

200kg saving from taking pretty much everything off of it and using more CF? Is that it?

So what does it weigh now? 1500kg? I know they have to add strengthening but surely gutting the car would reduce weight more than that?

[New Scot]

So what's next - a Speedster version of the VW Eos?

[joe_90]

louiebaby said:

Do they really expect to sell 74 of them?

(After they give one to Hamilton.)

I suspect they are all sold already.