Mercedes tweaks the SLR

722 Edition adds power and new interior bits

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 11 July 2006 / Loading comments

Mercedes SLR 722 Edition

Mercedes has tweaked the SLR supercar to produce the 722 Edition. It adds more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a "decidedly sporty" interior.

The motivation for the tweaks is (it says here) a homage to the unforgettable victory of Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22am) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. The car goes on sale today.

The supercharged 5.5-litre V8, hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, now generates 650bhp compared to the original's 626bhp -- just over five per cent more. Still, it boots you to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, and 125mph is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The extra power gains you under two mph more at a Vmax now up to 211mph.

The suspension, together with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, gets a stiffer damper configuration, a 10mm lower body and larger brake discs with a diameter of 390mm.

The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing, according to Mercedes, which also reckons the tweaks will appeal to "the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group".

Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide improved lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a racing touch to the interior.

Your tutor is David Coulthard

Fancy a preview? Merc is launching a worldwide SLR Club at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the club provides events related to the SLR, and a safety and speed academy offering driver training courses and seminars. Instructors include David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer.