RE: Tell Me I'm Wrong: Mercedes SLR McLaren

[Mastodon2]

I think one of the reasons for the success of this car, and they did shift a lot of them across the world, is the usability factor. It's not as hardcore as an Enzo, or a Carerra GT, but on the road it's realistically as quick as you could want, and not as demanding as the former two.

While racking up big mileages would obviously crush the value of the car, I'd imagine it's nowhere near as intimidating to drive as the Ferrari or the Porsche.

It is a car I love, and I've always liked it. That engine, those side exit exhausts, it's just magnificent. I've seen one on the road but sadly it was not gunning it, just tootling along, though it did tootle away from my 1.3L Fiesta at a pace that meant I didn't stand a chance of getting a decent look at it.

[LongLiveTazio]

Super/hypercars/whatever are primarily about looks, noise, speed and x-factor. All are subjective but you wouldn't be surprised if someone told you it ticked every box. If you work 24/7 I imagine it isn't great having a garage full of unused cars whose usage you have to plan because they are so impractical, or your missus doesn't like them, or they don't have reclining seats, or no luggage space, or air con... etc.

I know what you're saying but as far as GTs go it's much more special than a big Ferrari to me.

[Dr Z]

Absolutely massive road presence. The 722 SLR is just so angry!

Loved having a look around the 722 at the MB World at Brooklands.

The engine bay is a work of art, and so unlike the usual merc standard of 'oh the engine must be under there somewhere beneath all that plastic'...




The open bonnet looks like bat wings...



I'm probably alone on this, but the SLS does nothing for me. It doesn't match the drama and bruteness of the 722 or the 'normal' SLR.

[JREwing]

I completely understand the whole "leather heated seats and automatic gearbox" philosophy. There are those of us who don't feel insecure enough to tell everyone how hardcore we are. We appreciate that it's a brilliant car and its strengths are not those of the Ferrari Enzo.

However I don't understand the weight criticism. If it achieves everything despite the weight, why does it matter? We don't get taxed on the weight of our cars or have to endure public weighbridges (under normal circumstances).
Do you park your car on a frozen pond and you're concerned that the SLR would break the ice?

[Petrolhead95]

I think it looks fantastic. Certainly a real head turner and certainly one on my lottery win list.


Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 by porlamfer, on Flickr


Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 by porlamfer, on Flickr


Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 by porlamfer, on Flickr

[Leins]

Never did much for me in the looks department, and I've seen a few about on the roads. Give me an Enzo, or preferably a CGT, any day

Always thought the CLK DTM was a serious bargain when new compared to it

[youbeenspied]

I like the Sterling Moss version of the SLS reminds me of the Veritas RS

And the most shocking thing is you had to own a SLS to order this model!

[Macboy]

I think one of the major issues in the supposed "lack of success" was that the production forecast for a car of this price was wildly optimistic. This at a time that M-B was setting out to crush it's luxury competition with the ill-fated Maybach revival which clearly bolstered their confidence to set an astronomical sales target (and I'm sue profit forecast of the back of it). Truth is, few other car of this price have sold as many especially when this price point was unknown for the brand and its buyers. Whether it was a flawed or not and whether it was killed by cost, lack of profitability or the compromised concept doesn't matter that much because it had significant sales over its life and drove M-B to up its game in stretching AMG to produce its successor . Disappointing by M-B's stated forecast but amazing for a car of its cost and type in what was a crowded hyper-car market of its time.

[Mikebentley]

Remember coming out of Birmingham on the Quinton Express Way just as it was getting dark one evening and went round an island faster than one of these. It was an awesome sight and sound as he showed his displeasure passing me and spitting flame with each gear change as he vanished. A motoring memory I'll cherish.

[TNH]

It has a button under a flap on the gear lever? Instant cool.

Must agree these didnt do it for me when they were first released but it seems to have got better with age

[Adz The Rat]

These have never interested me, I always thought they were quite an ugly car.

They have drama but they aren't a looker.

I havent driven one so can't comment on that side of it. I have however driven a SLS and didn't think that felt like a car costing £100k more than a SL63, so the SLR would have to be really special to feel that much better than a SL55.

[Chris Harris]

Interesting car, but missed the mark by some distance for me. Seemed to have a frustrating compromise in everything it should have done well.

Comfortable GT, but side exhausts crazy loud and boomy

Long wheelbase, but quite nervous at the limit.

Relaxing auto, but hopeless in 'manual' mode.

Impossible on rural T-junctions: 1.7metres of bonnet to protrude before you could see what was going on.

But, for the money they are now, it's a carbon-tubbed super car made by McLaren....

Stories of the Merc/Macca relationship being strained and the original Gordon Murray vision for this car being drastically changed for production are, according to the people I've spoken to, quite true.

The disclaimer to borrow the press car from Merc GB was legendary, basically said "If you switch off the ESP, you're in for a world of trouble" They weren't wrong.

[Amirhussain]

Great car, can only dream about owning one, still looks good even after all these years, sounds awesome too.

[krallicious]

WCZ said:

krallicious said:

Since then I have want one.

for some reason this confused me lots :S

I obviously did not proof read. It's been a very long day.

[OSM]

I'll be bringing a McLaren Edition SLR to Silverstone PSS this weekend if anyone would like to see/hear one in the flesh, this one also has sports exhausts for that little bit extra!

[Rich_W]

Vetteran said:

Ok SL55 AMG is a V8 but surely the SL65 AMG of the same era is more of a comparison. I have owned an SL55 pace car version and now own a 65. The 65 would give the Mclaren a real run for its money 211 mph (derestricted) and 11.9 quarter mile. I love the 65 and wish I could afford the new one circa £200,000. At around £38 - £40,000 a 2004/2006 65 is in my view a bargain, if you can find one. The running costs are not cheap but certainly not SLR money.

The R320 (pre terrible facelift) SL65 is a V12 TT of course. But if I was looking at them I'd probably try and find a Brabus S Roadster

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/brabus-biturbo

I like the SLR. But the width of the thing, horrible interior (No sat nav screen!) and grabby brakes put me off it nowadays.

[Gorbyrev]

As 405dogvan said - Jay loves his (bet that has a good few miles on it). Monster of a car, best sounding and in my view most dramatic m/b of recent times. With you on this one Dan.

[0a]

Dr Z said:

I'm probably alone on this, but the SLS does nothing for me. It doesn't match the drama and bruteness of the 722 or the 'normal' SLR.

I fully agree. The SLR looks and sounds fantastic, I would never buy and drive a Lambo or Ferrari (even in the lotto win scenario), they are just not me. The SLR really appeals as a road car.

[sc4589]

I adore these- a proper hot-rod. Creature comforts, blazing speed, great looks. Ticks the boxes for me...

[Harji]

I like , but I've read the reasons why Mclaren were not 100% happy with it and with Mercedes. Gordon Murry in CAR magazine I think. Can't recall the details though.