1999 September,
the Vision SLR Roadster "design study" was presented at
the Frankfurt Motor Show. 1999 July,
"the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management gave
the green light for production of the sports car." 1999 January,
the SLR Coupe was shown.
The closed SLR coupe and open roadster
feature doors that hinge forwards and upwards,
recalling the gull-wing doors of
the 1954 300 SL and the 1955 300 SLR coupe,
but perhaps more closely resembling those of the
Lamborghini
Diablo.
The soft-top's top is made of polyester mesh
which is aluminium plated and allows light through.
To compensate for the naturally poorer aerodynamics of an open car,
the boot lid is higher than on the coupe
and a diffuser is fitted under the rear body, F1 style,
to improve down-force.
Brakes are controlled by a `Sensotronic' brake by wire system in which
"brake power is calculated for each wheel and
precisely metered in order to ensure optimum track-holding and
braking stability...".
It is said to give more rapid brake response and
to have an ability to compensate for brake fade, say.
The brake discs are made of fibre-reinforced ceramic
which is lighter than conventional cast iron and
can withstand higher temperatures.
The engine is a 5.5 litre V8 with 3-valves per cylinder.
The makers claim
a whopping 410 at 6500 and 720 at 4000,
partly due to a supercharger (kompressor) and a water-cooled inter-cooler.
The supercharger can be "switched off during partial-load"
to reduce fuel consumption.
Mercedes-Benz has been going kompressor-mad lately,
recalling their racing cars and grand-tourers of
the 1930s.
- 4wd.sofcom.com/Mercedes/Mercedes.html
Mercedes Benz SLR
open sports car, roadster, 2-seats, 2-doors
loa: 4564mm, width: 1878mm, height: 1247
(coupe 4499mm x 1812mm x 1293mm)
5496cc, petrol, V8, mpfi, supercharged and inter-cooled, 3-valves/cyl
Holden Astra Convertible Turbo(Highly recommended sports car), from $49,990
This European convertible is a stunning car in so many ways. It's a great drive (with high performance 147kw Turbo). It's practical and apart from a small boot has abundant room for 4 or 5 at a pinch. It's loaded with standard features: air, power windows / steer, cruise, 6 speaker CD, ABS, traction control, airbags & more. It also looks great! My Managing Director's lovely wife owns one of these & I have no hesitation in recommending this car to you. A true bargain for a high performance Euro Convertible. Click here for specs & best price..
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