Special Edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT

By Evander Klum

British motor sports tuner RML Group (Ray Mallock Ltd) wanted to give the special edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 with their exclusive engineering touches. The staff developed a new breed of a super car model based from the vehicle called the SLR 722 GT, a more powerful model that is built exclusively for race tracks. RML Group enhanced the car's suspension, braking system, aerodynamic parts, exhaust system (with oxygen sensor), and even the interior components. The SLR 722 GT was made through the request of SLR CLUB members to have a new SLR 722 model. The SLR CLUB is an exclusive organization that hosts events relating to the SLR model.

Going back to the new SLR 722 GT, this super car model now comes with an up rated supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine under its redesigned sleek hood. The engine is capable of pumping out 500 kW / 680 PS and pulls out a maximum torque output of 830 Newton metres. This power unit is also combined with a five-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel shift paddles suitable for racing conditions. A mechanical locking differential with a locking effect of 70 percent is also included for additional performance. With this powertrain package, the new SLR 722 GT can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 315 km/h or about 196 mph. This super car model also features a racing air filter and a new exhaust system.

RML Group also gave the SLR 722 GT with newly developed suspension system. These include new wheel location system for improved kinematics and lateral dynamics, modified stabiliser at the front axle, adjustable wheel camber, and shock absorbers with variable compression. The SLR 722 GT also comes with wheels equipped with central locks to allow fast tire changing during races.

Outside, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT features new body components and other design highlights from RML Group. The front apron with front splitter shows the car's agile characteristics along with wide wings, prominent side skirts. At the rear, the SLR 722 GT offers large rear diffuser and the fixed rear spoiler. This allows the SLR 722 GT to have an aggressive aerodynamic look and performance. An 18-inch light alloy wheels completes the overall exterior appeal of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. Inside, the SLR 722 GT is equipped with a functional interior inspired by motor sports racing. These include rollover cage, redesigned instrument panel with a racing display, racing steering wheel, bucket seats, and six-point seat belts for safety.

Unfortunately, RML Group will only roll out 21 units of this modified super car model, and individuals who already ordered the SLR 722 GT are members of the SLR CLUB.

Hamilton Looking For Third Straight Victory

By Anthony Fontanelle

The current Formula One season is being headlined by a rookie in the form of Lewis Hamilton. The British driver will go into this Sunday’s race in Circuit de Nevers in Magny-Cours as the leader in the drivers’ championship standing. He leads double champion and teammate Fernando Alonso by ten points.

The upcoming French and British Grands Prix are seen by experts as the pivotal races of the season. Alonso himself said that the championship race will start in France. This claim by the Spaniard came after Hamilton beat him to the chequered flag in the past two races held in North America.

At the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton emerged victorious while Alonso has to make do with a seventh place finish. At the United States Grand Prix, the two went toe-to-toe but still, Hamilton upstaged his teammate.

The dominant start to the season achieved by McLaren is now being mired by the alleged falling out between the team’s two drivers. In the defense of the team and both drivers, Norbert Haug, Mercedes-Benz’ competition chief claimed that the team is not favoring any of the two to become this year’s champion.

“If that was right, I would know about it,” said Haug after it was rumored that McLaren has already decided which diver to back for the championship. “The truth is that there is obviously a huge demand for stories about Lewis by the English media and therefore things emerge that say more about the creativity of their author than they do about the facts.”

“We are not so arrogant to think that we can pre-determine who is a world champion. Ron, myself, and every other team member would welcome any world champion as long as his car has a (Mercedes-Benz) star on his nose,” added Haug.

As for Hamilton who is driving the same car as Alonso, the MP4-22 with a Mercedes-Benz engine and Mercedes-Benz oil filter and whatnot, he answered Alonso’s claim that the championship starts at the French Grand Prix by saying: “The championship starts at the first race.”

The young rookie who has broken record after record in his maiden season in Formula One pointed out that while he and Alonso are competitive they have respect for each other. “We are very, very competitive. In ourselves, obviously we want to beat each other more than anything but, outside of the car, we respect each other. But, for sure, we have to be careful.”

Hamilton also claimed that he and Alonso have agreed to speak with each other if they are not happy with what has been said already. “If I have any questions, I will ask him face to face,” said Hamilton.

The British Formula One rookie has 58 points so far after seven races. In all his seven races, Hamilton scored podium finishes and the last two outings have been wins. Alonso also has two wins, at the Malaysian and Monaco Grands Prix. His inconsistency though to finish in the top three for every race put him ten points behind his consistent teammate.

McLaren leads the constructors’ championship standing with 106 points. Their closest rival is Ferrari with 71 points. Ferrari is looking to close that gap with a breakout race from Kimi Raikkonen, a former McLaren driver. To extend McLaren’s lead, either Alonso or Hamilton needs to win the French Grand Prix.

Mercedes-Benz to offer SLR McLaren in 2008

By Dwyane Thomas

German auto maker Mercedes-Benz announced its offer for 2008 the SLR McLaren super sports car.

With trademark quality Mercedes parts like Mercedes car headlights, the vehicle exudes the latest Formula 1 technology from the Vodafone-McLaren-Mercedes racing team. SLR McLarens handling characteristics is provided by the carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials that comprises the vehicle. Of course, safety is not a question here, since Mercedes is known for excellent safety features.

Because of its fully retractable top, the SLR McLaren gives excellent open-air driving experience that is suitable for daily use. To achieve a top speed of 207 mph, the car is powered by a supercharged compressor 617-hp AMG V8 engine that measures 5.5-liter.

Since this vehicle has the Formula 1 technology, it can be concluded that it links with the racing cars. The Formula 1 silver arrow visually depicts this link. The style of the 50s lives on with this vehicle due to the lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and the wide-opening gull wing doors.

The SLR is fully designed to yield top performance. It has refined roof material, which is available in three different hues. It does not only assure daily comfortable use. It also promises a high-performance sports car with attributes which were only associated before to closed cars. In fact, you can sill talk to your fellow passenger over 120mph on open-air journeys. And that is because of the aero acoustics.

In less than ten seconds, you will experience opening or closing of the semi-automatic roof. You need to simply unlock the roof from the windshield frame and briefly raise it to open the roof. Then it folds electrically. An aluminum cover is installed into its front area so the roof closes very classy.

The wind tunnel gives excellent levels of handling, aero acoustics and aerodynamic efficiency. The 2008 SLR McLaren also has the aerodynamic concept found on the SLR coupe. This concept includes an airbrake installed into the access lid and a diffuser in the rear bumper. This provides increased down force on the rear axle.

Still part of the Formula 1 technology that are found in the 2008 SLR are high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs for excellent braking performance, and the unique front-mid-engine design yields optimum weight distribution. The supercharged compressor that is 5.5-liter AMG V8 engine has a 617-hp and a maximum torque of 575 lb.ft. This is matched with an AMG Speed shift R five-speed automatic transmission that propels the vehicle starting from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Mercedes would never destroy its image when it comes to car safety features. Safety is assured in this vehicle by the unique carbon-fiber crash elements, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Further included are adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags as well as seat belt tension detectors and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

Semi-aniline-leather-upholstered carbon-fiber bucket seats (which can be individually adapted to the driver and front passenger through various seat pads sizes), dual-zone automatic air-conditioning (which is suitable for hot season), a high-quality BOSE premium sound system (for a cool and relaxing ride), and a multifunction sport steering wheel with shift paddles (that adds to the sporty image of the SLR) are the exclusive standard equipment found in the 2008 SLR McLaren.

To be delivered in the US in the fall season this year, the new Mercedes-Benz SLR is manufactured at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England.