This is the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss, a speedster version of the McLaren-Mercedes supercar without a roof or windscreen that marks the end of the SLR’s six-year lifespan.
Costing €750,000 (£672,000, twice the price of the standard car), this 75-model limited edition is meant as a tribute to Moss, who drove Mercedes 300 SLR racers to Mille Miglia and Targa Florio victories in the 1950s.
It also marks the Anglo-German alliance that McLaren and Mercedes are about to conclude.
The Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss is powered by the same V8 as the standard SLR, with 640bhp. It’s capable of 0-62mph in 3.5sec, and 217mph.
Only customers who have previously owned an SLR will be able to buy the Stirling Moss. It’s much lighter than the standard SLR, not just because there’s no roof, but also because the entire body is made from carbon fibre.
Two air scoops behind the driver serve as rollover protection, while the only weather protection is provided by small wind deflectors at the front. Two tonneau covers are stowed in the boot.
Mercedes has reworked the aerodynamics to ensure high levels of downforce and improved handling. The SLR’s airbrake is also retained; it rises during heavy braking at speeds above 75mph. The brake discs are carbon-ceramic.
Despite the outlandish looks, this Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss is designed for road use rather than as a pure track day tool. A lavish high-end interior is promised, with technology carried over from the regular SLR coupe.
Production of the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss starts in June next year and will continue until December, so it will outlive the standard SLR, which will be discontinued in May.
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Re: Mercedes SLR speedster revealed
What a wonderful response to the current gloom! Ugly as sin, yes. But wouldn't it brighten your day if you saw one drive down your local High St? Just one thought. I'm a fan of wind in the hair motoring, but the 217mph gale might just make the occupants look like Wallace & Grommet.....
Re: Mercedes SLR speedster revealed
Interesting to read the difference between the comments posted here and those on an Italian car website I visit. Nearly all the Italians think this Mercedes is beautiful. Personally I think Mercedes design had lost the plot in recent years but I like this a lot. Obviously the timing is not great and you get the impression that they're flogging a dead horse with the SLR by now but I see this as a return to form for Mercedes design. I found the origninal SLR "totally tasteless" but this is far less fussy and more resolved. The most desireable Merc in a long time for me.
Re: Mercedes SLR speedster revealed
Utterly revolting and totally tasteless.
Very obviously designed for old fat Germans with absolutely no taste and wearing short leather trousers ! ! !
How can a major motor manufacturer with such global respect as MB make such an enormous marketing mistake.
As for linking it to one of the best, most reserved and most capable drivers the world has ever known, words do quite literally fail me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!