Mercedes Vision SLR Roadster
by
Alberto Rossi
The Mercedes Vision SLR features striking exterior design, a compelling interior and innovative Mercedes-Benz technology. Over a foot shorter than the popular SLK coupe/roadster, the new concept roadster is based on the revolutionary safety platform of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The roadster's arrow-shaped front hood and eye-catching front fenders are adapted from the futuristic, high-performance SLR super sports car (planned for production around 2003). At the same time, its large doors, flat windshield and gently sloping rear styling are reminiscent of the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow racers of the 1950s.
Carbon fiber seat frames and innovative light clusters at both the front and rear are just two examples of sophisticated Mercedes-Benz technology beneath the youthful bodywork. While integrating such leading-edge components, the designers of the new concept roadster have remained true to the original roadster philosophy. An uncomplicated, purist approach to a very direct connection between man, machine and nature.
Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz and Walter P. Chrysler could never have imagined the eventual magnitude of their dreams. From the initial discussions in January, to the close of the merger in November, 1998 marked the year Daimler-Benz and Chrysler agreed to combine their businesses in a "merger of equals". With a car-making lineage that began in 1886, and a combined history of over 200 years, DaimlerChrysler today is a leading automotive, transportation and services company. With over a century of history behind it, the world-famous Mercedes-Benz is now one of the global brands under DaimlerChrysler. When Mercedes took the F1 world championship, it was already working on a modern-day SLR and as Mercedes says, Vision SLR gives towards the styling and specification of its future sports cars. Waiting for the next models to come, lets see what this great new car has to offer.
This car offers the latest technology for the drivers pleasure and safety. The Vision SLR is larger than today's SL, but it's 46mm lower, which helps minimize the visual bulk. The proportions of the car have been rearranged to make it 230mm longer at the front and 130mm shorter at the back. The shark-like nose and double-layer chin spoiler are evocative of the F1 cars piloted by world champion Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard. The door handles, meanwhile, are operated via the remote control key fob. You just have to push a button and you activate a pair of electric motors which extend both of the handles outward, then retract them after the door has been closed. The concept SLR's body and chassis are built from a combination of fibre-reinforced materials and aluminium which, as well as offering a weight advantage of roughly 40% over steel, bring outstanding crash protection. Other innovations include an electro-hydraulic brake system which calculates the brake pressure by means of both sensors and micro-processors depending on the driving situation. Furthermore, the company has used ceramic brake discs into the set-up to offer improved stopping power.
The new 3.0 litre V8 engine comes with a compact supercharger and water-based intercooling system and develops an almighty 557bhp at 6,500rpm and an incredible 720Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Additional innovations include direct petrol injection and the firm's trademark three-valve-per-cylinder arrangement, which helps the V8 unit to meet strict future emission regulations. All those innovations combined with the light weight are the key for smashing the opposition. Accelerating from 0-60mph takes only four seconds, while the top speed is 200mph equal to 322 kph!
Inside, stark aluminium trim sits in contrast to the warm suede and leather trim used on the carbon fibre race seats and transmission tunnel. Aluminium circles the speedometer and rev counter, which feature digital readouts for both the fuel and temperature gauges. The comand screen, which opens out from the center console when the doors are unlocked, operates the radio, CD player and TV. The steering column-mounted gearstick operates the five-speed automatic gearbox.
In conclusion, everything except of the auto box is innovative. The Mercedes Vision SLR Roaster combining the very best of the manufacturer's past, present and future is a sports car par excellence. Leaving the competition far behind, the Vision SLR is the car of the new millennium and the dream of every man. The only problem is the price of it, unless you have a million of dollars ready for your next purchase.
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The Mercedes Vision SLR features striking exterior design, a compelling interior and innovative Mercedes-Benz technology. Over a foot shorter than the popular SLK coupe/roadster, the new concept roadster is based on the revolutionary safety platform of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The roadster's arrow-shaped front hood and eye-catching front fenders are adapted from the futuristic, high-performance SLR super sports car.
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