Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

The top-of-the-range super sports car employs carbon-fiber body shell, floor assembly, hood, doors, and crash structure as well as aerodynamic construction principles from Formula One.

It is one of the world's ultimate road cars. Its top speed is 334 km/h (208 mph), its power output 460 kW (617 SAE hp), it has a monocoque of carbon-fiber composites, and its front crash structure is also manufactured entirely of carbon fiber-claimed as a world first. Brakes incorporate ceramic discs, and the rear spoiler doubles as an airbrake. This is the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

The original SLR (Sports, Light, Racer) distinguished itself as an outstanding racecar in the 1950s, notably in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, who won the 1955 Mille Miglia in it, averaging almost 100 mph (160 km/h) for 10 h over regular roads. The 21st century SLR would do that with no problem at all. Developed in collaboration with McLaren, the company's partner in its F1 program, the car's list of high-technology systems, equipment, components, and structure-together with advanced aerodynamics-is extraordinary Of these, the way light, stiff, carbon fiber is put to use is particularly significant, and Mercedes claims a first for automated production of carbon-fiber composite components. The entire body shell, doors, hood, and chassis are made from the material. Mercedes says that the primary structure of the SLR is some 30% lighter than conventional steel construction of a comparable front/mid-engine vehicle.