29 Sep 06 16:16
A select bunch of potential SLR buyers got a sneak preview of this car at an exclusive secret event at the Paul Ricard circuit in the South of France, but we mere mortals had to wait until Paris to get a gander at it. On sale already - to those in the know - it has its power upped from 617bhp to 650bhp.
This model is called the 722 Edition in a nod to the entry number and start time of the 300 SLR driven by Stirling Moss and Denis Jenkinson in the 1955 Mille Miglia. Speaking at the show, Sir Stirling said: 'I really did enjoy driving that car - it was 1,000 miles in a fantastic car. This is a car that has the class to carry 722, a very important number. I hope the 150 people who buy it get as much pleasure from owning that car as I did in my 722.'
Its supercharged AMG-built 5.5-litre V8 is now capable of producing 0-60mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds and 0-125mph acceleration in 10.2 seconds; top speed is 209mph. Other modifications over the standard SLR include unique 19" wheels, larger 390mm brake discs, suspension lowered by 10mm and stiffer dampers. There's a unique front spoiler and air splitter, plus rear air diffuser and clear-lacquered carbon details. Inside, it has leather and Alcantara bucket seats, new leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift paddles, and black carbon-trim highlights.
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