Mercedes-Benz Unveils SLR Roadster Concept at Frankfurt Show; Bold Design Inspired By Champion Formula 1 Car and Legendary 1950s SL
14 September 1999
Mercedes-Benz Unveils SLR Roadster Concept at Frankfurt Show; Bold Design Inspired By Champion Formula 1 Car and Legendary 1950s SL FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 14 -- Mercedes-Benz today unveiled
a striking concept for a new roadster based on its SLR high-performance sports
car at a press conference preceding the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.
Called the Vision SLR Roadster, the car not only offers a stunning design for
an open two-seater, but also provides a glimpse of performance and safety
technology that Mercedes-Benz will offer in future vehicles.
In January of this year at the North American International Auto Show in
Detroit, Mercedes-Benz debuted a concept for the SLR in coupe form. Based on
the enthusiastic response to this striking new car, the DaimlerChrysler AG
Board of Management gave the green light for a production version of the new
sports car to premiere around 2003.
Like the coupe, the open-top two-seater concept blends futuristic styling
from the current Mercedes Formula 1 World Champion "Silver Arrow" racecar with
classic design elements from the famous Mercedes SL sports car and SLR racer
of the 1950s. The evocative design of its arrow-shaped front end is based on
the Formula 1 race car that Mika Hakkinen drove to victory in the 1998 World
Championship. These race car design cues also appear in the cockpit and along
the body.
The long chiseled hood, sweeping fender lines and unique doors harken back
to the 1950s 300SL sports car and its SLR racing version thath legendary
drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Rudolf Caracciola and Stirling Moss
piloted to numerous victories.
The dramatic look of the SLR design study incorporates a double spoiler
across the front of the car and a new interpretation of the familiar Mercedes-
Benz "face" featuring four oval headlights. The body is formed with
lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum, providing outstanding crash protection
with 40 percent lower weight than conventional steel designs.
The World's First Transparent Soft Top
An industry first, the convertible top on the SLR roadster is made of a
special transparent polyester material which lets in light and retains much of
the pleasure of open-top driving, even when the top is up. The top is then
vapor-plated with aluminum to give it a metallic look. The ingenious design
of the roof also allows the rear half to be opened so that passengers have the
best of both worlds -- protection from the elements in an open-air
environment.
Compared to the SLR coupe version, the trunk lid of the roadster is
higher, and a "diffuser" -- adopted from Formula 1 technology -- directs the
flow of air along the rear of the vehicle and onto the double wings to
increase downforce on the rear wheels.
Supercharged V8 Power
A 5.5-liter Kompressor version of the twin-spark/three-valve Mercedes-Benz
V8 engine produces more than 550 horsepower and about 530 lbs.-ft. of peak
torque. To maximize intake air density, the supercharged V8 includes a
water-based intercooler with its own cooling circuit. This advanced
powerplant gives the SLR Vision truly staggering performance: 0-60 miles per
hour in about four seconds, 0-125 mph in just over 11 seconds and a top speed
of 200 mph.
Lights That Peer Into Every Turn
The headlights feature an adaptive lighting system that not only adjusts
to prevailing driving conditions but also tracks with steering angle. Aiming
the lights into each turn dramatically improves lighting when cornering. LED
taillights blend into the body, and an additional light module across the
entire width of the bodywork above the diffuser houses the rear foglights and
backup lights.
A Leap In Braking Technology
The technology that stops the Vision SLR roadster is no less exciting than
the technology that makes it go. A new electro-hydraulic brake system
calculates brake pressure for each wheel, relying on input from a variety of
sensors, including information on traction and stability. The result is
quicker response from the brake pedal, optimum braking stability when
cornering in wet conditions and compensation for fade on any individual brake.
The brake discs themselves represent a leap in technology. Instead of
conventional cast iron, the discs are made from fiber-reinforced ceramics.
Not only are these brake discs 67 percent lighter than conventional discs, but
they can handle twice the temperature load... up to 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit.
Turbine-Spoke Alloy Wheels -- 20-Inch Diameter at the Rear
The new light-alloy wheels feature a turbine spoke design that ensures optimal
brake cooling, with 245/35 ZR 19 tires (by Formula 1 partner Bridgestone) at
the front and 285/30 ZR 20 at the rear.
Sports Car Interior of The Future
Getting into the Vision SLR roadster recalls the legendary open-top 300SLR
racer of the 1950s. In the Vision SLR, the doors are hinged at the A-pillar
(rather than the roof, as they were on the classic 300SL Gullwing), allowing
the same doors to be used on both the coupe and roadster. The Vision SLR
doors swing forward at a 75-degree angle to allow ease of entry.
Inside, the SLR features an all-new concept for a sports car cockpit,
dominated by a wide, gently curving console. Instead of a conventional
instrument panel, the SLR roadster has a "spoiler" housing two classic-looking
instruments. Likewise, the oval steering wheel breaks from convention and
offers the driver an unfettered view of the instruments. Function and comfort
are ensured by lightweight carbon-fiber bucket seats.
The center console houses the Cockpit Data and Management system (COMAND),
which is standard equipment on the all-new Mercedes S-Class sedan and CL
coupe. From COMAND, the driver can access the on-board satellite navigation
system, as well as controls for the audio and phone systems.
