SLR McLaren loses its lid

Fun in the sun for the wealthy

Mercedes is one of the few automakers to offer a convertible in nearly every size of vehicle it produces; from the compact SLK roadster, mid-size CLK four-seater, to the large SL roadster. With the Ocean Drive concept the company unveiled in Detroit this year, it seems a four-door convertible may be added to the foray in the future, but for now the range-topping SLR McLaren Roadster will have to do.

This latest addition unites styling cues of the successful SLR racing models from the 1950s with the innovative technology of modern Formula 1 vehicles from the McLaren-Mercedes team. The arrow-shaped tip of the F1 Silver Arrow, a styling element in the SLR, establishes a visual link with the legendary racing cars, along with distinctive lateral louvers, side pipes behind the front wheels and wide-opening gullwing doors. Its lightweight semi-automatic top folds down in just 10 seconds, offering ‘undiluted open-air driving pleasure’ for two lucky occupants.

Power is sourced from the same front-mid-mounted AMG V8 compressor found in the coupe variant, delivering 626bhp and a maximum 575lb.ft of torque to the rear wheels. An AMG Speedshift R five-speed transmission shifts automatically through the cogs, while high-performance carbon-ceramic brake discs are charged with slowing the SLR once it’s completed 3.8 second stints to 62mph.

The SLR Roadster utilises many F1-bred technologies employed by partner McLaren. The body is made entirely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic materials and two aluminium subframes cradle the AMG V8 compressor engine. Riding atop a specially-reinforced carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the car benefits from low weight and high torsional rigidity, while its wind tunnel-honed aerodynamics have been optimised for handling at high speed. Like its coupe sibling, the Roadster incorporates an ‘airbrake’ to slow the car down from its 207mph top speed and a diffuser in the rear bumper to increase downforce.

Safety aboard the open top SLR is ensured by carbon-fibre crash elements consisting of steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed roll-over bars. Adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, seat belt tensioners and a tyre-pressure monitoring system are all standard fare.

The carbon-fibre bucket seats - which can be specially adapted for occupants with individually sized seat pads - are covered in semi-aniline-leather, while the cockpit also features dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a Bose audio system, multifunction sport steering wheel with gear-change paddles, and a navigation system with integral radio and CD player.

Built at McLaren's Formula 1 factory in Woking, England, the SLR will be available from September 2007.