Welcome ladies and gentlemen; I hope you all had a marvelous weekend.

To kick things off this bright July morning, Mercedes has released details of a car we've reported about on several occasions, but until now, a car that's never been confirmed. That car is the Mercedes-Benz SLR, but not a typical SLR - a slightly updated, slightly more powerful and slightly sexier SLR "722 Edition."

Named to honor British racing legend Stirling Moss' and co-driver Denis Jenkinson's victory at the Mille Miglia in 1955, a race won by a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with starting number 722, the SLR 722 Edition features a supercharged 5.5-Liter V8 producing 478kW/650 horsepower, as opposed to the standard SLR's 460kW/626 horsepower. The result is a supercar capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds (standard SLR: 3.8 seconds), 0-124 mph in 10.2 seconds (standard SLR: 10.6 seconds), and achieving a top speed of 209.4 mph (standard SLR: 207.5 mph).

In addition to the power enhancements, the new SLR 722 Edition also features a number of other tweaks as well. Nineteen-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration, a ten-millimeter reduction in height, larger brake discs, and a modified front spoiler and rear diffuser all reflect subtle hints this isn't a typical Mercedes SLR McLaren.

For those interested, the new SLR goes on sale tomorrow, July 11th.  Pricing isn't specified, but like its standard SLR brother, it will cost approximately the same as a typical middle-class American family's home (i.e., it's expensive).

To learn more, keep reading to see photos of Mercedes' latest supercar in the flesh, followed by the full press release. As always, click any photo to enlarge.

Enjoy.

























OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


New Mercedes-Benz SLR "722 Edition": Born on the racetrack

Stuttgart, Jul 10, 2006
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR "722 Edition" has all the attributes of a thoroughbred racing car. Refined in numerous respects, this super sports car has more output, a tailor-made suspension configuration and a decidedly sporty interior.

A continuing tradition: the new model variant SLR "722 Edition" is a homage by Mercedes-Benz to the unforgettable victory won by the British racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7.22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955. With an output of 478 kW/650 hp and a corresponding performance, the new super sports car, which goes on sale on July 11, will not only make the hearts of car enthusiasts beat faster.

The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine in the "722 Edition", which is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, generates 478 kW/650 hp. The particular strengths of this high-performance engine are immediate response to movements of the accelerator, highly emphatic torque build-up and an unmistakable V8 sound. The performance figures are outstanding even for a high-end sports car: the "722 Edition" accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds, and 200 km/h is reached in just 10.2 seconds. The maximum speed (337 km/h) is above the 334 km/h previously achieved by the SLR.

Handling characteristics worthy of the racetrack are also provided by the sophisticated suspension, with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a ten-millimetre-lower body. Larger brake discs with a diameter of 390 mm ensure excellent braking performance.

Discreet visual modifications mark the SLR "722 Edition" out as special, in line with the wishes of the enthusiastic gentleman drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core target group. The modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing. At the same time, the use of clear-lacquered carbon as an extremely strong yet lightweight material symbolises the practicality of these technical features. Bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara provide outstanding lateral support, while the grippier racing steering wheel with a hunting-leather lining, gearshift paddles and black carbon highlights lend a thoroughbred racing touch to the interior.

Exclusive "SLR. Club" for SLR owners

Before the sales release date, customers and selected guests will have the advance opportunity to appraise the new SLR "722 Edition". This is to mark the foundation of the worldwide "SLR. Club" at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southern France. As an ultra-exclusive community of which SLR customers automatically become members, the "SLR Club" provides an attractive platform for outstanding events related to the SLR, as well as numerous other benefits. Another exciting feature is the club’s SLR Safety & Speed Academy, which offers special driver training courses and seminars. David Coulthard, Jochen Mass, Klaus Ludwig, Chris Goodwin and Christina Surer are among the highly skilled and well-known instructors.

Copyright © 2006, DaimleryChrysler AG