MERCEDES BENZ SLR McLaren 722 Edition (C199) 2006-2007 Photos, engines & full specs

One year after the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, the German carmaker came with a special edition named 722.

The three-pointed-star brand launched the SLR in 2005, half of the century after the carmaker's success in the Mille Miglia race. In 1955, Sir Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson drove the glorious 300 SLR to victory in the thousand-mile race. He started at 7:22 AM, hence the 722 nameplate for the already stunning German supercar. The event was held between Rome and Brescia and back, and the duo achieved a record average speed of 100 mph (161 km/h) in the grueling 1,000-mile race.

Fast forward 50 years, and the stunning, more expensive version of the 2006 SLR 722 Edition featured a few upgrades compared to the regular SLR. There was a new front splitter at the front, which helped increase the downforce. At the back, the carmaker placed a new diffuser that was more effective. Last but not least, the aerodynamic brake on the trunk lifted more than on the non-722 version. To make the car lighter, the carmaker replaced more than 300 parts, so the car was 44 kg (97 lbs) lighter.

Inside, the Alcantara-clad bucket seats featured red stitching, matched by the same material used for the steering wheel. On the center stack, the carmaker placed a 722 badge. But the interior upgrades didn't stop there. There was a set of redesigned paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel, and the dials were encircled with red rings.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed an upgraded version of the 5.4-liter supercharged engine. The V8 pumped out 24 horsepower and 40 Nm (29 lb-ft) more than its regular sibling. Mercedes-Benz also thought about stopping power by adding 390 mm carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic disc brakes.