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Mercedes SLR Line Comes to an End

The SLR legend was born in 1955, when Rudolf Uhlenhaut combined the design and technology of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" model with the main characteristics of the 300 SLR racing machine. Unfortunately, the German carmaker announced that the last examples of the SLR Stirling Moss are currently being built, bringing the modern SLR story to an end.

There have been five variants of the SLRs produced since Mercedes-Benz and McLaren jointly started the project in 2004, two coupés, two roadster versions and the exciting SLR Stirling Moss. The latter is a limited edition of 75 examples. Overall, there have been 2,000 SLR (which stands for sporty, light, raceworthy) models produced.

The SLR Stirling Moss, first introduced in January 2009, was especially designed to sport “an exciting, pronounced arrow-shaped form” that would provide the vehicle enhanced aerodynamics, helping it to run with a maximum speed of 350 km/h.

A V8 supercharged engine developing 478 kW (650 hp) accelerates the SLR Stirling Moss from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds. The side skirts are very high, just like on the model driven by Stirling Moss in 1955 at Mille Miglia.

On the other hand, in the Coupé and Roadster models, the eight-cylinder powerplant with a displacement of 5.5-liter develop 460 kW (626 hp).

The SLR spirit lives on, however, and will be perpetuated by the members of the SLR CLUB. “In addition to a passion for driving, the members of this exclusive community of gentleman-drivers, all of whom have an SLR model in their garages, share a discerning, sophisticated lifestyle and the enjoyment of encounters with like-minded enthusiasts,” a company statement reads.
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