Categories: This Day

July 17, 2007 – Mercedes-Benz announces SLR McLaren Roadster

Just as McLaren was becoming the favorite to win the driver and constructor F1 titles in 2007, Mercedes-Benz

announced the release of a roadster edition of its SLR McLaren on this day in 2007. The car would hit the market the following September for a cool £200,000. 

The roadster offered astonishing performance for a road-going car. It was built in the same factory as its F1 racing siblings, which allowed for a pleasant mix of F1 technology and the expected comfort features of a true touring car. Carbon fiber can be found throughout the car as a main ingredient, including its body, carbon fiber enforced disk brakes and carbon suspension components. Its AMG V8 kompressor engine produced 626 hp, pushing the car to a top speed of 332 km/h (206 mph). 

Above: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. By Thesupermat – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. By Alexander Migl – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

At the end of the Formula One season, it was Ferrari who claimed the driver and constructor titles. Mercedes-McLaren drivers did finish in second and third. In any regard, Mercedes had a winner on their hands with their new roadster. A total of 2,157 roadster and coupes left the factory between 2005 and 2009.

Brian Corey

Recent Posts

June 6, 1925 – Chrysler is founded

On this day in 1925 Walter Chrysler founded Chrysler Corporation when he reorganized the Maxwell…

12 hours ago

June 3, 2013 – the Legacy of Infiniti Founder Bill Bruce

Twelve years ago today, the automotive world lost one of its quieter giants. Bill Bruce,…

3 days ago

June 2, 1992 – National Corvette Museum breaks ground

By RyanEichlerNCM The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, broke ground on June 2,…

4 days ago

May 27, 1937 – The Golden Gate Bridge opens

Fishermen on Baker Beach enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge under construction, San…

1 week ago

What are the Essential Parts of a Car?

A car is more than just a body with wheels. It’s made of many systems…

1 week ago

May 22, 1969 – Racing movie “Winning,” starring Paul Newman, debuts

Action racing drama "Winning" starring Paul Newman and directed by James Goldstone debuted on this…

2 weeks ago