DaimlerChrysler delivers first Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercars in Middle East

The GT tourer, which starts from US$ 430,000, was first revealed at Dubai's International Motor Show last December but made its official debut in the region at the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit inaugeration on March 17.

During the event, VIPs were treated to high speed rides around the Middle East's first Grand Prix circuit with former Grand Prix driver and current German Touring Car Championship Mercedes-Benz pilot Jean Alesi at the wheel.

"The luxury brand values associated with Mercedes-Benz are combined with the experiences of racing car manufacturer McLaren to make the SLR an outstanding vehicle which has already carved out a separate niche in the high performance sports car market in this region," said Steffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director Mercedes Car Group, Dubai.

Underneath the long tapering bonnet is a handbuilt 626 hp V8 compressor powerplant producing 600 newton metres (Nm) of torque from just 1,500 rpm with peak torque of 780 Nm available from 3,250 rpm. Top speed is just under 330 km/h.

The new SLR is the world's first vehicle to use high-grade carbon fibre composites to provide previously unrivalled degrees of strength and rigidity as well as exemplary levels of safety and occupant protection. It is also the first production vehicle to use ceramic brakes to maximise safety. State-of-the-art restraint systems also ensure optimal passenger protection.
In keeping with the exclusivity of the SLR, production at Woking will be limited. Over the seven-year life cycle of the vehicle just 3,500 will be built. Main SLR markets are North America, Europe and the Middle East.

"The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren bears witness to the tremendous expertise of Mercedes-Benz and of its Formula One ally, McLaren," said Baumann. "Know-how and knowledge have been blended into a harmonious whole, resulting not only in pioneering new features, stunning power and sensational on-road performance, but also in extremely high levels of safety and suitability for every day use."