Mercedes Explores the Automotive Outer Limits
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - Mercedes chose an exotic location for an exotic automobile when it planned the international media launch of its Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports supercar. The Cape region proved to a
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| Through a cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and the folks at McLaren, the SLR was built almost without regard to cost. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
superb place to evaluate a new vehicle of any kind with its fine (December) summer weather, superb hotels, warmhearted populace and quiet roads. If it wasn't for the remoteness of the Cape, there'd be automaker media launches down here every week!As most enthusiasts know by now, the SLR was built almost without regard to cost using carbon fibre for the bodywork. A cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and the folks at McLaren who run the West McLaren Mercedes Formula One team, the car was conceived as a modern-day version of the awesome SLR sports racing cars of the mid 1950s.
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| Many of the SLR McLaren's styling cues harken back to the 50s SLR era. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
Mercedes calls it "a grand turismo for the 21st century" although some of us at the launch thought "race car for the road" might be a better description.This is a stunning-looking car by any standards and it would probably upstage a Ferrari Enzo or Lamborghini Murciélago if placed alongside.
It's a long time since I drove a car that drew quite as much attention from fellow road-users as the SLR. Many of the styling cues harken back to the 50s SLR era, while the nose has a hint of Formula One racer about it. The doors swing upwards at the touch of a latch on the sill, but dragging them down again proved more of a chore.
