The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe & Racecar of 1955, which was a modified Mercedes-Benz W196 F1 race car. It was introduced on 17 Nov 2003. On 4 April 2008, Mercedes announced they would cease production of the SLR. The last of the coupes rolled off the production line at the end of 2007 and the roadster version was discontinued in early 2009.
Technical highlights The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLare
The SLR features Sensotronic, a type of brake-by-wire system. The brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature. Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1,200 °C (2,200 °F). The front discs are internally vented and 370 mm (15 in) in diameter. 8 piston calipers are used. Rear discs are 360 mm (14 in) in diameter with 4 piston calipers. During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the discs to keep them dry.
Rear view of the SLR McLaren Roadster
To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees. The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~90%[citation needed].
The brakes have been strongly criticized by such review sources as Top Gear due to lacking modulation and having an on-off operation. This is due to road cars not regularly reaching normal operating temperature for ceramic discs in stop-go traffic conditions.
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