2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR

Base MSRP $350,000 USD

Curb Weight 3,550 lbs.

Engine / Transmission
Type 5.4 Liter Supercharged
Cylinders 8
Horsepower 600 @ ???? RPM
Torque 590 @ ???? RPM
Redline 7000 RPM
Drive Train Front Engine / RWD
Gear Type 5-Speed Automatic

Performance
0-60 mph 3.8 sec
0-100 mph -----
¼ Mile -----
Top Speed 205 mph
Gas Mileage -----

..

I'll take two please

1

2

3

4

5

SCHWEET!!!

I wouldn't turn one down, but I really don't like it much. We'll see how it performs but it could be the funniest looking supercar ever.
Why would anyone ever pick this car over say a Zonda?

My ultimate supercar!!

Koenigsegg (http://www.koenigsegg.com/index.asp)

http://www.koenigsegg.com/media/45_640.jpg

Wrong!

how bout a zonda? those look funky too.

Originally posted by Squidward
how bout a zonda? those look funky too.


Maybe radical, but I don't know about funky, the pic I posted is a Zonda if you didn't realize. I think the Merc lacks symetry, it looks like someone put it in a stretching machine :p

Those Merc wheels look like the cool shuriken-like weapon from the movie Krull. I gotta get some for my RX-8!

OH I did post this for the Zonda.........LOL

Where were those pics of the SLR taken, I wonder? Very interesting scenery...

Is it just me, or is that Merc pretty Fugly! (strike that - Fugly Ugly) My eyes see what looks like an all dressed up DRAGSTER (Mostly engine cover, with a small space in the back for passengers), with way to much front overhang (like a Chrylser piece of junk) but all fussied up kinda like a James Bond Aston Martin of old, but then with a NOSE like JIMMY DUANTE (stuck on). Now there is nothing really WRONG with HIS nose, but on a car (or dragster)??

The from the back pic is the nicest view, but would you want to own a car that you told friends to stand back - IN THE BACK, just to get a decent looking look?

Actually the Aston looks Sooooo much better. Really! :D

Dunno, but that is one butt ugly car. I'd take a Zonda or a koni anytime. That front end has to be one of the ugliest I have seen.

I do like the inside though :D

Its biggest flaw it that it only comes with an automatic transmission. In my opinion, no car can be called a super car with an automatic tranny. You might be able to control which gear you are in with the mecr, but as long as it runs through a torque converter than I don't want it.

Originally posted by cueball
Its biggest flaw it that it only comes with an automatic transmission. In my opinion, no car can be called a super car with an automatic tranny. You might be able to control which gear you are in with the mecr, but as long as it runs through a torque converter than I don't want it.

I noticed that it had an AT and was going to say something snotty but figured most of them would be 6MTs. It's only available in AT??? Ugh... liking it less and less by the minute.

If I had 350k to spend on a car...

1.) I'd go buy 2 FordGTs
2.) bring my closest friend along
3.) find someone with the SLR
4.) find out what time he leaves his house every morning
5.) wait for him up the street
6.) blow his doors off every morning to make him realize what a moron he is
7.) then go buy 2 Lotus Elises with the leftover money

Originally posted by IkeWRX
If I had 350k to spend on a car...

1.) I'd go buy 2 FordGTs
2.) bring my closest friend along
3.) find someone with the SLR
4.) find out what time he leaves his house every morning
5.) wait for him up the street
6.) blow his doors off every morning to make him realize what a moron he is
7.) then go buy 2 Lotus Elises with the leftover money

IKEWRX

The only changes id make is to 6.) hijack his ride.ha ha ha

IKEWRX

THe aston martin is my choice but i can only go for the vantage v8 ($APPROX 230,000 Australian)
version , not the more expensive vanquish v12

The vantage v8 will be made into a GT(MORE HP AND SPORTS HANDLING SUSPENSION ) as well as a convertable VOLANTE with a 6speed manual.

I am the proud owner of plates :A M V 0 8. SLIMLINE

michael

Originally posted by Lock & Load
IKEWRX

The only changes id make is to 6.) hijack his ride.ha ha ha


I'd hijack it and selll it on Ebay!!:D That'd teach him!

Originally posted by Qhris
I'd hijack it and selll it on Ebay!!:D That'd teach him!

Heck id keep the engine drivetrain interior and get a fibreglass rx8 body on it , man that car would fly.

Enjoyed your album of your rx8 wicked .

I have always been amazed by the idiots who carjack old cars hey if you must do it go for something worthwile, with class , if you get caugth at least you have great memoriesof a nice ride.

Selling on Ebay is a bit suspicius but i know a guy in russia who would pay for it in any currency of your desire as long as you can deliver. ha ha ha.

Michael

Thanks for checking out the album - more to come over the next few months....

I hear ya, carjackers are scum. I hope they know how "worthless" the RX-8 is. ;)

I mentioned Ebay as a joke - kinda. i have a friend who almost got taken on a seemingly sweet deal via Ebay. As to your Russian friend, can he take delivery in Portland, Oregon??? _just kidding!_ I have nothing to offer, hot or legitimate. My RX-8 is not for sale, but I'll let him stand next to it fir a photo - $10 OBO.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
I noticed that it had an AT and was going to say something snotty but figured most of them would be 6MTs. It's only available in AT??? Ugh... liking it less and less by the minute.
Yep, Automatic tranny only. As I said before, no "super car" deserves that title when it is only available with a AT.

Originally posted by cueball
Yep, Automatic tranny only. As I said before, no "super car" deserves that title when it is only available with a AT.

The bastards do the same nonsense with a lot if not all the AMG models... What a crime.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
The bastards do the same nonsense with a lot if not all the AMG models... What a crime.

IKEWRX DITTO

The rx8 is not a super car but mazda still screwed up IMO by creating a automatic.

I don't think Mazda screwed up at all. They gave us one of the best 6 speeds available, anywhere.

Sure they made an auto version, but it didn't compromise the six speeds sporting nature. As long as a manual is available then it’s fine by me.

Merc screwed up because you can only get their cars with autos.

Originally posted by cueball
I don't think Mazda screwed up at all. They gave us one of the best 6 speeds available, anywhere.

Sure they made an auto version, but it didn't compromise the six speeds sporting nature. As long as a manual is available then it’s fine by me.

Merc screwed up because you can only get their cars with autos.

I agree but by making an auto rx8 has mazda compromised the image of the rotaries?

Merc screwed up because you can only get their cars with autos.

You can pick any Merc. w/ automatic and it will still smoke your RX8's you idiots.

Originally posted by MikeA
You can pick any Merc. w/ automatic and it will still smoke your RX8's you idiots.


You drive an auto huh?

Originally posted by MikeA
You can pick any Merc. w/ automatic and it will still smoke your RX8's you idiots.
I am well aware of the fact that the merc is way faster than the RX8, but if your going to build a car like that than you should be able to sift your own gears.


Originally posted by Lock & Load
I agree but by making an auto rx8 has mazda compromised the image of the rotaries?
They had to incorporate an auto to expand the base of buyers. And if the RX7 gets brought back than I think its fine that some of that money came from AT sales.

This is the real deal my friends!

Originally posted by Doug Green
This is the real deal my friends!


Uhhhhh ok, I'm convinced! <starts saving up 350k>

i like it...still i'd never spend that much money on a car unless one day i had diarrhea and i just kept shitting hundred dollar bills nonstop...

otherwise, the only thing i dont' like about the SLR is the giant crooked witch nose...

Originally posted by IkeWRX
If I had 350k to spend on a car...

1.) I'd go buy 2 FordGTs
2.) bring my closest friend along
3.) find someone with the SLR
4.) find out what time he leaves his house every morning
5.) wait for him up the street
6.) blow his doors off every morning to make him realize what a moron he is
7.) then go buy 2 Lotus Elises with the leftover money

I'm pretty sure the SLR is faster, even though it uses an automatic transmission.. 3.8 second 0-60 mph. I think (?) that the Ford GT is slower, if only by a tiny fraction of a second.

Yes it's stupid to spend $350,000 on a car, but then again it's also stupid to spend $138,000 on a car (or whatever price Ford settles upon for the GT).

Originally posted by Lock & Load
I agree but by making an auto rx8 has mazda compromised the image of the rotaries?

Mercedes Benz prides themselves for making the best automatic transmissions in the world. I'm not sure you can even get a Mercedes with a manual transmission, period - can you?

You may not agree with it, and a manual may be much more fun (and generally better for performance) but Mercedes - for whatever reason - has decided that making good automatics is part of their brand image and they're sticking with it.

Strikes me as kind of stupid on their part, but there you have it.

Originally posted by FamilyGuy
I'm pretty sure the SLR is faster, even though it uses an automatic transmission.. 3.8 second 0-60 mph. I think (?) that the Ford GT is slower, if only by a tiny fraction of a second.

Yes it's stupid to spend $350,000 on a car, but then again it's also stupid to spend $138,000 on a car (or whatever price Ford settles upon for the GT).


Take a look at my post in the lounge about the Ford GT, it whooped up on the Ferrari Challenge Stradale and the GT3. There's no real numbers out for the SLR but I'll be shocked if they can make match or better the GTs.

Isn't MB coming up with a 7 speed auto ?

Originally posted by RX8-TX
Isn't MB coming up with a 7 speed auto ?


I don't care if it's a 10 speed auto, I want to shift damnit! :p

Originally posted by FamilyGuy
I'm not sure you can even get a Mercedes with a manual transmission, period - can you?

I think one of the base model SLKs and the C230 are available with manuals. I find it rather odd because those are the lower end of Mercedes' product lineup.

Originally posted by RX8-TX
Isn't MB coming up with a 7 speed auto ?
Yes they are. It is coming out soon for the V8 models.

You guys gotta realize that this is a MERCEDES. Mercedes doesn't pride themselves in their automatics, but their overall drivability and civility. They're meant for cruizing and bahn-storming as easily as possible. The car is even being marketed as "THE EVERYDAY SUPERCAR" by Mercedes themselves. Because of this I think it would be odd to have to shift my own gears!!! This is a MERCEDES and it should do damn near everything by itself.

Originally posted by IkeWRX
Take a look at my post in the lounge about the Ford GT, it whooped up on the Ferrari Challenge Stradale and the GT3. There's no real numbers out for the SLR but I'll be shocked if they can make match or better the GTs.

You're right, the GT is much faster (at least according to Car and Driver).

Automobile Magazine had a comparison between a pre-production Ford GT, the Lambhourgini Gallardo, and the Ferrari Modena. They also listed the GT as the fastest and the Modena as the slowest but the review said that the Ferrari was just a little bit more fun to drive.... kind of like the way the 350Z can definitely outrun the RX8 in a straight line but the RX8 has a loyal following anyway.

Yeah the Ford GT is fast and a better "RACECAR", but you can only get a few types of woman with it!!!!
In the Merc. you can have sex with ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by MikeA
Yeah the Ford GT is fast and a better "RACECAR", but you can only get a few types of woman with it!!!!
In the Merc. you can have sex with ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


GO TO BED MIKE

AT are taking over manuals since the advanced ones shifts as fast as manual and don't require clutch jobs. It's gonna be hard to find manuals in the next 10 years as AT technology takes over (other than sports and economy cars).

BTW, Ferrari offers AT also. It's still a supercar AT or not.

The SLR has a huge front fender, not very attractive... I do like the SL 55 AMG and will happily keep the extra money for a G SUV. I guess it's all about exclusivity when you spend mega bucks. I was at Irvine the other day and saw 3 SL parked out front of Marriott where I was staying. I guess the SLR would stand out a lot more.

I felt like a poor man with my FD

Well, i don't care for the exterior style, but i like the rims. :D

Originally posted by djantlive
AT are taking over manuals since the advanced ones shifts as fast as manual and don't require clutch jobs. It's gonna be hard to find manuals in the next 10 years as AT technology takes over (other than sports and economy cars).

BTW, Ferrari offers AT also. It's still a supercar AT or not.

The SLR has a huge front fender, not very attractive... I do like the SL 55 AMG and will happily keep the extra money for a G SUV. I guess it's all about exclusivity when you spend mega bucks. I was at Irvine the other day and saw 3 SL parked out front of Marriott where I was staying. I guess the SLR would stand out a lot more.

I felt like a poor man with my FD

Right now, if you want the best performance out of a regular car you need a manual. The automatic 'eats' some of your performance with its torque converter and the fact that the transmission often (but not always) shifts at the wrong time when you're trying for high end performance.

If I understand it right, Ferraris and Formula one cars have automatics without torque converters. They can be run in manual mode, where you shift gears yourself, but some doohicky engages and disengages the clutch and actual changes the gear for you. (I think that's what you were talking about in your first paragraph. Correct me if I am wrong.) It is superior to a standard manual transmission for high performance, because the gear changes are faster.

Toyota has the same setup available in the MR2 Spyder, but they haven't ironed all the kinks out from what I hear (i.e. when you put it into manual mode and shift gears, sometimes there is a delay). From what I understand, Audi is working on making this kind of transmission a standard feature on all of their vehicles.

Once the automakers that makes cars for middle class people have this technology working correctly, I expect the manual transmission to really disappear. It doesn't matter if it's the most fun configuration, if it offers no convenience or performance advantage people will stop buying them.

On the other hand, Mercedes doesn't use this type of tranny yet, and that's probably why its $350,000 car can't keep up with the Ford GT.

can't wait for this upcoming year--- my dealership will get 1 SLR and 1 carrera GT ( we carry Mazda, Saab, MB,BMW, VW, Porsche)
maybe I'll post real pics when they come in?!?

THE MERCEDES SLR------ THE GENTLEMEN'S FERRARI

that thing costs more than my condo

Originally posted by FamilyGuy
If I understand it right, Ferraris and Formula one cars have automatics without torque converters. They can be run in manual mode, where you shift gears yourself, but some doohicky engages and disengages the clutch and actual changes the gear for you. (I think that's what you were talking about in your first paragraph. Correct me if I am wrong.) It is superior to a standard manual transmission for high performance, because the gear changes are faster.

I think it is the other way around. It is not so much an automatic without a converter, but rather a manual with an automatically controlled clutch. So it is still a true manual, just without a clutch.

At least that is how I think it is, I could be wrong.

no, everything is the same: all the mechanicals (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission3.htm) work as per usual, but the gear selector forks, clutch, and even the throttle are all controlled by electro-pneumatic (or elecro-hydraulic, depending on how you wanna get things done) actuators; it's a big ballet all controlled by the ECU which gets it all done far FAR faster than any person ever could.
at least, these are the kind in F1.

there are also Semi-Manual Transmissions (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/sequential-gearbox1.htm), which are sequential gearboxes (same design as motorcycle gearboxes), and you slide the selector up and down a cylinder in the 'box to engage different gears. these are slick, and easy to operate, but are more complicated, more fragile, heavier, and more expensive than your regular manny tranny.

that is one bad ass ride. I agree with Mikeb, I will also take 2!