While the rest of the motoring fraternity are contemplating the future of the auto industry and manufacturers are engaged in drastic cost cutting, Mercedes-Benz and McLaren prepare to unleash the most outrageous SLR yet – the Stirling Moss.

By Kyle Kock

The SLR Stirling Moss will be built to commemorate British racecar driver Stirling Moss’ numerous victories behind the wheel of SLR racing cars, particularly the No722 300 SLR (with which he won the 1955 Mille Miglia), in the 1950s and mark the end of the SLR line as well as Mercedes-Benz partnership with McLaren in building the distinct supercars.

With its bodywork sculpted from carbon-fibre, the SLR Stirling Moss will undoubtedly please purists by remaining true to the proportions of the ‘50s original and the “silver-arrow” styling theme by employing no windshield and no roof to protect its occupants. Other “trademark styling cues include an elongated bonnet, and black-coated ventilation “gills” in the front fenders and bonnet, as well as roll hoops behind the driver and passenger with integrated air scoops.

In keeping with the minimalist exterior, the interior only features the bare essentials in a mixture of carbon-fibre, aluminium and fine leather finishes. An aluminium plate carries the engraved signature of Stirling Moss and covers the area around the shift lever.

Underneath the bonnet lies a supercharged 5,5-litre V8 that produces 478 kW and propels the SLR SM from zero to 100 km/h in 3,5 seconds and on to a top speed of 350 km/h. In order to achieve optimal high-speed stability, engineers kitted the SLR SM with a closed underbody and diffuser (larger than those employed on the coupé and roadster variants) mounted beneath the rear bumper for maximum downforce. To supplement the large carbon brake discs, the manually-operated Airbrake is deployed during hard braking manoeuvres – especially at speeds above 120 km/h.

By the time production starts June 2009 and ends in December that year, a total of 75 will have been built – ensuring the ultimate in exclusivity, as well as the asking price of well over R10 million…

Original article from Car