ON THE ROAD
Performance: The 5.4-litre V8 is supercharged to produce 617bhp and 575lb ft of shove. Slide the five-speed auto gearbox into drive, slam the throttle, and the SLR surges to 62mph in just 3.8sec and then goes on all the way to 206mph. Carbon-ceramic disc brakes are fitted as standard.
Ride & handling: Around town the ride is firm, but it becomes far more acceptable at the type of speeds the car was designed for. Despite its size, the SLR changes direction more like a dinky Lotus Elise, thanks to the chassis's stiffness and the car's razor-sharp steering.
Refinement: Blip the throttle and the side-mounted exhaust pipes bark like a couple of angry Rottweilers. At motorway speeds, those massive tyres do generate a fair amount of rumble, but the engine is surprisingly cultured, and even with the roof down, there's little wind noise.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning: Even by supercar standards, the SLR is eye-wateringly expensive. It's possible to save a few bob by going for the basic specification, but Mercedes is convinced all buyers will plump for the bigger wheels and leather upgrade, which pushes the price to £350,000.
Quality & reliability: The SLR is a joint effort between Mercedes' engine performance tuners AMG and McLaren. It's built by hand to exacting standards, so you'd expect it to be reliable. Quality isn't an issue - the cabin is beautiful trimmed from the highest quality materials and the fit and finish of all the panels are exemplary.
Safety & security: McLaren's experience in protecting F1 drivers means the SLR has incredibly strong crash protection qualities. Front and side airbags should also help in the event of an accident, while a host of electronic drivers aids and immensely powerful brakes should help keep you out of trouble. If you're crazy enough to steal an SLR, chances are someone will notice - only 20 are destined for the UK each year.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel: Place your order and you'll be invited for a fitting of your own bespoke leather-clad driver's seat. There's also lots of steering-wheel adjustment, so you should be able to make yourself comfortable easily. However, because the car is so big, you'll struggle to see where the bonnet ends. You'll also need to rely on the mirrors and parking sensors to let you know what's behind you, because rear visibility is atrocious.
Space & practicality: It couldn't be easier to get in and out, thanks to those funky 'up-and-over' doors. Unfortunately, although the fabric roof is electrically powered, you need to undo a hefty retaining handle and give the roof a good shove before the electrics take over. At least there are some useful cubbyholes and a fair-sized boot, so there's no need to have your weekend luggage sent on ahead.
Equipment: Everything you need is provided as standard, including alloy wheels, a carbonfibre and leather-clad interior, electrically adjustable leather seats, climate control, sat-nav and a premium stereo. Undoubtedly, though, the best piece of equipment is the sound track from the V8 engine.
source: whatcar
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