Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch a powered-up version of the McLaren-built SLR coupe in a bid to stir sales of the 208-mph supercar.
Caught in these spy photos undergoing testing on public roads prior to a planned unveiling at the Paris motor show in September, the reworked SLR is distinguished from the existing model by subtle styling changes around the front and rear ends—all aimed at improving high-speed stability and creating more efficient underbody airflow.
The interior also gets special attention, with carbon fiber trim and other weight-saving changes that help reduce the SLR’s curb weight by about 90 pounds.
Under the SLR’s long hood goes an even hotter version of AMG’s supercharged 5.4-liter V8. The revised powerplant produces an extra 24 hp, pushing total output to 641 hp. With a corresponding increase in torque and improvements to the five-speed automatic gearbox to shorten shift times, the SLR’s 0-to-62-mph time drops by 0.2 second to just 3.6 seconds—fast enough to undercut competition like the Lamborghini Murciélago and Porsche Carrera GT. The 0-to-124-mph time is also 0.4 second quicker, down to just 10.2 seconds.
Further details remain scarce, but AutoWeek sources suggest no more than 150 of the hotter SLRs will be built before the end of the year at McLaren’s showcase Paragon production site in Woking, England. Once that production is completed, McLaren will turn its attention to an open-top version of the Anglo-German two-seater tentatively set for its public debut at next year’s Geneva motor show.
