Mercedes Benz, the name that suggests one of the most luxurious and iconic car brands in the world belongs to Daimler AG and has its roots as back as 1886 !! I only got around 40 minutes to test drive this beauty as my friend ( ya the same guy Ahmed who as I previously mentioned owns 22 cars ) was planning a road trip to Saudi Arabia.
The 2008 SLR is a convertible which features a semi automatic soft top which must be closed if you are to sample its 200 mph + top speed. At $500, 000 not many can afford to own one and it thus brings exclusivity . This car is ranked 3rd in the most exotic sports cars ( total 4 ) in the world but is double the cost of its other 3 contenders!!
Exterior
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With its sleek body and scissor door designs the SLR not just turns heads but snaps them too. It is designed as a two seat roadster. With its long pointed nose, front spoiler, functional hood at the sides, the SLR is the closest thing that looks like a half a million dollars in cars today. Its size is exaggerated which becomes a bother while manouvering it in traffic. 19 inch wheels wrapped in michelin pilt sport tires adds an imposing presence.
Interiors
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The interior introduces the passengers to german cabin adorned in leather, carbon fibre and aluminium. The centre piece of the interior presents the engine starter button with a flip open cover just above the gear lever. The race inspired carbon fibre seats are certainly very supportive and the seat is covered in leather tailored specifically to each customer by benz. But that said those taller then 6 feet will stuggle to find comfortable leg room. A bose surround systen with trunk mounted 6 CD changer, automatic dual- zone climate control and adaptive cruise control fills this car with the top quality luxury items.
Power terrain and driving impressions
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The SLR is powered by supercharged 5.4 litre V8 that produces 617 HP proves that it is more muscle car than sports car. The 5 speed automatic is widely spaced to utilize the brute force of this car. Buttons mounted on the steering wheel lets the driver change the gears manually. 0 to 60 comes in 3.8 secomds and to stop this beast in its tracks there is an 8 piston front and 4 piston rear ceramic brakes.
The car’s F1 inspired aerodynamics helps it to munch those miles with ease. The steering feels right and you are always in control. The grip is great and the responses lightning quick. The car ranks near the top of its class for its performance. As you must have realised by now, the mileage is a joke but when you spend this much for a car you dont really care fot the mileage anyway. All in all a true blue drivers car.
Safety and reliability
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Though no crash tests have been done on the SLR the car promisies high safety for the occupants with tons of airbags , stability control, traction control, tele aid & antilock brakes with brake assist. Reliability issues never rise with Mercedes so no problems on that front
In conclusion the SLR is a dream car that performs like a dream and adds to your bling value and exclusivity. Only the super rich can afford it and Benz , the Owners and the ordinary people knows it and this adds to the snub value. Me ?? I am just glad I ever got to drive one even if it was just for 40 minutes. God bless you Ahmed!!