McLaren SLR Stirling Moss - Birth of a legend

At the next Detroit Auto Show, a star will be born: Mercedes Benz plan to steal the show with the 2009 McLaren SLR Stirling Moss. This boldly styled racer is the last vehicle scheduled to be built in the context of the partnership between Mercedes and McLaren. The price tag will be around 750,000 euros and only 75 will go on sale. The bodywork for this tribute to the legendary Formula 1 driver will be made of carbon fibre. The turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 engine packing a mighty 650bhp is the same one that has already been used to power the SLR 722.

They have also instituted a few cost-cutting measures, i.e. there is no roof or windscreen. The car reaches a top speed of 217mph and goes from 0 to 100kph in just 3.5 seconds. Other unique features are the swing-wing doors, a retractable air brake and a two-piece protective cover that is stowed in the boot. Check out the gallery for a foretaste of what's in store for Detroit 2009...

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