Celebrating 20 years of the Formula 1-inspired Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

A unique chapter in McLaren’s history is its Formula 1-inspired collaboration with Mercedes-Benz which saw the 2003 debut of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Announced at the 1999 British Grand Prix, the new sportscar was to turn the Mercedes-Benz SLR Vision concept shown in Detroit into a model for sale to the public.

It was known as ‘Project 7’ while under development, and the first prototype was built by a team of ex-Formula 1 McLaren mechanics. The team then joined with automotive engineers to form the core project group that would take the car into production, as the first car to be hand-assembled at the then newly opened McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in the UK.

Following Vision SLR design
The shape and styling of the car were kept as close as possible to Mercedes’ requirements, with the Vision SLR design as the basis. This required new approaches to engineering, drawing McLaren’s expertise in carbonfibre composites learned through decades of experience in Formula 1 and the McLaren F1 roadcar.

Allied to the innovative carbonfibre developments was a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 developed by Mercedes-AMG, producing 626 ps/780 Nm. Driving the rear wheels via a 5-speed automatic transmission, the performance of the front-mid engined super-GT was comparable to the supercars of the era – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h.

MSO continues evolution
While production of the car that began its life as ‘Project 7’ ended in December 2009 (after 2,157 units were made), this did not end McLaren’s involvement with the SLR. In 2010, the newly created McLaren Special Operations (MSO) introduced the McLaren Edition SLR, an enhancement package for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren created through invaluable feedback from SLR owners and MSO customers.

This version, limited to just 25 copies, featured significant bodywork alterations with the adoption of a new, aerodynamically sculpted front apron with a larger front splitter, new side intakes, a larger rear wing and a revised rear diffuser, as well as lighter wheels. Alongside the changes, MSO also  revised the suspension and power steering assistance.

Subsequently, MSO developed further enhancement and redesign packages. In 2019, MSO introduced the SLR by MSO – a new comprehensive upgrade programme driven by feedback from owners in the decade since the car went out of production.

A new aerodynamic package combined with new weight saving measures and new luxurious appointments, such as special quilted leather upholstery. These are available as a comprehensive package or as individual elements.

The SLR HDK
McLaren continues to stay involved with the car. In May 2023, MSO completed the customer handover of the very first SLR High Downforce Kit (HDK) conversions. These cars come with bodywork alterations directly inspired by the 722 GT racer, a track-going version of the car.

With the car’s track increased by 60 mm front and rear, the HDK cars have an even more imposing stance, emphasised by a wide bodykit with flared wheel arches and a rear wing inspired by the one fitted to the McLaren F1 GTR.

Weight is further reduced and exhaust volume is increased with the deletion of silencers from an exhaust system that features large, single exits on both sides of the car. MSO will produce 12 SLR HDKs, all of which have already been sold.