Press Release
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Comprehensive Overview for the US
Interior
Harmony of forms and materials
- Motor racing character with new dimensions in comfort
- Exciting cockpit design focuses on the essentials
- Top-class automatic climate control with sophisticated sensor system
- Top-quality radio, sound system and navigation system
The combination of luxurious appointments and a stark sports car-style feel creates a uniquely spellbinding atmosphere on board the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Exclusive, soft "Silver Arrow" leather, specially developed for the SLR, and select materials such as alumin-ium and carbon contrast strikingly with the pure functionality of a vehicle whose roots lie in the world of motor racing. In the interior, as in the exterior, the motor racing heritage is combined with the clear advantages of a classic Gran Turismo: outstanding ride comfort and a deliber-ate concentration on the pleasures of refined dynamic driving.
Despite its focus on luxury and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren's interior dimen-sions are clearly those of a high-performance sports car. In keeping with extraordinarily high demands in terms of dynamic handling, the passenger cell is compact, creating a tailored feel. Nevertheless, there is a generous sense of space inside the two-seater, thanks, in part, to the deep seat position, which allows a low roof line, at the same time lowering the centre of grav-ity, which benefits dynamic handling. The backrest of the carbon fibre seat is set at an angle of 28 degrees to the seat cushion, rather than 25 degrees, in order to allow a sporty seating position.
Generous dimensions ensure an attractive interior. The SLR exceeds the shoulder and elbow width dimensions of many luxury and mid-class saloons, providing its occupants with plenty of personal space. The key interior dimensions of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren:
Interchangeable seat cushions for an individual fit
Having entered through the wide-opening swing-wing doors, the driver and passenger take their places on light, single-piece carbon fibre seats, the basic design features of which have proven their benefits in the world of motor racing. Thanks to the multi-layer carbon fibre com-posite structure, they are not only 25 percent lighter than conventional car seats but also offer ergonomic advantages: a set of two upholstery modules, in three different sizes, allows the seat contour to be adapted individually to the anatomy of the driver. Three sets of these side upholstery modules are available, ensuring that the seats can be adapted to the optimum up-per body and hip width for the driver, providing made-to-measure lateral support. The individ-ual modules, upholstered in semi-aniline leather, are bolted onto the carbon frame.
The single-piece carbon fibre composite frame is connected at four points to an electric seat adjustment mechanism, which is used to adjust the seat's fore-and-aft position (by 130 millimetres), height (by 41 millimetres) and angle (up to 9.6 degrees) according to per-sonal requirements. As a result of the single-piece design of the carbon fibre composite seat frame, the angle of both the seat cushion and the backrest are adjusted simultaneously.
High-class chronometer look for cockpit
Even the process of inserting the electronic ignition key has been imbued with an enthralling, uniquely SLR feel: a starter button on the solid metal shift knob at the top of the gearshift lever on the centre tunnel instantly begins to glow red. Apply slight pressure with your thumb, and the grid-style flap opens to provide access to the illuminated button. One press with your thumb brings the tremendous power of the V8 supercharged engine to life.
The interaction of various well-designed details in the interior underlines the thoroughbred character of the SLR at all times. Nevertheless, the cockpit design deliberately focuses on the essentials, in keeping with motor racing philosophy. Easily readable characters on a dark background, which were specially created for the SLR, define the instruments' attractive, classic chronometer design ??????????????????????????????????????? a design which, even at first glance, signals outstanding preci-sion. They are enclosed by a matt chrome surface and are flanked by further displays, indicat-ing the coolant temperature (left) and tank capacity (right), plus pilot lights and warning lights which only light up when the ignition is started or if there is a fault.
The brightness of the backlit dials automatically adapts to the prevailing light conditions in the interior of the swing-wing-door vehicle. A further unusual detail: when the engine is started, the needles spring back to their home position.
Cutting-edge displays in the lower section of the speedometer and the rev counter serve as an information centre for a number of functions. The aim of this control and display concept is to inform the driver of the operating status of the car without diverting his or her attention from the road. The two central displays are coupled both with the multifunction steering wheel and with the car radio, the telephone and the navigation system ??????????????????????????????????????? which means that, at the touch of a button, the driver's personal list of stations, the selected CD, the telephone directory or navigation information appears directly in the driver's field of vision.
Multifunction steering wheel with buttons for quick gear changes
Eight illuminated buttons on the multifunction steering wheel allow the driver to specify his or her requirements ??????????????????????????????????????? a light tap with the thumb is all it takes. They provide a simple means of regulating the volume and of accepting or terminating phone calls.
The three-spoke steering wheel, which has a diameter of 380 millimetres, was specially de-signed for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. It can be adjusted for reach by 60 millimetres and its height can be varied by 2.7 degrees. On the back of the spokes are buttons which the driver can use to change gears in Manual mode without having to take his or her hands from the wheel ??????????????????????????????????????? a familiar feature in Formula 1.
Aluminium console with buttons for airbrake and shift program
The centre console, made from high-grade aluminium, is a further eye-catching feature on board the high-performance sports car. It houses not only the car radio with its navigation sys-tem, but the climate control unit and several new switches too, which activate and control various innovative technological features on board the SLR.
One of these switches operates the airbrake on the boot lid. From a speed of 95 km/h this automatically extends to provide more downforce, and when slowing down it rises to a steep angle to ensure optimum deceleration. The SLR driver can also use the switch here to posi-tion the airbrake as required.
The two rotary switches on the centre console are a further unusual feature. They can be used by the driver to select between the automatic transmission's three different shift pro-grams: "Manual", "Comfort" and "Sport". The driver can also use the right-hand rotary switch to determine the speed of the gearshifts.
The radio and navigation unit are also accommodated in the centre console,
concealed by an aluminium flap so as not to distract the driver. Beneath the
radio/navigation unit are two ergonomically placed aluminium rotary switches for controlling the air conditioning system.
Material concept underlines elegance and sportiness
In the two-tone interior, which uses only select materials such as high-quality leather, fine Al-cantara for the entire roof trim and elegant pearl velour for the carpets, the dashboard is dark in order to prevent irritating reflections while the seats, door panels, tunnel trim, rear wall con-sole and the rear shelf panel come in a contrasting colour.
There are plenty of inspired details: the high-quality integral loudspeakers in the door panels, for example, have a grid-form cover which echoes the styling of the air outlets on the sides of the vehicle. The rear of the grid surround forms the door handle, while a simple leather loop in the upper area of the door serves as a separate door pull ??????????????????????????????????????? a traditional feature derived from the legendary Mercedes-Benz motor racing vehicles. The uncompromising, clean-cut interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren also features aluminium pedals with rubber studs.
Large boot and roomy stowage compartments
An exceptionally large, saloon-style boot underlines the fact that this is a thoroughbred Gran Turismo, designed for long-distance travel. According to the VDA measuring method, it has a capacity of 272 litres. Even when the luggage compartment is fully laden, the occupants are still assured unimpeded access to the CD changer, which is housed in the boot.
In addition to the spacious boot, there is plenty of stowage space in the interior ??????????????????????????????????????? a total of 46.1 litres, including a 42.5-litre compartment below the rear shelf. Further stowage com-partments can be found in the rear wall and console of the centre tunnel.
The switches for adjusting the seats, the power window buttons and the door release are po-sitioned within easy reach between the door sill and the seat, providing a further example of the sports car's consistent use of space and ergonomic design. The handbrake is located in a moulded recess to the right of the centre tunnel.
Automatic climate control with sensors which register the position of the sun, the air quality and humidity
Despite its uncompromising motor-racing character, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is fit-ted with a state-of-the-art climate control system, which offers the ultimate in power, function-ality and controllability. The two easy-grip aluminium dials on the air conditioning control unit in the centre console allow separate temperatures to be selected for the driver and passenger side ??????????????????????????????????????? the set value is illuminated on the aluminium dial.
In automatic mode, a microcomputer monitors the functions of the automatic climate control system, receiving and processing a whole range of data. This includes information on the bat-tery voltage, coolant temperature, engine speed and road speed plus the position of the doors and the side windows. Sensors supply further key readings:
- Two sensors continuously record the temperature in the interior.
- A solar sensor on the dashboard measures the angle of incidence and intensity of the sun's rays so that the temperature, quantity and distribution of the air blown into the interior can be regulated appropriately.
- A dew point sensor in the air conditioning system's intake duct registers humidity and al-lows economic regulation of the refrigerant compressor.
- A pollutant sensor in the automatic climate control system's intake channel detects any in-crease in the concentration of carbon monoxide and nitrous oxides in the incoming air. If an increase is detected, the system automatically switches to recirculation mode.
Like the automatic climate control system in the SL-Class sports car, the system on board the SLR operates according to the reheat principle: depending on its humidity, the incoming air is first cooled and in the process dried so as to ensure mist-free windows. Only then is it passed through the heating element and heated to the desired temperature.
Sophisticated lighting concept for the interior
One of the air conditioning system's sensors, which records the interior temperature, is ac-commodated in the overhead control panel. The panel also houses the switches for several of the lights which make up the sophisticated interior lighting concept.
Special features include lights below the sun visors which automatically switch on as soon as the visor is folded down and the vanity mirror opened. There is also a reading light which is installed in the interior mirror, and the doors each feature a round lens-shaped light which il-luminates the door sill area when the doors are opened. The intensity of most of these lights is automatically regulated according to the ambient light conditions.
Specially adapted audio and navigation system
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a top-class communication system which has been adapted to the requirements of a high-performance sports car. The Audio 30 APS car radio combines a radio and a cassette player plus the controls for the CD changer and the dynamic-route-guidance navigation system in a single unit. It has a clear design, is easy to operate and its functions are displayed in the speedometer and the rev counter ??????????????????????????????????????? which means that the driver can concentrate on the driving rather than searching for information in excessive detailed displays.
The optimum sound quality comes courtesy of the Bose sound system, which has been spe-cially attuned to the SLR. It uses a total of seven loudspeakers and sophisticated electronics, and not only compensates for interference but also has a microphone which constantly regis-ters driving noise and adjusts the volume accordingly, without the driver having to intervene.
Other integral features include the permanently installed mobile phone system and all of the aerials which are required for radio and telephone reception and for operating the satellite navigation system.
Telematic functions for accidents or breakdowns
SLR drivers also benefit from new traffic services with this cutting-edge communication sys-tem. The following highly effective telematic functions are available:
- TELEAID is an automatic emergency call system which, in the event of an acci-dent, sends out an SOS signal to alert the emergency services and lead them to the scene of the accident. The emergency call is either triggered via a crash sensor or by pressing a button in the overhead control panel. At present TELEAID functions in Germany and the USA.
- TELEDIAGNOSIS makes contact with Mercedes-Benz's central Customer Assis-tance Centre (CAC) at the touch of a button on the car phone headset, at the same time in-forming the centre of all necessary vehicle data and the precise position of the car. This means that service personnel can be directed to the vehicle quickly and precisely. TELEDIAGNOSIS is available in Germany.
- MB Info is a service which offers Mercedes customers the opportunity, using the TELEAID technology, to direct general questions to the customer advisors at the Customer Assistance Centre. One touch of the "Info" button is all it takes to establish a free call. This service is currently offered in Germany and will be extended to other countries in the future.
