Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT Spied On The 'Ring

We have gotten our grubby hands on spy photos taken a few days ago of the Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 GT, and it looks pretty much completed.  Shot on the 'Ring last week, this killer supercar lapped the 20.6 kilometer long Northern Loop (Nordschleife) in a stunning 7m 38s, although Auto Motor Und Sport reports the driver had to take it easy during the test because of transmission problems.

That is slightly faster than a 2004 run on the ring in a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and runs by the Porsche 997 Turbo and Bugatti Veyron.  Those three all finished in 7m 40s.  The 722 GT was beat by the Koenigsegg CCR, which raced the Nordschleife in 7m 34 under cold conditions.

Only about 20 units of the McLaren SLR 722 GT will be produced.  This GT version uses the same supercharged V8 as the SLR 722, getting 650 horsepower.  Engineers somehow found a way to cut more than 650 lbs. from the 722's dry weight.

Speculation leads us to think this SLR 722 GT is being prepped for an upcoming FIA GT race.  RML Motorsport, the company believed to be developing this car, refused our request for comment on the car, stating only that they are not allowed to say anything about the SLR 722 GT, whether they are involved or not.  However, their truck parked next to the SLR 722 GT is an indicator that they have at least some interest in the vehicle's development.

We expect to find out more about this car, which should be wrapping up testing today, by the end of next week.  We will definitely pass those details along when they become available.