Thread: fastest cars being produced.

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We had the opportunity to drive it on a closed course. We went 205 with the air on. Rumors were going around that if you tweaked the computer and the blower it would be a 230 mph car. All I know is I'm am thankful we had this opportunity. I'm just trying to share some of my experiences that I have been lucky enough to have had.
"Yes honey fire suits do make you look fat"
Ken

Very nice car BTW. Of course even though I don't like Mercedes, their very high end stuff such as yours is nice. Noone can say they aren't. As for the limiter, yours must have slipped through or been brough straight over without it. In the pic with you and your wife, please take the helmet off the car. Your going to scratch the paint.

There is just something unnatural about a car that goes over 200 mph with the air on. Beautiful car Ken, and your Wife/Co-Pilot isn't too shabby either.

Don

Did you have to tape it together to go 200?

Ken is that carpet in your garage?? Very nice ride you have there. The garage is really nice too!!!

Ken, nice car I would like to see some more, I haven't checked your gallery yet but later when I get home from number one grandson's ball game I’ll check or if you don’t mind and if it is ok you could put them here.

One more thing how come all of you guys that grew up in California have a full head of hair???? Nice to have a wife that trusting for a 200 mile ride, I think mine would bail at 130!!!

Richard

When you start talking about a car like the McLaren, you are talking about more than fast.........these cars are engineering marvels, and built with swiss watch-like precision. Comparing what we could build with some hot Chevy engine is like comparing Ripple wine to a fine Bordeux.........they will both get you drunk if you drink enough, but otherwise they are in two different leagues.

Here is some info on the McLaren:

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is an Anglo-German sports car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and McLaren Automotive, built in Portsmouth and the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England. Daimler AG, owner of Mercedes-Benz, also owns 40% of the McLaren Group.

Due to the presence of the automatic gear box, front mid-engined arrangement and its driving characteristics lead some commentators to classify the SLR McLaren as a GT whose rivals can be considered to be e.g. the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish and Ferrari 599 GTB.[1]

It is the fastest automatic transmission car in the world. [2] SLR stands for "Sport, Leicht, Rennsport" (sport, light, racing). Mercedes-Benz has stated that they will build 3500 SLRs in a span of 7 years, with an annual production of only 500 cars.[3] The car's base price is GB£300,000 (approx. US$495,000 or €475,000, c. 2007).[4]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 History
o 1.1 Brakes
o 1.2 Aerodynamics
o 1.3 Engine
o 1.4 Performance
* 2 Comparison
* 3 722 Edition
* 4 Roadster
* 5 722 GT
* 6 References
o 6.1 Notes
* 7 External links

[edit] History

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR of 1955, based on the W196 F1 car, yet named after the road-going 300SL Gullwing. On 4 April 2008, Mercedes announced they will cease production of the SLR. The last of the coupes rolled off the production line at the end of 2007 and the roadster version is due to be discontinued in early 2009.

[edit] Brakes

The brake discs are carbon-ceramic and provide better stopping power and fade resistance than steel discs when operating under ideal working temperature. Mercedes-Benz claims these discs are fade resistant to 1,200 °C (2,200 °F). The front discs are internally vented and 370 mm (14.6 in) in diameter. 8 piston calipers are used. Rear discs are 360 mm (14.2 in) in diameter with 4 piston calipers. During wet conditions the calipers automatically skim the surface of the disks to keep them dry.
Rear view of the SLR McLaren Roadster
Rear view of the SLR McLaren Roadster

To improve braking performance there is an automatic air brake, when engaged the rear elevation angle of the rear spoiler is set to 65 degrees. The additional rear downforce in addition to the markedly increased aerodynamic drag increases peak deceleration ~25%.

[edit] Aerodynamics

The SLR features active aerodynamics; there is a spoiler mounted on the rear integral air brake flap. The spoiler increases downforce depending on its angle of elevation (angle of attack). At speeds above 95 km/h (59 mph) the spoiler/brake automatically raises to 10 degrees (15 in 722 edition), when demanded via the driver's switch, the elevation can be increased to 30 degrees (35 in 722 version) for increased rear downforce, at the cost of increased steady state drag.

[edit] Engine
The SLR McLaren sports a hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged V8 engine.
The SLR McLaren sports a hand-built 5.4-litre, supercharged V8 engine.

The SLR sports a 232-kilogram (512 lb), hand-built, 5.4-litre (5439 cc/331.9 cu in), supercharged, all-aluminum, SOHC V8 engine. The cylinders are angled at 90 degrees with three valves per cylinder and lubricated via a dry sump system. The compression ratio is 8.8:1 and the bore and stroke is 97 millimetre (3.82 in) and 92 millimeters (3.62 in), respectively. The Lysholm-type twin-screw supercharger produces 0.9 bar (13 psi) of boost, the turbine rotates at 23000 revolutions per minute, and the air is cooled via two intercoolers. The engine generates a maximum power of 626 PS (617 hp/460 kW) at 6500 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 780 newton-metres (575 ft·lbf) at 3250 revolutions per minute. 2003 models were leaving showrooms at 616 bhp (459 kW/625 PS) and now are slightly increased to 626 bhp (467 kW/635 PS) .

Unlike most of its contemporaries, its engine is front-mid mounted. McLaren took the original concept car designed by Mercedes and moved the engine 1 metre (39.4 in) behind the front bumper, and around 50 centimetres (19.7 in) behind the front axle. They also optimized the design of the center firewall.

[edit] Performance
A Mercedes-Benz SLR in motion
A Mercedes-Benz SLR in motion

The car uses carbon fibre for its entire body construction in an attempt to keep the weight low. Despite CFRP materials the total curb weight is 1768 kg (3898 lb).The following tests have proven that the SLR can achieve a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 360 km/h (224 mph) .

Car and Driver achieved a 0-60 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.2 seconds,[citation needed] and a quarter-mile time of 10.1 seconds at 143 mph (230 km/h) C&D suggests the times may be even lower if temperatures were lower. Car and Driver achieved top gear acceleration 30-50 mph and 50-70 mph times of 1.7 and 2.4 seconds, which are the fastest ever recorded by the magazine in a production car. The SLR also pulled 0.98 g on the skidpad.January 2005

Road and Track tested the car in their July 2005 Road Test and reached 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill in 3.1 seconds. The 0 - 100 mph (160 km/h) sprint was achieved in 6.2 seconds and a quarter mile run was completed in 10.2 seconds at 142 mph (229 km/h).

In June 2004 the SLR was tested at Nardo and did a 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.9 seconds and a 300 km/h (186 mph) in 24.4 seconds.[citation needed] Their 400 meter and kilometer times were 10.2 seconds at 142 mph (229 km/h) and 19.8 seconds at 278 km/h (173 mph) respectively.They also reached its claimed topspeed 360 km/h (224 mph) .

[edit] Comparison

Despite its near 2-ton weight, the fuel economy is generally better than the lighter Lamborghini Murciélago, and even its lighter, less expensive, less powerful sibling, Gallardo.[5] Also, BBC auto show Top Gear put the SLR and the Porsche Carrera GT on its track, and after multiple attempts, the Porsche beat the SLR-McLaren by just over a second (1:19.8 vs. 1:20.9 [1]). However, on a separate race around their short track, the SLR was fractionally quicker than the Carrera GT. In a straight line, the SLR is quicker throughout the range.


You don't have to ask me twice how many body parts I would trade for one.

Don

I'm not trying to make enemies, but you can keep your Ferraris and Lambos. I'ld rather go slow in a good looking car than fast in an ugly one. Their's no point to shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a car that can supposedley go 200mph. You'ld almost have to take it to a race track just to see if holds true. All those Ferraris and Lambos are is status symbols. People think their such hot sh#t because they can afford a hundred thousand dollar car. It's nice to have a car with a little extra oomph on the street, but I don't think much of cars that have to use the number of cup holders or its top speed to sell it. So give me a slow and pretty car.

Richard-My grandson favorite time in that car is getting on the freeway. If we are going somewhere he will ask, "are we going on the freeway" if I say yes then he wants me to take the silver car. Kid knows how to have fun

Don- I showed my wife your comment, she wanted me to ask you, why she got second billing?

willowbilly3-These photo's were taken in 2004, the car wasn't released yet. So they put this tape all over the car, different shapes on the headlights and taillights so if there are any spy photo's taken they still won't know the final look of the car.

ffr428-Of course that is carpet, it won't start in the morning if you put her on concrete

Richard-what's a gallery? Yes, my wife is a real trooper. For some reason she has never hesitated to go with me on my goofy adventures. The day we were at the race track where these photo's were taken, we were in the car waiting to go. we were sitting on the apron, there is a light pole in front of us with a green and red light on it. while we were waiting for the green light, telling us the track was clear I hand my hand on the shifter where the starter button is. I was looking straight at the light when I felt her hand on mine. I looked at her for a second and she said, "are you comfortable with this car?" I said,"yes". She is staring a hole in me and says,"O.K. lets go" There was something about that moment I will never forget. I guess this sounds weird, but, you had to be there and see the expression.

Don-You are so right, these types of cars are absolutely unbelievable. When we were there they had one there that was blown apart in the raw. So you could see each part. The front frame clip is made of cast aluminum, round tubing and all, the main body is all one piece carbon fiber. It is so rigid that going into the corners at 180 with the loads projected on the car there is no flex anywhere. All the gaps on every panel is perfect. Pretty good for a for a grocery getter.

Ken

Originally Posted by Z28Dylan

I'm not trying to make enemies, but you can keep your Ferraris and Lambos. I'ld rather go slow in a good looking car than fast in an ugly one. Their's no point to shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a car that can supposedley go 200mph. You'ld almost have to take it to a race track just to see if holds true. All those Ferraris and Lambos are is status symbols. People think their such hot sh#t because they can afford a hundred thousand dollar car. It's nice to have a car with a little extra oomph on the street, but I don't think much of cars that have to use the number of cup holders or its top speed to sell it. So give me a slow and pretty car.

I normally don't get into P-ing contests with people, but I'm going to make an exception in your case. You are way out of line calling something like a Ferrari or Lambo ugly. You only wish you could afford one.........and so do I. I'm glad you are happy with your 80 Camaro, so don't hold it against people who have the ability to afford something more expensive.

As for them being status symbols and the owners thinking they are hot sh*t, isn't that what we ALL do and the reason we build cars in the first place? I know when I am behind the wheel of my T my car is the center of attention at every red light, I'm not going to deny that. I bet you feel like big stuff when you are driving the Camaro too.

Face it Dude, there is always going to be someone who has a nicer, faster, and more expensive car than you, regardless of what you drive. Your post smacks of car-envy, and I think you owe an apology to anyone you may have offended by your cheap shot. You will learn once you have more than 10 posts on this forum that we all try to respect one another on here, not flame each other. You have the right to your opinion, but not to put down other members of this forum who have worked hard enough to be able to afford a car that you would love to own, regardless of what you say to the contrary.

Don

[QUOTE=Ken Thurm]

Don- I showed my wife your comment, she wanted me to ask you, why she got second billing?


And I wonder why all the Women in my life leave me!!!!!


Don

Ken, I haven’t posted any pictures in the gallery yet but I was hoping you had a ton of pictures of the car. Some people have quite a few pictures in the their gallery, I just checked out Dave, S. the other day. The gallery at CHR was what I was talking about.

There isn’t a kid in the world when you say Ferraris Testarossa, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, plus other high-end cars that wouldn’t go nuts just to take a ride in one let alone own one. These are not the average cars for the majority of the public. Who as a kid wouldn’t want a brand new 57 Chevy Convertible but these cars are not in that class. I was sold when I saw James, Bond driving the Aston Martin in Gold Finger, the car, and Pussy, Galore what a combination!!!!

Every kid would love to have a Grandfather with such nice cars, I could imagine show and tell day at school. Your wife is a pretty women and for her to be into what you are is great.

Let me tell you what I saw on T.V. if this doesn’t want too make a person in this Country try to do their best nothing will. A kid growing up in Mexico from a poor family scaled a 20 foot high fence, picked tomatoes in the fields, work until he could go to college, he became the best brain surgeon in this Country if not the World. Should that guy feel guilty if he wants a high dollar car, I would say he has earned it.


I mentioned Chip, Foose he builds nice cars but he mostly uses drive trains from production cars G.M. and Chrysler from what I’ve seen and you can buy one of the high end cars for less then half what he builds his cars for. The one million 36 Ford coupe was nice but it didn’t have to be hand built at least for me if I had the money.

You work hard in this Country and if you have the money spend it on what you want.
Bill, Gates said he is not leaving his money to his kids; good point let them earn it. I’m sure he will provide for them to get an education but they have to work.

If the Mexican kid picking tomatoes went on to be a brain surgeon enough said.

If I had the resources, I would own exotic fast cars too. But for now I have to be satisfied with a self engineered one off.
If I was like Bill Gates rich I would probably do something really disgusting like buy a type 41 and take a sawz-all to it and make a hotrod.

Originally Posted by Ken Thurm

-what's a gallery?

I was looking straight at the light when I felt her hand on mine. I looked at her for a second and she said, "are you comfortable with this car?" I said,"yes". She is staring a hole in me and says,"O.K. lets go" There was something about that moment I will never forget. I guess this sounds weird, but, you had to be there and see the expression.

Ken

If you want to build your own gallery just click that little camera icon under your screen name. Toward the upper right of the page it takes you to is a link "Upload Photos". That will take you to a screen that works similarly to the photo attach you're accustomed to in the thread section. One of the choices you'll want to click there too is the "want to be notified?" when someone makes a comment.

I agree with the good feeling about "those moments". Shows a lot of trust exists between you both, and she only needed that moment of reassurance.

Originally Posted by Ken Thurm
-what's a gallery?

I was looking straight at the light when I felt her hand on mine. I looked at her for a second and she said, "are you comfortable with this car?" I said,"yes". She is staring a hole in me and says,"O.K. lets go" There was something about that moment I will never forget. I guess this sounds weird, but, you had to be there and see the expression.

Ken

Ive been there to Ken a great momment in time, And I can tell you from experience that when you are on a 4 lane road at a stoplight, and your car breaks down at the light. The hole she is staring at in you is from the imaginary gun she just shot you with. Total opposite from your current momment of bliss.