With the start of the International Auto Show, Mercedes is releasing so many press releases we don't know what to do with all of them.  So stay tuned, and we'll get them out as quick as we can.  Let's jump right in shall we?

Our first story of the day is for those of you with a little extra cash to burn.  If you're one of the elite few lucky enough to own a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, soon you'll have more options when it comes to personalizing your vehicle.  Buyers will have the option of 13 different paint colors, 18 or 19-inch wheels, and their choice of interior leather and color, including an all new untreated Silver Arrow leather developed exclusively for the SLR.  In total, buyers will have 76 possible combinations of paints and colors to choose from.

Pricing hasn't been released for the new color options, but if you're thinking about purchasing a car that has an MSRP of $450,000 plus, you're probably not too worried about spending a little extra cash.

You can check out the full press release below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: Expanded Range Of Individualised Equipment For High-Performance Sports Cars
Motor Racing Character With New Levels Of Comfort,
New Paint And Fine Leathers



Frankfurt, Sep 12, 2005

Customers who choose the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, a two-seater high-performance sports car with striking gull-wing doors and style elements from the Formula 1 Silver Arrow, are expressing a preference for extraordinary automobiles. The car evokes the mystique of the legendary 1950s SLR race cars in combination with the very latest sports car technology. And thanks to the SLR UNLIMITED individualisation programme, every customer can also have this 21st-century Gran Turismo customised according to his or her personal specifications. The selection of rims, paints, leather varieties and colours, and other extras specially developed for the SLR lend every Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren a highly individual character. And to better satisfy the customers’ wishes, Mercedes-Benz is continually expanding the spectrum of combinations that customers can choose from.
A palette of 13 exclusive paint colours are available, for example. These hues can either display the rich tone of the monochrome “Pure” paint or the deep, textured effect of the “Crystal” paints. Special metal particles in these water-soluble, environmentally friendly metallic paints produce a surface structure with a particularly intense effect characterised by captivating depth and fascinating brilliance. Because the proportion of metal varies from colour to colour, the characteristic carbon fibre structure of the body surface can be visible depending on the vehicle colour — especially at high temperatures or high humidity. This attractive effect is inherent in the technology and concept.

Ten-spoke or turbine look

The standard equipment for the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren includes striking 18-inch light alloy wheels with ten spokes. The wheels are fitted with different size tyres in the front and rear. Large 19-inch wheels with an asymmetrical turbine look that strongly emphasises the dynamic character of the Gran Turismo are available as optional equipment. With these rims, the easily visible brake calipers are painted either red or gold, for a striking focal point.

A stylish combination of practicality and luxury

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a unique combination of exquisite luxury and pure sports car surroundings that creates an incomparable, captivating atmosphere. Aluminium and carbon stand for practicality and a focused concentration on the functionality of a classic Gran Tourismo. And in the vehicle’s two-colour interior concept, they form a stimulating contrast with the high-quality leather upholstery in semi-aniline, rich Alcantara and fine pearl velour.

As an alternative to the standard equipment package, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren customers can opt for the untreated, Silver Arrow leather exclusively developed for the SLR, with its unique quality and availability in a wide range of colours. In addition to having a fascinating structure, this untreated leather is inviting to touch, remarkably soft and breathable, and resistant to slipping. It lends the interior the sensual, tactile quality and fragrance of the finest leather, ensuring a very special ambience. A total of 16 leather colours are available. All together, this means customers can choose from a total of 76 possible combinations of paints and colours.

The exquisite equipment, which combines the highest levels of practicality and luxury, harmonizes beautifully with the modern sports car technology of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In the interest of achieving perfect driving dynamics and high braking stability, the high-performance vehicle was conceived as a front-mid engine sports car. Supported by a robust aluminium frame, the powerful V8 engine is installed in a low position, which contributes to the low centre of gravity needed for agile manoeuvrability.

Developed by Mercedes-AMG, the car’s supercharged V8 engine generates 460 kW/626 hp from 5.5 litres of displacement and powers the sports car from zero to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 334 km/h. A water/charge air cooling system, dry-sump lubrication and four metal catalytic converters are also among the highlight features of this powerful engine.

Like the Formula 1 racing car produced by McLaren-Mercedes, the new SLR also has a body made of lightweight carbon-fibre materials with an outstanding degree of energy absorption, thus providing maximum safety to the driver and passengers. The SLR is the world’s first series-produced automobile with a front crash structure that consists entirely of carbon fibre. The ESP® Electronic Stability Program, adaptive airbags, newly developed knee and head/thorax airbags, seatbelt tensioners, highly robust ceramic brake disks and an automatically activated air brake in the boot cover round off the safety equipment of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which now sets standards in this class.