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.
A new version was introduced in 2006 called the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 Edition. The 722 refers to the victory by Stirling Moss and his co-driver Denis Jenkinson in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722 (indicating a start time of 7:22 a.m.) at the Mille Miglia in 1955.
The "722 Edition" boosts power to 485 kW (650 hp) and 820 N·m (605 ft·lbf) torque at 4000 rpm, posting a top speed of 337 km/h (just 3 km/h faster than the standard SLR). 19-inch light-alloy wheels were used to reduce unsprung weight, while modifications were also made to the suspension, with a stiffer damper setup and 10 mm (0.4 in) lower ride height introduced for improved handling. Larger 390 mm (15.4 in) diameter front brakes and a revised front air dam and rear diffuser were fitted.
Exterior changes, other than the larger 19-inch (480 mm) black light-alloy wheels, include red 722 badging, hearkening back to the original 722 racer.
The SLR 722 can do a 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds and 200 km/h (124 mph) in 10.2 seconds and 300 km/h (186 mph) in 21.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 337 km/h (209 mph).