Mercedes Explores the Automotive Outer Limits

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - Mercedes chose an exotic location for an exotic automobile when it planned the international media launch of its Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports supercar. The Cape region proved to a superb place to evaluate a new vehicle of any kind with its fine (December) summer weather, superb hotels, warmhearted populace and quiet roads. If it wasnt for the remoteness of the Cape, thered be automaker media launches down here every week!

As most enthusiasts know by now, the SLR was built almost without regard to cost using carbon fiber for the bodywork. A cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and the folks at McLaren who run

Through a cooperative effort between Mercedes-Benz and the folks at McLaren, the SLR was built almost without regard to cost. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

This is a stunning-looking car by any

Many of the SLR McLarens styling cues harken back to the 50s SLR era. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Its a long time since I drove a car that drew quite as much attention from fellow road-users as the SLR. Many of the styling cues harken back to the 50s SLR era, while the nose has a hint of Formula One racer about it. The doors swing upwards at the touch of a latch on the sill, but dragging them down again proved more of a chore.

Some

I developed a kind of "SLR crouch" to get in and out - something owners will no doubt adopt. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

The SLR features a carbon fiber monocoque or, as Mercedes puts it, "passenger cell." (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Of course, one of the big stories with this car is its carbon fiber bodywork. Carbon fiber has been used for some years in the aerospace sector - even for structurally critical military aircraft components. The material is also used for rudder units and wing flaps on several passenger aircraft. Use of the material has grown widely in the field of performance bicycles and most road or mountain bikes nowadays use at least a few carbon fiber components.

According to Mercedes-Benz, carbon fiber offers the strength of steel or aluminum,

The SLR is the worlds first series-production car to have a front crash structure manufactured entirely from carbon fiber. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

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