The latest collaboration between Mercedes and their F1 Partners at McLaren has just been released, but for those of you down under don’t get too excited, You can’t have one. 

Named the SLR Roadster 722 S, the new car pays tribute to the historic victory at the Mille Miglia long-distance race in 1955 by British motor-racing legend Stirling Moss and his co-driver Dennis Jenkinson, in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR with the starting number 722.

Powering the SLR Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 engine hand-built by the Mercedes-AMG engine shop. With an output of 478 kW and 820 Nm of torque, power is put to the road by a five-speed automatic transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz. It is specially configured for high torque, and allows the driver to choose between two sets of shift characteristics. As a result the roadster powers from zero to 100 km/h in  just 3.7 seconds, with 200 km/h in 10.6 seconds.

Don't bother asking how much? You can't afford it and if you're an Aussie you cant get it anyway.

The spring and shock absorber configurations of the suspension are stiffer, and the body has been lowered by 10 millimetres at the front and rear. The lightweight, 19-inch forged aluminium wheels allow a clear view of the red-painted brake callipers on the carbon-fibre/ceramic brake discs.

The aerodynamic concept follows that of the SLR Coupé, with an airbrake integrated into the boot lid, an fully enclosed underbody and a rear diffuser  to ensure the greatest possible downforce on the rear axle. 

In technical terms the 722 S benefits from the long experience of Mercedes-Benz and its Formula-1 partner McLaren. With the exception of two aluminium frames, the body is made completely of carbon-fibre materials, the sophisticated carbon-fibre technology was developed further for the monocoque. The result is low weight, exemplary energy absorption and therefore a high level of occupant safety, plus a torsional rigidity that is unprecedented for an open-top car. It allows outstanding handling characteristics that are otherwise only found in closed super-sports cars.

A high level of safety is provided by unique carbon-fibre crash structures, steel-reinforced A-pillars and two fixed rollover bars. Other safety features include adaptive airbags, knee and side airbags, belt tensioners and an in-car tyre pressure monitoring system.

Classic styling takes its cue from the Mercedes Benz sportscars of the '50s

This limited edition of 150 examples will be hand-built at the Formula 1 workshops of McLaren in Woking, England, and is available from January 1, 2009.

 As it is only available in left-hand drive format only, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S will not be for sale in Australia. Damn, I was going to get one too. Oh well, back to the Hyundai.

with Mercedes Benz Media Release