RML SLR 722 GT (2007): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

30 October 2007 09:04

Yet another McLaren Mercedes special edition SLR?

It’s another special edition, but it's nothing to do with Mercedes, apparently. Northamptonshire-based RML (Ray Mallock Ltd) have tweaked the SLR for rich racing enthusiasts. Don't fret, they've got some pedigree. In 2007 RML ran the Chevrolet WTCC teams, competed in the ALMS, and at Le Mans, and in the past ran they also ran Nissan's BTCC team. Compared to the standard SLR 722, RML claim to have ‘uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered’ the car, with over 400 changes being made.

The headline figure is of course the power, and the supercharged Merc 5.5-litre V8 now puts out 671bhp thanks to a new exhaust and air filter. However, that’s only up 21bhp, and torque is up a measly 7lb ft. The fuss, therefore, is all about the loss of 334kg. That’s right, 334kg! RML have stripped out all the weight that Gordon Murray was so adverse to see Mercedes put in, and now the SLR 722 GT weighs 1390kg, 5kg less than a 911 GT3.

By Ben Pulman