2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

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PARIS — As Mercedes-Benz winds down its long-running alliance with McLaren, the partners are preparing to launch one of their final joint efforts, the limited-edition Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. It will be formally unveiled this week at the 2008 Paris Auto Show.

The Roadster 722 S will go on sale in January in a limited run of 150 cars. Given its exclusivity and position, the price is rumored to exceed $1 million.

The Roadster 722 S has more muscle than the standard Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster. Its supercharged 5.5-liter V8, hand-built in Affalterbach by AMG, delivers 641 horsepower and 605 pound-feet of torque, compared with 617 hp and 575 lb-ft for the standard SLR McLaren Roadster (which lists for a mere $495,000).

Fitted with a beefed-up five-speed automatic gearbox, the Roadster 722 S boasts a top speed of 208 mph, with 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 3.7 seconds. To enhance handling, the car gets stiffer springs and shocks, and the body has been lowered 0.4 inch.

The two-seater features a carbon fiber-body painted in crystal antimony gray, with a fully retractable folding soft top. The cockpit is trimmed in carbon fiber, leather and Alcantara, with red stitching and red seatbelts for contrast.

What this means to you: Truly one of the world's fastest — and most exclusive — convertibles. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent