Not content with the already stupendously quick open SLR, the engineers at Woking have come up with an even more extreme version with 650bhp, a 0-62mph of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 208mph.

Production will be limited to just 150 pieces and commence in January 2009 at the Mercedes-Benz McLaren facility in Britain. The ‘722’ comes from the race number of the Moss/Jenkinson 1955 Mille Miglia-winning 300 SLR and has been used before for the SLR coupé in its fastest form.

The principle differences between the 722 S and the ‘regular’ roadster are more power and torque (650bhp and 820Nm vs. 626bhp and 780Nm), as well as slightly revised aerodynamics. Such is the sophistication of the ‘aeroacoustics’ that ‘conversation during open-air journeys is still possible at well over 125mph’.

The car has been lowered by 10mm and also features more sporting suspension. It will be launched at this year’s Paris show.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Mercedes-Benz