EXOTIC RACING SERIES CAR OF THE DAY: McLaren SLR Stirling Moss

Submitted by Kirk Pedersen on Mon, 2010-03-15 09:11

With striking looks and a sticker price of more than one million dollars, the McLaren SLR Stirling Moss is a fitting way for the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren to end.

Only 75 of the roofless, windshield-less supercars will be built, but Mercedes won’t have any difficulties finding willing buyers for the car named after one of auto racing’s greatest drivers. Fortunately, you don’t need to start wrapping quarters to pay for your own, because the SLR is available as part of the Exotic Racing Series for Need for Speed SHIFT. Powered by a 5.5-liter supercharged V8 sourced from the McLaren 722 – also found in SHIFT – the SLR punches out 650 horsepower and blows the doors off almost any car on the road, speeding from 0-60 in only 3.5 seconds. Moss himself still holds the record at Mille Miglia (ten hours, seven minutes and 48 seconds), where he piloted the 300 SLR in the 1950s, a car which looks strikingly similar to the new version bearing his name, but updated with modern styling cues. The car features a type of door exclusive to this vehicle, a setup known as the ‘swing wing’, in which the doors open vertically and remain suspended in the air until the driver closes it. With a top speed of more than 200 mph and no windshield or windows to protect you from bugs, wind and other debris, we suggest a solid racing helmet, much like Stirling Moss would wear if you plan to pilot the SLR.

After all, safety is important, even if you can’t wipe the smile off your face.

Take one for a spin with the Exotic Racing Series for SHIFT, but remember to keep a gentle foot on the accelerator because you’re not Stirling Moss, even if you’re driving his car.