At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is the engine, uniquely located behind the front axle line in the interests of optimum weight distribution, optimum dynamic handling and high stability under braking.

Hand built by AMG the 5439cc, supercharged V8 engine develops a peak output of 460 kW/626 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 780 Nm from 3250 rpm - a figure which remains constant across a broad engine speed range of up to 5000 rpm.

The engine is fitted with a dry-sump lubrication system to achieve a lower centre of gravity, also improving the dynamic capabilities of the car. It drives through a five-speed automatic transmission fitted with the AMG Speedshift R program that offers three manual driving modes: Sport, Supersport and Race, significantly shortening the shift times further for an even sportier drive.

This helps to deliver performance figures which are among the best in its class: taking just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, it passes the 200 km/h mark after 10.6 seconds, and from a standing start it takes just 28.8 seconds to reach 300 km/h. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has a top speed of 334 km/h.