Just like its legendary predecessor of 1955, this SLR also incorporates new technological developments ahead of their time. The innovation begins with the body of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, made entirely from carbon fibre composite. Carbon fibre offers a weight advantage of around 50% over steel and energy absorption 4-5 times higher than steel or aluminium.

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren uses these properties to its advantage as the world's first series-produced car with a front crash structure made entirely from carbon fibre. Weighing just 3.4 kilograms each the 620-millimetre longitudinal crash cones absorb the entire energy of the crash in a head-on collision without exceeding tolerable deceleration values for the occupants. In an impact the fibres of these elements shred from front to rear with precisely calculated deformation behaviour, ensuring constant deceleration.

The passenger cell of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is also made entirely from carbon fibre. In a head-on, side or rear-end collision, it offers the passengers an extremely rigid, safe survival zone just like a Formula 1 race car.

This safety cell is formed by the 'roof spider', a single one piece moulding that comprises of the sills, the door and windscreen apertures and the roof frame. At the rear, two internal longitudinal members made from laminated carbon fibre and a robust cross member take on the task of energy absorption in the event of a crash - as a rule the passenger cell remains structurally unaffected.

This unique level of safety is complemented by two-stage adaptive front airbags, side airbags which protect the head, and knee airbags.