It has been decided that the planned McLaren SLR coupe is a sure thing, as the SLR 722 Edition was exhibited to 50 potential buyers at the Paul Ricard circuit this past weekend. The "722" nomenclature refers to the starting number of the 300 SLR driven to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia by Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson. With 650 horsepower and a price tag over $470,000, the SLR will make its official public debut in Paris this fall. Americans will have to wait for a 2nd hand sampling of the SLR 722 Edition, as none are going to sold directly in the United States.

A supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine rests beneath the bonnet of the McLaren "722 Edition" and is hand-built in the AMG engine shop in Affalterbach, with an output of 650 hp. The engined generates an immediate response in the throttle, a highly emphasized torque curve, and of course, the unquestionable burble of a V8.

Inside, bucket-type sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara give the occupants superb lateral support, while a leather lined, form-fitting racing steering wheel gives the pilot a grip on the blissful reality of driving the SLR reborn. Additionally, race-inspired gearshift paddles and black carbon accents assist in making the interior one of its own kind.

Some well-placed visual cues help mark the SLR "722 Edition" out as special, as was requested by the drivers and wealthy sports car collectors who make up the core market segment. A modified front spoiler with an air splitter, as well as the rear diffuser, improve both the aerodynamics and contact pressure at high speeds, and reflect the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motor racing. Strategically placed carbon helps symbolized the practicality of these technical features and make the accented lines of the car quite appealing.

Circuit track handling and performance is delivered by the sophisticated suspension system, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a stiffer damper configuration and a 10mm lowered stance. Large brake rotors (390mm) are underneath to make sure all the goes well stops well.