Dyer Consequences: 206 MPH in a SLR McLaren 722 Edition - News, Features, and Monthly Columns - Automobile Magazine


When I first heard of the 722 Edition, I naturally figured that it would have 722 hp. "Nice," I thought. "DaimlerChrysler realizes that when its own Viper is putting out 600 hp, the ol' flagship needs a fresh infusion of beans." Well, it turns out that the 722 Edition got more power, but it's an evolutionary improvement: 650 horses, up from 617. It's also lighter by about 90 pounds and has 128 percent more downforce at the front end, courtesy of a new carbon-fiber front splitter. The "722," incidentally, refers to the number on Stirling Moss's 300SLR that won the 1955 Mille Miglia. That car wore number 722 because Moss and his co-driver started the race at 7:22 a.m. (If naming cars after a time of day is to become a trend, I can't wait for the Buick Lucerne Early Bird Special Edition.)