WTCC 2008
SLR Club
16/07/2008
RML Entertain at MIA Media Day at Rockingham
Many of the worlds motorsport press were able to experience and enjoy a taxi-ride in two of the most exclusive cars in the world, when RML participated in the MIA Media Day at Rockingham's' state-of-the-art track.
With over 100 Press personnel in attendance, the weather remained dry and bright allowing Tommy Erdos (RML's MG-Lola LMS Driver) and Rob Huff (RML Chevrolet WTCC Driver) to drive in excess of 95 taxi-rides and over 250 laps in the RML designed and built Nissan Micra 350SR and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT.
The 722 GT stole the show, with queues forming all day for the opportunity to sit next to Rob Huff. With the recent publicity surrounding the SLR, RML personnel were on hand to promote and answer any questions on the SLR Trophy Series and Owner Experience – the series takes in some of the famous grand-prix circuits across Europe, including Spa, Monza, and Nurburgring offering gentleman drivers the full race experience in an exclusive private atmosphere.
Compared to the series-production version, the SLR 722 GT has been uniquely and comprehensively re-engineered by RML, especially with respect to the suspension, braking system, aerodynamics, interior and exhaust system. More than 400 components were redesigned.
The SLR 722 GT already makes a powerfull impression at standstill: new body components such as the front apron with front splitter, wheelarch extensions, prominent side skirts, the large rear diffuser and the fixed rear wing are obvious signs of racetrack performance and the extensive aerodynamic development work.
The likewise redesigned bonnet conceals a supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8-engine uprated by RML to develop a peak output of 500 kW/680 ps and a maximum torque of 830 N/m. A racing air filter and a new exhaust system ensure outstanding responsiveness and an even more striking engine sound. Dispensing with numerous comfort features means that the SLR 722 GT tips the scales at a kerb weight of just 1390 kilograms. The result is a favourable power-to-weight ratio of 2.0kg/ps and acceleration from standstill to 100km/h in 3.3secs. The maximum speed is 315 km/hr, guaranteed to ensure the passengers left with a smile on their face.
Not to be outdone, the RML Nissan Micra 350SR with its 310 bhp V6, offering acceleration from standstill to 60mph in 4.5 secs and a top speed in excess of 150 mph, left many of the press queuing for a second ride. RML replaced the original 2.0 litre engine that formed the basis of the 1999 BTCC title-winning Primera with a NISMO-tuned V6 from the 350z coupe, and mounted it behind the front seats to ensure the car would not suffer from understeer, and remained fun to drive. New suspension came from the Almera, as well as the hydraulic power steering, and RML were able to increase the rigidity of the car's bodyshell by 30% with a built in roll-cage.
The cockpit of the Micra 350 SR is not as luxurious as the standard package, as the car was built for speed rather than comfort. Drivers are seated low, and are faced with a MoTec digital display, allowing them to find out information on speed, rpm, plus oil and water temperature's and pressure's. All plastic surfaces were given a "velvety" feel through a process of flocking, and the floors were covered in aluminium sheeting.
Whilst the standard Micra already featured unique looks, the Micra 350 SR took this several stages further. Expanding on the traditional visual cue of air scoops on high performance cars, the Micra 350SR was given a rear spoiler, front splitter, rear diffuser and a centre exit exhaust system. The wheel arches were accentuated to accommodate18 inch alloy RAYS wheels, and the highest-specification Toyo tyres. The car was liveried in Nissan's official racing colours of flame red and blade silver.
In addition to the track events, also on display were the RML designed and built Saleen S7R (courtesy of AD Holdings), the RML GT40 (courtesy of owner Jim Pearson) and the Chevrolet Lacetti S2000 Touring car (courtesy of Chevrolet Europe).
Judging from the number of taxi-rides given and the smiling faces of the worlds media, the day can be considered a great success.
