As we approach the end of the Mercedes McLaren SLR era, Mercedes-Benz has decided to release the ultimate example of the breed. The SLR 722S Roadster picks up where the 722 coupe left off, dropping the 650-hp supercharged 5.5L V8 into the open top body shell.

With a top speed of 355 Kmh, this may be the fastest open top production car ever built. Mercedes has tapped into McLaren’s F1 experience to create the fully carbon-fiber body that can provide the structural integrity needed at those speeds.

Limited to 150 units of the new 722 S Roadster, that will be available starting Jan. 1 2009.