The Latest SLR McLaren: This may be the last example of the genre

The most anticipated New Year's 2009 baby so far has to be the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S, a stunning cabriolet with semi-automatic folding soft top. Imagine a two-seater sportscar that you can run at its advertised 220mph+ with the top up.

The fully carbon-fiber body shell by McLaren is integrated into twin aluminum frames, the monocoque's torsional strength easily handling the 650hp / 605 ft-lb of torque delivered by the AMG-built 5.5-liter V-8.

Other features include 19-inch, forged aluminum wheels with red brake calipers peeping through, an airbrake integrated into the rear deck lid - ala the 300 SLR factory racers of the mid-1950s; a full belly pan and a rear diffuser.

Among the safety features are carbon-fiber crash structures, multiple air bags, steel-reinforced A-pillars and fixed rollover hoops.

One-hundred fifty will be built.