Some 40 million readers of the 26 European editions published by the AUTO BILD family were invited to vote for the best new cars of 2007 in six categories.

The three top vehicles in each category in this Europe-wide poll then had to undergo two days of professional testing in Rome. It was on the basis of this thorough programme of comparative testing that the members of the expert jury – made up of experienced engineers, motoring journalists and international racing drivers – decided on the category winners.

In selecting the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster as the winner of the cabriolet and roadster category, they chose a super sports car which occupies a unique position in terms of both performance and technology.

Like today's Formula 1 cars, the Roadster from Stuttgart is built from carbon fibre and is therefore characterised by a very high standard of safety and exceptional torsional stiffness. Combined with a motor sport chassis, these qualities give the Roadster outstanding handling characteristics.