The Mercedes SL 55 AMG
The SL55 AMG ($119,750)with all the options and toys 138,900 This version is brimming with incredible levels of performance. The SL55 AMG uses a newly developed, hand-built, 5.5-liter supercharged engine with more than 493 horsepower to catapult itself from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, making it the fastest production Mercedes-Benz roadster ever. The SL55 AMG comes with racing-derived braking power. Its immense 14-inch vented brake discs and calipers are engineered with the industry's first electronic braking system, stopping the SL55 AMG with racecar-like ability. Similarly, the SL55 AMG uses a further evolution of the ABC active suspension to imbue the car with cat-like reflexes while simultaneously offering ride comfort that rivals any of its competition.

The SL600 ($125,950) is the latest addition to the lineup, carrying a silky smooth 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine. Whereas the SL55 AMG V8 carries a supercharger and makes 493 horsepower and 516 foot-pounds of torque, the 5.9-liter V12 packs the same 493 horsepower but generates a staggering 590 foot-pounds of torque, more than any other Mercedes engine of this size. The engine is a bit heavier than the supercharged V8, but it more than makes up for it with prodigious torque and electric-motor smoothness throughout the rpm range. The SL600 will be sold in very small numbers to keep it exclusive.

Options on all three models include a Motorola Timeport telephone, voice activated controls, the Parktronic parking distance warning system ($1035), Distronic radar-based cruise control ($2950) that keeps a preset distance between the SL and the car ahead, a tire pressure monitoring system ($630), and several seat options. Also available: Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge high- and low-beam headlamps ($900); Keyless Go ($1015); Panorama Roof ($1800). SL1 Wood Package ($840) includes wood and leather steering wheel and shift knob. SL3 Comfort Package ($1520) includes ventilated seats with multi-contour seatbacks.

SL2 Sport Package ($5100) includes AMG Monoblock alloy wheels, high-performance tires, body-colored AMG-designed front air dam, side skirts and rear apron, and the ventilated seats with multi-contour seatbacks. The SL55 AMG comes with this body kit as standard, and the V12 version has its own exterior decor, including V12 Kompressor badging on the front fenders.
0-60 4.5 secs