What Is It?
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
What's Special About It?
It was 50 years ago at this very show that Mercedes-Benz introduced the very first road going SL, so it seems only fitting that the German automaker would use this historic milestone to introduce its latest and greatest iteration of the legendary SL. Building on what is already considered one of the finest roadsters available today, the SL65 AMG adds a 12-cylinder power plant that gives new meaning to the term "irrational exuberance." Displacing a full six liters and fed by twin turbochargers, the hand-built V12 boasts a breathtaking 604 horsepower and 730 pound-feet of torque. Channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels and tires, the SL65 is capable of reaching 60 mph in just over four seconds.
As brutally fast as it is, however, there's nothing crude about the manner in which it provides its astonishing performance. All the luxury you would expect in an SL is still part of the package. From the folding hardtop that dances its way into the trunk in just 20 seconds to the heated and ventilated massaging seats and 13-speaker stereo system, this SL has it all. Demand will no doubt far exceed the meager supply of these AMG-tuned roadsters (less than 200 will make their way to the States), so if you're hankering for a serious hunk of top-down speed get out your checkbook and prepare to part with nearly $200 large this fall.
What's Edmunds' Take?
They called the late '60s the era of the muscle car, but the first decade of the 21st century is quickly becoming the most spectacular display of horsepower the industry has ever seen. When you can buy a luxurious roadster like the SL with nearly twice the horsepower of a standard Porsche 911 and more torque than a semi truck, you know things are getting a little crazy — and we can't get enough of it. — Ed Hellwig
2005 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG
What's Special About It?
It was 50 years ago at this very show that Mercedes-Benz introduced the very first road going SL, so it seems only fitting that the German automaker would use this historic milestone to introduce its latest and greatest iteration of the legendary SL. Building on what is already considered one of the finest roadsters available today, the SL65 AMG adds a 12-cylinder power plant that gives new meaning to the term "irrational exuberance." Displacing a full six liters and fed by twin turbochargers, the hand-built V12 boasts a breathtaking 604 horsepower and 730 pound-feet of torque. Channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels and tires, the SL65 is capable of reaching 60 mph in just over four seconds.
As brutally fast as it is, however, there's nothing crude about the manner in which it provides its astonishing performance. All the luxury you would expect in an SL is still part of the package. From the folding hardtop that dances its way into the trunk in just 20 seconds to the heated and ventilated massaging seats and 13-speaker stereo system, this SL has it all. Demand will no doubt far exceed the meager supply of these AMG-tuned roadsters (less than 200 will make their way to the States), so if you're hankering for a serious hunk of top-down speed get out your checkbook and prepare to part with nearly $200 large this fall.
What's Edmunds' Take?
They called the late '60s the era of the muscle car, but the first decade of the 21st century is quickly becoming the most spectacular display of horsepower the industry has ever seen. When you can buy a luxurious roadster like the SL with nearly twice the horsepower of a standard Porsche 911 and more torque than a semi truck, you know things are getting a little crazy — and we can't get enough of it. — Ed Hellwig
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