GT5 Transcripts/Mercedes-Benz R230 AMG

Based on the fifth-generation SL released in 2001, Mercedes-Benz's tuning arm, AMG, produced this mother of all high-performance luxury convertibles with the SL55 AMG. It shared the same powerplant with other AMG models designated with the numbers "55". Under the hood resided a supercharged 5.5-liter SOHC V-8 that cranked out an awesome 493 HP at 6100 rpm (up from the previous model's 469 HP) and 516.4 ft-lb of torque from 2750 to 4000 rpm (Of note, it nearly matches the output of the SL600, whose power and torque are rated at 493 HP and 590.2 ft-lb, respectively). The powerplant comes mated to AMG's 5-speed automatic transmission called Speedshift, which features quicker up-and-down shifts than the base gearbox, especially in manual mode.

Unlike the SL500, the SL55 AMG power comes on immediately and flourishes in the upper rpm spectrum. It accelerated like a rocket and seemed to completely shed its 1955 kg curb weight when the throttle pedal was floored. The car's handling is also sharper, thanks to AMG's tweaking of the ABC (Active Body Control). In the SL55 AMG, it provided better stability, most notably through thigh turns where rear traction and grip could be compromised.

The SL55 AMG has indeed delighted the tastes of many who like the look and feel of a Mercedes-Benz convertible, but wanted supercar performance. Later on the even better SL65 AMG was announced. This new high-performance monster goes beyond all imagination, with the specs being an unbelievable 604 HP maximum output, with a maximum torque of 737.7 ft-lb.