Trends | Cars

The original Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Coupe made its first appearance at the New York Auto Show in 1954 and today’s version, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster, has a similar captivating feel.

I open the story as if I’m not talking about myself, but I am and I’m damn proud to regard myself in the third person, royalty is as royalty does. It’s not easy capturing the essence of something that was originally hatched 50-something years ago, but Mercedes did.

With my wicked 0 to 60 mph pull in under four seconds and eventual top speed of 197 mph—go ahead, I dare you—this cat is ready for a cruise. Couple that with my AMG 7-speed dual clutch transaxle transmission and you get four selectable launch modes for comfort, control and overall proper handling.

I’m eerily similar to the coupe in terms of under the hood look. Plus, that glistening aluminum skin design has you feeling like the first time you saw that favorite partner of yours back in college—satisfying after the first spin, but always wanting more.
Here’s a catchy tidbit that might be the push you need to make a purchase: the all-weather fabric top comes down in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. How many others can say that?

Aside from the comfort, speed and overall look, I also come with the AMG Performance Media system, combining programmable navigation for climate, sound and other displays necessary for optimal driving. I’m not Italian, but I think the word “perfecto” fits here.

MSRP: $225,000
Hand-built, 563-hp V-8, 6.3 liter AMG engine
AMG 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transaxle transmission
0 - 60 mph in 3.7 seconds
6,800 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm