2011 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

The rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater SL550 roadster has a 5.5-liter V8 engine that makes 382 hp and achieves a surprising 22 mpg while cruising on the highway, thanks to its driver-adaptive electronic 7-speed transmission. The Optimum Gear program selects the best gear for maximum acceleration or engine braking, while the Comfort setting starts the car in second gear -- or a reverse second gear -- and keeps the rpms low in slippery conditions.

The Active Body Control suspension system uses a coil spring, hydraulic cylinder and shock absorber at each wheel. The system senses the requirements of each wheel and adjusts for vibration, pitch, squat and roll. The driver can use the system to select a ride height, including Sport mode, which provides sharper handling. The SL-Class also uses electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electro-hydraulic braking and brake assist.

Standard equipment includes heated washer nozzles and rain-sensing wipers, dual chrome exhaust tips, heated rear window and mirrors, multifunction steering wheel and a sun sensor that adjusts the climate control when the sun is shining into the passenger compartment. The Easy-Pack feature tilts the stowed roof up a bit for trunk access.

Only 100 SL550 Night Editions will be built. They feature matte-finish designo magno black paint, black premium leather interior, 19-inch AMG 2-tone wheels, silver-painted front calipers with script logo and darkened headlights and taillights. The interior has chrome accents and arrow seat stitching, echoing the iconic arrow-shaped noses of Mercedes-Benz supercars.

The SL63 AMG remains nearly unchanged for 2011, with a 6.3L V8 tuned by AMG for 518 hp and a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. The interior gets the high-tech treatment, with carbon fiber trim and Napa leather seats. The MCT 7-speed transmission with race-start function optimizes acceleration with maximum power and minimum slip at the touch of a button.

The SL65 AMG boasts a 6.0L V12 engine making 604 hp and a whopping 738 lb-ft of torque. Options at this level are few, but include the AMG performance prep package for those who take track days very seriously.
For 2011, Mercedes-Benz dropped the SL600 for the U.S. market, leaving three models: SL550, SL63 AMG and SL65 AMG. They've added the limited-edition SL550 Night Edition with matte black paint and exclusive interior to the lineup. The design refresh brings CLS-Class-style headlights and LED taillights, while under the hood the SL-Class now gets better fuel economy and a new steering system that requires less effort from the driver in high-performance cornering. All models also receive an advanced tire pressure monitoring system and HD Radio with Sirius Traffic. One new color is offered for 2011, Quartz Blue.
Unmatched roadster style and performance; two AMG-tuned supercar versions
The SL-Class is a show-stopper in design and performance. Interior luxury is standard, with leather upholstery and wood trim, while the V8 engine can cover 0-60 mph in just over 5 seconds -- in the base SL550. The AMG-tuned cars have more horsepower and performance, but they all share an attention to detail and a power retractable hard top.