The digits attached to Mercedes-Benz's illustrious SL badge have been advancing nearly as fast as the price for a gallon of high-test. The move to 65 for 2005 signals the installation of a 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V-12 under the hood. That raises the power supply to 604 horses (up from the SL55's measly 493 hp) and jacks the torque peak to a lusty 738 lb-ft. Take that, Bimmer boys! To stop this loco-motive, AMG tuners have added eight-piston front brake calipers, 15.4-inch-diameter front rotors, 13.7-inch rear discs, and nineteen-inch wheels. Active Body Control will have its work cut out for it to keep this Black Forest bolide on an even keel.
ON SALE: Fall 2004
PRICE: $175,000 (est.)
ENGINE: 604-hp, twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12
BOTTOM LINE: More torque than your average Peterbilt.
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