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Mercedes SL600

Fast show

While the Smart Roadster's sensitive chassis is certain to leave drivers spellbound, nothing will prepare them for the moment the throttle pedal touches the carpet of Mercedes' SL600. Short of blasting into space, there's little that will accelerate as rapidly.

By Gerald Czajka

February 2003

While the Smart Roadster's sensitive chassis is certain to leave drivers spellbound, nothing will prepare them for the moment the throttle pedal touches the carpet of Mercedes' SL600. Short of blasting into space, there's little that will accelerate as rapidly.

With the exhausts crooning tunefully, the car explodes off the line, sprinting through the 0-60mph dash in only 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and on the test track it's nearly too easy to prove it. Against a crude stopwatch, the car takes just 20 seconds to hit top speed.

Although Mercedes' supercharged SL55 might respond more aggressively to the throttle, the mighty punch delivered by the SL600 is unsurpassed. A glance at the specification reveals why. Using a 500bhp edition of Mercedes' 5.7-litre twin-turbo V12, the SL600 is one of the most muscular production cars built. Power is pushed to the rear via a five-speed auto box. Traction control - thankfully - is fitted as standard.

But despite the force of the acceleration, the SL600 is also a supremely refined tourer. Air-suspension is supple, even in sport mode, where stiffened dampers give greater body control. There's little in the way of wind and road noise, with the roof either down or up, and the engine is incredibly smooth. The steering is precise, and although it's a little light, you still feel connected with the chassis.

Expected to cost ΂£90,000 (nearly 10 times as much as the diminutive Smart) the SL600 will go on sale in the UK in July. Sales are expected to reach a peak of around 80 a year.

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FIRST OPINION

    It might be more refined, softer-riding and less noisy than the SL55, but the vastly powerful SL600 is just as quick. In fact, it's one of the fastest cars around. Full-throttle acceleration is a mind-altering experience. With a price tag of £90,000, it's unlikely to become a familiar sight on UK roads, however.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Refined, yet incredibly fast
    Only 80 a year expected in UK
    Engine also powers Maybach
     
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