R230 SL

MERCEDES-BENZ introduced a retractable hardtop to its long-running SL series with the release of the fifth-generation model in the middle of 2002.

The SL500 is powered by a 5.0-litre engine punching out 225kW and 460Nm, while the supercharged SL55’s 5.5-litre V8 AMG version takes performance to another level with a power output of 350kW and a mammoth 700Nm worth of torque.

Equipment levels include ABC active body control, ESP stability control, four airbags, automatic climate control, bi-Xenon headlights, a CD changer, heated leather electric seats with active seat ventilation PARKTRONIC ultrasonic parking aid SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) brake-by-wire and the three-section folding hardtop vario-roof - which can be operated from the remote key.

On top of that, the SL 55 AMG has ABC with re-tuned parameters bespoke interior and exterior styling, seats and wheels specially-tuned SBC brakes AMG-tuned five speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted shift controls and multi-contour seats.

In September 2003 uses a 5.5-litre V12 engine to deliver a searing 368kW and 800Nm, deployed to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic gearbox.

From March 2004 the SL500 gained a seven-speed automatic transmission (7GTronic), while the monstrous SL65 AMG’s turbo-charged 450kW 6.0-litre V12 breached the 1000Nm barrier.