Cars

Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (R230)

The SL class is the Mercedes sports car that forms the fifth generation of the R230 series, which underwent a full model change in 2001. The SL55 AMG was added to the lineup in 2002 as the most powerful of the models.

This model, which bears the name of the Daimler-affiliated “AMG” tuning workshop is fitted with a supercharged 5.5L V8 engine, and boasts a maximum power output of 500 ps. The drive system is front-engine rear-drive and utilizes a type of electronically controlled suspension called Active Body Control. This has also undergone AMG specialist tuning, which succeeds in making the large 1970 kg body as steady as a rock.

The body is fitted with the “vario roof” electrically-operated hard top that was first used in the sibling SLK, and the time required for opening and closing is an extremely short 16 seconds. The braking system is fitted with the “SBC” electronic control system developed by Bosch, which employs a function to automatically move the pads during rainy weather to remove water droplets.

The SL55 AMG is also known for being used as the F1 safety car in the 2001 season. However, it has been said that the safety car was modified from the production model to the point of practically being a different car. In addition to vehicles that conform to the safety car specifications being available on order in Europe as a custom-order vehicle, a performance package was added to the lineup where tuning was performed to match specifications of the safety cars.