Once upon a time, the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG was the fastest car in the world with an automatic transmission. It was the early 2000s, and the title was short-lived once the Mercedes SLR McLaren hit the streets. But this video featuring the old R230 SL-Class devouring the Autobahn reminds us what a monster it was.
Launched for the 2003 model year, the SL 55 featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. It produced 493 horsepower in stock trim, which was a very solid figure for the time. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, it could hit 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds and it was electronically limited to 155 mph. With the speed limiter flashing, the top speed was over 180 mph. These are still impressive numbers today, so you can imagine what it was like 20 years ago.
The SL 55 presented in this new AutoTopNL the video is not in stock. It’s said to have 630bhp from its V8, and while specific modifications are listed, it’s safe to assume an upgraded exhaust system is in the mix. This Mercedes-Benz looks downright nasty with the throttle pinned, and we mean nasty in the best possible way. This luxury coupe sounds like a legitimate muscle car during the many accelerations done during this video.
Right now we normally focus on the top speed of the vehicle, but this time around the real takeaway is the sound. There are two reasons for this, the first being simply it sounds damn good. Anyone with a hint of desire for internal combustion power can enjoy the tunes of this V8. Electric cars are undeniably fast and produce interesting sounds to enjoy. But the days are coming when a V8 soundtrack like this becomes rare. So enjoy it while it lasts.
The second reason is that the Merc clearly never reaches its top speed. This particular stretch of unrestricted freeway isn’t jammed with traffic, but there seems to be just enough traffic to keep a good speed just out of reach. Among the many attempts made, the second is the fastest with an indicated speed of just under 290 km/h. That translates to 180 mph, and the speedometer is still climbing aggressively at this point.
So sit back, listen and enjoy a sound and powerful Mercedes SL-Class that does its job. There are worse ways to pass the time.
Once upon a time, the Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG was the fastest car in the world with an automatic transmission. It was the early 2000s, and the title was short-lived once the Mercedes SLR McLaren hit the streets. But this video featuring the old R230 SL-Class devouring the Autobahn reminds us what a monster it was.
Launched for the 2003 model year, the SL 55 featured a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine. It produced 493 horsepower in stock trim, which was a very solid figure for the time. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, it could hit 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds and it was electronically limited to 155 mph. With the speed limiter flashing, the top speed was over 180 mph. These are still impressive numbers today, so you can imagine what it was like 20 years ago.
The SL 55 presented in this new AutoTopNL the video is not in stock. It’s said to have 630bhp from its V8, and while specific modifications are listed, it’s safe to assume an upgraded exhaust system is in the mix. This Mercedes-Benz looks downright nasty with the throttle pinned, and we mean nasty in the best possible way. This luxury coupe sounds like a legitimate muscle car during the many accelerations done during this video.
Right now we normally focus on the top speed of the vehicle, but this time around the real takeaway is the sound. There are two reasons for this, the first being simply it sounds damn good. Anyone with a hint of desire for internal combustion power can enjoy the tunes of this V8. Electric cars are undeniably fast and produce interesting sounds to enjoy. But the days are coming when a V8 soundtrack like this becomes rare. So enjoy it while it lasts.
The second reason is that the Merc clearly never reaches its top speed. This particular stretch of unrestricted freeway isn’t jammed with traffic, but there seems to be just enough traffic to keep a good speed just out of reach. Among the many attempts made, the second is the fastest with an indicated speed of just under 290 km/h. That translates to 180 mph, and the speedometer is still climbing aggressively at this point.
So sit back, listen and enjoy a sound and powerful Mercedes SL-Class that does its job. There are worse ways to pass the time.