2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R230) 5.4L V8 Kompressor RWD (500 HP)

Vehicle Overview

With a background of successful namesake models going back to arguably the coolest supercar of the 1950s, the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL was launched in 2001 as a coupe-roadster with a retractable hard-top and a sexy look. Over the five generations of the SL, the model had transformed from what was originally the fastest production car in the world to a luxurious grand tourer that is more at home on the Autobahn or parked in front of an expensive hotel than being thrashed on a race track.

Since AMG was already a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary in 2001, its engineers could augment the SL’s (R230) credentials to near supercar status once again. This is how the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG became the quickest car in the world, equipped with an automatic transmission and a torque converter, upon its launch.

Even though the standard model’s top speed was electronically restricted to 250 kph (155 mph), an optional package could extend that limit to 300 kph (186 mph). AMG engineers also claimed that an entirely de-restricted version could hit at least 335 kph (208 mph). The only car to dethrone it in top speed was another Mercedes, the SLR McLaren, but that was unveiled over a year later with a more powerful version of the same supercharged V8.

While the non-AMG SL (R230) was unveiled in late 2001 after over 5 years of development and testing, the SL 55 AMG arrived only a few months later, taking the world by storm with its fire-breathing V8. With a peculiar three-valves-per-cylinder design, the M113K engine was nearly identical to the previous ’55’ AMG V8 engines, albeit AMG had slapped a twin-scroll supercharger on it to seriously improve its power. Alongside the S 55 AMG and not including the SLR McLaren, the 2003 SL 55 AMG had the most powerful iteration of the M113K.

The supercharged, 5.4-liter V8 delivered no less than 500 PS (493 HP) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque, making the SL a formidable brute in the early 2000s. All that oomph was sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission, making the SL 55 accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in just 4.7 seconds. For a close to 2-tons grand tourer, this was mighty impressive.

While the original SL’s name stood for “Sport” and “Licht” (German for ‘light’), the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG weighed no less than 1955 kg (4,310 pounds). Part of its ‘reverse diet’ was attributed to one of the many reasons that made it special: its automatically retractable hard top. Inspired by the success of the SLK, the so-called ‘Vario’ roof could transform the SL from a traditional roadster to a coupe in just 20 seconds.

Other party tricks included the innovative ABC suspension, which made the model corner as flat as possible without exchanging comfort for dynamism, keyless entry, or massaging seats.