Driving Impressions - SLR
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Hick from NH
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Driving Impressions - SLR
I was in Miami a couple of weeks ago and a friend let me drive his SLR and SL65. Some of you Hamptons guys may have seen the SLR out there in August - it came from MB Manhattan.
I was only able to take it on I-95 and 395 so I can't attest to the handling characteristics of the car as it was mostly straight driving. However, entering and exiting the off ramps didn't give me that planted feeling like my 360. Because of it's size and torque I felt like I could put it into the wall if I wasn't careful. Needless to say, straight line acceleration and braking is phenominal. Endless torque even in straight auto mode and at any speed. The owner actually "encouraged" me to hammer it!
I drove it in manual with both the buttons on the rear of the wheel and the shifter. The buttons felt slower than using the shifter manually. However, the shifter seemed like it was in an awkward position since I couldn't fully extend my arm. The transmission felt no quicker then any other AMG car I've driven including the one in my wife's CLK 55. The exhaust has the typical AMG rumble and sounds great under acceleration especially with the windows open since the pipes are right under the doors.
If you haven't seen one in person, the car is long and wide. From behind the wheel it seems like the hood goes on forever. I think the best looking part of the car is the rear which is somewhat unique to the SLR. Other than the side vents, the rest of the car looks very SL/SLKish. The "silver arrows" paint is beautiful and the metallic is much more evident than plain brilliant silver.
The cabin is gorgeous. Nice mix of leather (love the red), aluminum and CF. However, you definately know you're in a Benz. From the gauge cluster, shifter, AC/radio controls, to the overhead lights, it's pretty stock MB. The racing seats are comfortable, but tight (I guess they're supposed to be). The only problem I had was finding the right balance between legs and arms. To get my legs just right meant having my arms too cramped against the steering wheel. Visibility basically sucks from the seats back and there is a wicked blind spot from the B/C pillar.
Overall, it's a great "GT." I didn't get the feeling it was a fragile car. Ground clearance is no problem (went over many speed bumps without incident). I could imagine people driving this car a lot. I definately wouldn't consider it an exotic car like a CGT or an Enzo. Much closer to an SL then a McLaren F1. Since, the car's so big and heavy I kept thinking they should've made it with a retractable hardtop.
In summary, I would buy an SL65 and save a few hundred grand. There's nothing like putting the top down on a beautiful South Florida day!
Sorry for the poor picture quality but I used a throw-away camera.
I was only able to take it on I-95 and 395 so I can't attest to the handling characteristics of the car as it was mostly straight driving. However, entering and exiting the off ramps didn't give me that planted feeling like my 360. Because of it's size and torque I felt like I could put it into the wall if I wasn't careful. Needless to say, straight line acceleration and braking is phenominal. Endless torque even in straight auto mode and at any speed. The owner actually "encouraged" me to hammer it!
I drove it in manual with both the buttons on the rear of the wheel and the shifter. The buttons felt slower than using the shifter manually. However, the shifter seemed like it was in an awkward position since I couldn't fully extend my arm. The transmission felt no quicker then any other AMG car I've driven including the one in my wife's CLK 55. The exhaust has the typical AMG rumble and sounds great under acceleration especially with the windows open since the pipes are right under the doors.
If you haven't seen one in person, the car is long and wide. From behind the wheel it seems like the hood goes on forever. I think the best looking part of the car is the rear which is somewhat unique to the SLR. Other than the side vents, the rest of the car looks very SL/SLKish. The "silver arrows" paint is beautiful and the metallic is much more evident than plain brilliant silver.
The cabin is gorgeous. Nice mix of leather (love the red), aluminum and CF. However, you definately know you're in a Benz. From the gauge cluster, shifter, AC/radio controls, to the overhead lights, it's pretty stock MB. The racing seats are comfortable, but tight (I guess they're supposed to be). The only problem I had was finding the right balance between legs and arms. To get my legs just right meant having my arms too cramped against the steering wheel. Visibility basically sucks from the seats back and there is a wicked blind spot from the B/C pillar.
Overall, it's a great "GT." I didn't get the feeling it was a fragile car. Ground clearance is no problem (went over many speed bumps without incident). I could imagine people driving this car a lot. I definately wouldn't consider it an exotic car like a CGT or an Enzo. Much closer to an SL then a McLaren F1. Since, the car's so big and heavy I kept thinking they should've made it with a retractable hardtop.
In summary, I would buy an SL65 and save a few hundred grand. There's nothing like putting the top down on a beautiful South Florida day!
Sorry for the poor picture quality but I used a throw-away camera.
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Hick from NH
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Thanks Guys.
Adam, to answer your question, I drove the SLR first then the SL 65 and I really didn't notice much difference in acceleration. The only comparison I could make was when we both took off from a stop. I felt the 65 just about kept up with the SLR, but then I don't know how hard the other person was driving it, although I suspect very hard! The transmission in the 65 feels just as quick. The real disappointment in the 65 is the exhaust sound. For some reason the bi-turbo V12 does not make the same "rumble" as the V8 kompressor in the 55s.
My first reaction when I sat in the SL 65 was what an incredible GT car it truly is. It's not a sports car like a Porsche or a Ferrari, but if you want incredible performance, gorgeous looks, an incredible interior (design and ergonomics), and a two-in-one coupe/convertable, there is no better car. Having said that, I don't really think there is a discernable difference between the SL65 and 55, except that 55 sounds better and will cost you about $60k less (MSRP).
Eric
Adam, to answer your question, I drove the SLR first then the SL 65 and I really didn't notice much difference in acceleration. The only comparison I could make was when we both took off from a stop. I felt the 65 just about kept up with the SLR, but then I don't know how hard the other person was driving it, although I suspect very hard! The transmission in the 65 feels just as quick. The real disappointment in the 65 is the exhaust sound. For some reason the bi-turbo V12 does not make the same "rumble" as the V8 kompressor in the 55s.
My first reaction when I sat in the SL 65 was what an incredible GT car it truly is. It's not a sports car like a Porsche or a Ferrari, but if you want incredible performance, gorgeous looks, an incredible interior (design and ergonomics), and a two-in-one coupe/convertable, there is no better car. Having said that, I don't really think there is a discernable difference between the SL65 and 55, except that 55 sounds better and will cost you about $60k less (MSRP).
Eric
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Eric:
Thansk for sharing the good writeup with us. The styling really is not my style on the SLR, in fact, it reminds me of the Ambiguously(sp?) Gay Duo car from SNL back in the days. Interesting to hear how well the SL65 kept up.
Thansk for sharing the good writeup with us. The styling really is not my style on the SLR, in fact, it reminds me of the Ambiguously(sp?) Gay Duo car from SNL back in the days. Interesting to hear how well the SL65 kept up.
