The Driving Woman

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 is one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. Compare it to ice-cream and it would be that perfect gelato after a long day in the Caribbean sun.

If you take that up a notch, the 2009 SL AMG roadsters in 2 flavors V8 or V12 are that perfect gelato followed by a dip in a cool pool and a full-body massage.

The SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter four-valve-per-cylinder V8 with 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while the V12-powered SL65 AMG, produces 604 hp and 738 lb.-ft. of torque.

The SL AMG roadsters are matched to a seven-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) transmission that combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the quick automatic shifts of a Formula 1 race car. In addition, these roadsters sit on a very nimble AMG sports suspension with  a choice of four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual).
 
I am happy to report that I drove (yes, it did not drive me!)  the SL 65 AMG V12. I thought it might be too powerful for me but it was lovely, just lovely. I could hardly contain my glee. Truly, the sound of the engine felt like it cut right into my pulse.

OK, honestly, driving the SL 65 AMG was something close to my first kiss. Well, even better. But, I won’t go there. Suffice it to say, I controlled and she (he?) followed--- every turn, every corner, every hill, every braking point. I could attribute some of this power to the Direct-Steer system available as an option (although not yet in the US). It changes the steering gear ratio in concert with the steering angle to help with maneuvering on winding roads and keeps it consistent at higher speeds. And I could also say that the independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension helped me master these wheels. Four words: steady, supple, tight, smooth.

If you want to hear more about the fine tailoring of the engine and other body parts read more on Inside Line. I will wax on about the stunning look of the SL 65 AMG. It wedges in the front with meaty fuel intakes, a black grille, Bi-xenon headlights with black surrounds and large round fog lights ringed in chrome. The hot air from the engine (fire from the dragon) comes through side outlets in the front fenders and  “gills” behind the front wheels. On the side, deep AMG sill panels and a rear apron that integrates a beefy black air diffuser and two pairs of chrome tailpipes.
           
The interior is all soft nappa leather and genuine carbon fiber that actually sparkles. A 6.5-inch color display screen with GPS navigation has been refined with a new MMI interface and a four gigabyte hard drive, an integrated six-disc CD-DVD player and a Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 tracks. Any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone will work hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse.



Acclaimed as one of the world’s safest convertibles, the SL comes with an automatic roll bar. Normally part of the interior’s rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The driver can also raise and lower the bar by a switch on the console.

And the reason why people drive this roadster top-down, year-round? The AIRSCARF! This heating implement, incorporated into the head rests, blows warm air on your neck. If that won’t do it, there’s also a massage button on the drivers se