Engine: 5.5-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12

Engine Options: 302-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8; 493-hp 5.4-liter sohc 24-valve supercharged V8; 493-hp 5.5-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12; 604-hp 6.0-liter sohc 36-valve twin-turbocharged V12

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, automatic slip control, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, BabySmart, automatic-adjusting head restraints, automatic pop-up roll bar, 3-point seatbelts with emergency tensioner retractors

Optional Safety Equipment: tire pressure monitor

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance

Assembled In: Bremen, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz SL600 ($127,500)

Standard Equipment: exclusive leather upholstery with wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control w dust and pollen charcoal filter, wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel, four-spoke multi-function tilt/telescope steering wheel, wind deflector, power steering, power windows with express down, power locks, anti-theft system, cruise control, fog lamps, 3-button garage door control, illuminated glovebox with climate control, bi-xenon headlamps with heated washer/wiper, auto-dimming mirror, dual heated power outside mirrors with memory and left-side auto dimming, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, night security illumination, right footwell parcel net, 12-way power heated/ventilated seats with multi-contour seat backs, lumbar support and three-position memory, 8-speaker Bose AM/FM/6CD sound system with weatherband, Tele Aid with GPS, COMAND Navi/Audio system, Motorola V60i phone w voice control, satellite radio pre-wiring

Options as Tested: tire-pressure monitoring system ($660); Keyless Go ($1,060)

Destination Charge: 720

Gas Guzzler Tax: 2600

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 493 @ 5000

Torque: 590 @ 1800-3500

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 13/19

Wheelbase: 100.8 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 178.5/71.5/51.0 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.4/60.5 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.2 feet

Seating Capacity: 2 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.7/56.9/42.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: inches

Trunk Volume: 10.2 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, four-link, hydrualic actuators over coil springs, anti-roll bar, gas-charged shock absorbers; active body control (ABC) suspension

Ground Clearance: 6.0 inches

Curb Weight: 4429 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P255/40ZR18 front, P285/35ZR18 rear

Brakes: electro-hydraulic disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons