Newly engineered into the ABC system is a load adjustment mode, which adds the actual load in the vehicle to the software equation. The weight of the passenger, whatever is stowed in the trunk...probably even whether you super-sized your grease-burger combo... goes into ABC's brain, which constantly reassesses the load and alters the "rates" of each corner of the suspension.
This trick suspension contributed a stability to the car like no other I've ever felt on a racetrack. Expecting body roll, understeer and a wayward rear axle-all ills exposed in lesser cars in the harsh light of hard lapping-it took half a lap or so to realize how quickly I was going, because there hadn't been the sort of unsettling feedback you normally associate with deep throttle.
The car also went exactly where I pointed it because of the new, very precise and direct speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering. The system is also 13 lb lighter than the previous SL's rack. Further weight was saved by an aluminum front suspension assembly carrier. The rear subframe was kept steel because of the car's prodigious 516 lb-ft of torque through the driven wheels.
Brakes are where most cars give up first in the race environment, but the SL55 is well armed against the heat of battle. Each rotor is fully vented and perforated (as part of the build process, not drilled after the fact). The fronts are a whopping 14.2 in. in diameter and the rears are 13s. And the eight-piston calipers are sourced from development of the AMG Touring Cars.
And if that weren't enough, the SL55 is fitted with Mercedes' electronic brake system in addition to the usual anti-lock and stability control systems. As well as ensuring full pedal pressure is applied during panic stops, the computer reads brake pedal actuation and then applies each wheel's brake, independently and as needed, to maintain directional stability while also slowing the car's progress. When cornering, the system increases pressure to the outside wheels and reduces it to the inside wheels, helping to prevent wheel lock, and under braking the computer varies pressures depending on speed and pedal pressure. It can even feel the sudden lift of the driver's foot off the throttle and then, anticipating an emergency braking situation, positions the brake pads onto the discs, ready for full action should the pedal be pushed. Mercedes reports this system reduces stopping distance at highway speeds by about 3%.
And if that weren't enough, when the conditions are wet, the system responds to a signal from the windshield wipers and applies the brakes just enough to keep the rotors dry.
And if that weren't enough (last time, I promise), all this wonderfulness carries a MSRP of $113,500. Fully optioned, the SL55 AMG is still well under 125 grand, which means it's a relative bargain and the 1,000 units allotted to U.S. dealers will have already been snapped up by the time you read this. Compare to the BMW Z8's $130,000, Ferrari 355's $170,000 or the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage at $152,000, and it's clear Mercedes will have absolutely no problem selling out the production run of the SL55.
If you are one of the fortunate ones to land in one of these high-tech two-seaters, consider enrolling in the AMG Challenge, a program set up by Mercedes for AMG owners wanting to explore the car's complete range of skills. It costs $850 and ensures about 2 1/2 hours of seat time in an 8-hour day at the track.
As happens with all great cars, I didn't come close to exploring the SL55's full potential. That was left to some of the pro drivers brought in to keep the journalists in check. Led by Mauricio Gugelmin, these "instructors" were soon nose to tail in a high-speed three-star convoy, serving up 150-proof shots of a very heady brew. I floated in that post-track giddiness I always feel. Great car; great track.