You can hit the rev limiter at six grand in a heartbeat. The two wide chrome exhaust tips that exit together under the left taillight are the only real hint of horsepower, at least 342 of it. Mercedes has emerged from a long tradition of funereal hues and dark wood trim into something more contemporary. Two adults will find ample leg, knee and shoulder room in the rear seats, though the convertible top makes Cabriolets more cramped. Rolling on the throttle provides that time, and the result will be fewer sudden downshifts and a smoother drive. In Touch Shift, you find yourself short-shifting a lot to stay with the engine.
There are no untidy or gratuitous strokes on the monochromatic body, while the sweeping arc of the rear roof pillars sweetens the shape and helps bring in an aerodynamic 0. And for most of us the powerful 4. A super-stiff forged steel crankshaft churns inside the pressure-cast aluminum block of this chain-driven single overhead-cam V8 with two intake and one exhaust valves per cylinder, as well as 16 coils and 16 spark plugs. The five-speed automatic transmission is adapted from the gearbox used in the V-12 S-class models, because that gearbox can take the torque. It takes a lot of speed and style to look great leading a field of F1 cars around a track, and this car has what it takes. Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
But it likes to have the throttle rolled, not hammered. The front vented discs are 13. More likely, they were designed with the E-Class in mind and re-used. Rarely has a car so hot looked so graceful. Never has a square chrome grille looked so sleek, with its windswept rake. Ride quality is smooth and comfortable at all times; did you expect less from a Mercedes? Zero to 60 mph in 4.
On the other hand, no one truly needs more power than the smooth, highly efficient 3. The torque converter has its limits, which also come into play when the transmission decides whether to shift. Trust us, this car has character. The rotors are pin-mounted, a racing technique which keeps them cooler. Lean and quick, they perform flawlessly.
It may be better to stay in the automatic mode until you get in third gear. A huge black air intake box covers the engine, offering intriguing glimpses of plumbing down below. The stance is understated and belies the power. The engine delivers huge hunks of power without complaint, but the transmission wants you to take your time. Since peak power is 5500, you want to shift before 6000.
The suspension is upgraded with stiffer springs, tighter shock valving, thicker stabilizer bars and firmer suspension bushings. . The twitch that comes under real hard braking on uneven surfaces is less secure. Walkaround This car has presence. And then we came upon the patches of ice in the road. It does the high-performance thing so well, and with such style. When you hammer this baby, it gets hammered good.
The rumble of the big V8 is audible, and satisfying. It never suggests that it might like to take control from you, it teases and excites you. . . . .
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