SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: My new SL55 AMG -07 with Performance Package
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Originally Posted by s55sl55driver
Yes, I believe the performance package enhancements are included in the 65 base price. Having said that I do not believe there are any engine modifications in the Performance Package. I do stand firm in my conviction with respect to the brakes and suspension. I also stand firm on the fact that AMG should stand for more than it does and as enthusiasts we should demand more. I remain truly dissatisfied with the brake system on the base SL55. (See my posts on SL55 front wheel lockup). A large part of this dilemma is most of the people who buy these cars, buy them for the emblems on the back and not the performance.... and that is why they get away with it. Simply put, the spirit of AMG is being watered down in my opinion. The concept of a high performance upgrade on a high performance car is baffling.
Anyway..........I think that the Performance Package is a rip and should be part of the car...so I'll agree with you there. It is a bit offensive to have to pay $14K more to get what you should have at the begining.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by mthomas141
that article posted says locking differential? Is that true?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
ML 500
Originally Posted by WSH
Sure, new '07 55w/PP is notably improved in several dynamic areas vs CY02 55s.....but only real direct competitor is P's Turbo....both dynamically and in terms of overlapping buyer base....
Have owned two SL55s and have 996TTS Coupe now....still have tremendous respect for 55.....IMO, 55's biggest edges over 996TTS are no turbo lag for 60-120MPH accel; real trunk and large fuel tank (some like the convertible aspect....I despise convertibles for incrd wt, loss of struc rigidity in handling, and dubious roof strength in any collision/rollover); 996TTS' edges are sharper steering, outstanding brake pedal feel (esp w/PCCB), 1000lb less wt, and much greater traction, esp in wet conds....
That said, realistically, vast majority (?70%++) of both new SL55 and Turbo buyers just want a car that looks cool/youthful/"status-providing" (and that they can afford) for wkend drives to country club anyway....
P will sell maybe 2000/yr 997TT into US; I recall Merc selling about 2000/yr SL55 into US....but my sense is SL55 sales have recently dropped off significantly vs the heydays of '02-'04.....the fashionistas have apparently moved on to other cars....and the deprec-prone '07 SL65 is now being only sold on a very special-order basis, even in places like CA/NYC....as dealers even struggled to sell at large discts the ?300ish/yr SL65s MB sent to US....no. of guys who can afford a $60K premium on an already expensive car for a torque upgrade largely enjoyable only on a few fast-flowing CA fwys and some higher-end leather finishes is fairly small......
Have owned two SL55s and have 996TTS Coupe now....still have tremendous respect for 55.....IMO, 55's biggest edges over 996TTS are no turbo lag for 60-120MPH accel; real trunk and large fuel tank (some like the convertible aspect....I despise convertibles for incrd wt, loss of struc rigidity in handling, and dubious roof strength in any collision/rollover); 996TTS' edges are sharper steering, outstanding brake pedal feel (esp w/PCCB), 1000lb less wt, and much greater traction, esp in wet conds....
That said, realistically, vast majority (?70%++) of both new SL55 and Turbo buyers just want a car that looks cool/youthful/"status-providing" (and that they can afford) for wkend drives to country club anyway....
P will sell maybe 2000/yr 997TT into US; I recall Merc selling about 2000/yr SL55 into US....but my sense is SL55 sales have recently dropped off significantly vs the heydays of '02-'04.....the fashionistas have apparently moved on to other cars....and the deprec-prone '07 SL65 is now being only sold on a very special-order basis, even in places like CA/NYC....as dealers even struggled to sell at large discts the ?300ish/yr SL65s MB sent to US....no. of guys who can afford a $60K premium on an already expensive car for a torque upgrade largely enjoyable only on a few fast-flowing CA fwys and some higher-end leather finishes is fairly small......
