I had 2 360's (one coupe and one spider) and 3 SL55's plus 1 SL65 (actually I did not like the Nascar-like exhaust on the SL55s and I found the SL65's sound much more "European" and refined) I never had any problem deciding which one I would rather drive on a twisty canyon road. If I just wanted top down cruising to go get grocery, the SL would be the choice for sure. But if I were planning to go out for a drive just for the hell of driving, there was no question the Ferrari would be the one. And the small number that Ferrari built every year at that time (about 4500 units total for all models combined for the entire world), I doubt they would lose any sleep wondering if they would lose any sales to SL55's.

BTW, my "affluent guy" friends actually do enjoy canyon runs and regular events. These are guys that are "affluent" enough to take weekdays off to go to tracks. And some of them store cars in hangars at airports. So there are "affluent guys" that do enjoy the precise interaction of man and machine at high speed.

However, I guess I am barking up the wrong tree here. For someone that do not believe that a Porsche or a Ferrari offers certain sensations and fun that a Mercedes cannot possibly offer, I have nothing more to say. This is the end of my input on this subject. Gotta go out and drive my GT2 now.

Yeah don't jump to conclusions. I was being a little tongue in cheek. The point I was trying to make was that every car I have owned from my E46 M3 on has been a lot of car and probably a lot more car than I needed. I don't track vehicles, though I'm playing with the idea, and I don't drive cars too insanely on public roads. But given all that I still have an appreciation of a nice sports car and can definitely tell just driving them as DDs or weekend crusiers.
I'm the guy you want to buy a used sports car from. I don't rod the **** out of them (though my M6 motor failed on me).

True but for each one of them there is another rather affluent guy who really enjoys tracking and improving his skills to as high level as possible.
Attended Ferrari experience in Mont Tremblant 2 weeks ago (all 6 events this year sold out at average $10k per person)and met 16 of them,almost all of them had crowded local airport with their jets,all had all kinds of supercars and did enjoy performance driving immensely.
Tried to book one of the Advanced courses this year and barely got the last one in August,was shocked that at a price of about $12k it sold out almost immediately.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=197279

670HP when AMG clearly winked at us and told us simple chip tuning will put you at 720 safely. That's Promotive P car territory from the factory. 2nd only to the SLR in total carbon fibre. This car is going to be incredible. Never going to be a P car mind you, but like the post above, if you want something different, THIS is your car.

Black FTW. Don't like it, ditch it and go with the tried and true P.

edit....just did some figures.

AMG claiming a 6lb per 1hp ratio on the 65BS. That would put you slightly above the Carrera GT but just behind Lambo Murci territory.

Got your figures mixed up if "above" and "behind" mean what they think. Carrera GT is far less weight than an LP640. GT is faster everywhere.

As regards the poor opinions of Porsche, not sure where that came from. I had a 996TT which I enjoyed immensely. Great road holding, steering feel and peerless brakes. Yes, bluetooth would be nice as would a dual clutch (coming soon). But they have a less in your face image than F-cars. Now that's just a personal preference and it must be said that the 599 and Scuderia are two of the finest cars to have ever come out of Modena and that includes a long list of greats.

There were no AMGs that caught my attention when I was shopping early this year. The BS is a good track car and a good car overall, but I only like autos in my SUVs. Hopefully the new MCT box works out for AMG because if not they're going to lose keen drivers to other marques.

GT2........

Noone have yet seen sl65 black series , i think it'll be some crazy **** , plus gt2's interior is as WACK as it can get .

GT2 would be my first choice!!!!!!!!

Then I'm really confused....If you think the CLK BS is too much car for you...meaning you can't really use it as it was intended on public roads.....then the SL BS and the GT2 will be WAAAAAAY more car than you would ever need for the street. I'd say stick with what you've got an enjoy it...or better yet, start tracking your black series.

no confusion here ...

Chiphomme is just saying that performance is not the key reason he is buying the car.

All the cars he has bought have the ability to perform far beyond his everyday driving. As a result, I would conclude, the reasoning behind purchasing a new vehicle is probably more for status, uniqueness, etc.

oops forgot to add I'm for the porsche. But I don't see why you don't just get a 599.

Agreed.

While we don't need for 500hp, and it is overkill, it's nice to have for the occasions you get to use it.

GT2!!!

GT2 for sure...i mean what kind of question is that? it's two different car and SL65 BS would still be a heavy car just like all the other AMGs.
GT2 ,imo, handles better, looks better, performs better, and etc.
SL65 BS on the other hand would just be a show stopper with lots of hp/tq that the car could only use on the straight-line. (yes, it would handle better normal SL65, but it wont touch a GT2 for sure)
Just got a call from one of my buddy in Korea couple days ago(MKB chipped new CL 600) and his buddy just got 997 GT2. told me he couldn't even hang with his friend's GT2...

And one of us guys will buy it at resale in a year or two for 50 cents on the dollar you paid!