2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65

Now for sale in Gateway Classic Cars' Houston showroom is this menacing black 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG. As is typical of the AMG-modified Benzes, this one has an engine built by one of the few master engine builders in Affalterbach - only 200 people there have qualified to have their names etched on AMG engine nameplates. Each is a fully qualified mechanic who has spent at least 3.5 years in a German school and spend another 4 months meticulously disassembling and reassembling the same training engines repeatedly until they can pass their master engine builder certifications and earn the privilege of having their nameplate awarded. The engine is truly a "one builder, one engine", and has passed the most rigorous of quality controls to earn its way into the engine bay of this car.

The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine in the SL65 boasts 612HP, and nearly 738 LB-FT of torque, making the 2006 SL65 AMG the most powerful production roadster on the planet that year. Its 0-100 KPH time was just 4.2 seconds. For 2006, AMG's sport suspension was revised to include its second-generation active body control, and steering was made more direct. Specific enhancements were made to the ride control, to reduce body movement in spirited driving situations versus predecessors, without hampering the already excellent ride comfort. Improved handling agility comes from enhancements to the front axle setup's better geometry vs. its predecessors. Additionally, AMG high-performance brakes were improved over previous years' versions, so this is one extremely well-sorted rocket ship when it leaves the factory.

Meticulous attention to detail is also a feature of the new-look body and interior versus previous AMG SL roadsters. Discreet changes from mere mortal SL roadsters are implemented in AMG versions, with AMG-specific front aprons having more of a wedge shape, and sporting chrome-ringed fog lamps. The front also includes side air outlets, which allow for better airflow through the auxiliary engine oil cooler. There are also AMG-specific grilles with black louvers and chrome headlights, AMG-specific tinted taillights, and newly-revised AMG light alloy wheels. On the interior, the AMG roadster gets carbon fiber trim and premium grades of leather. The AMGs also get their own sport steering wheels, and the other interior upgrades over mortal Benzes include special metal door sill panels with AMG lettering, a nappa leather-shrouded instrument cluster (complete with double topstitching above the chronometer-design gauges), and a revised switch for operating the roof; which takes just 16 seconds to open or close. The AMG sports seats, door panels and armrests are upholstered in fine nappa leather as well.

All of that said, yes, it's a luxo-jet on 4 wheels: get in, turn the key, ease into the throttle (if you can), and at about 2000 RPM the twin-turbos kick in, squeezing you into your seat like you just dropped off the top of the world's tallest rollercoaster...thrust just builds until you hit the 155MPH speed governor. It has to be felt to be understood - the 2006 AMG SL65 was clocked at under 12 seconds in the quarter mile, on street tires at regular pressure, with the A/C going full blast.

Options on this 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG for sale include Air Conditioning, AM/FM/CD Radio, Antilock Brakes, Driver and Passenger Airbags, Aluminum Wheels, Automatic Convertible Top, Cruise Control, Jack, Leather Interior, Power Heated Seats with Lumbar support, Power Brakes, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Performance Radial Tires, Seat Belts, Tilt/Telescoping Adjustable Steering Wheel, and Traction Control (you'll need it). For more information on this 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG for sale, to see all the HD pictures and videos of it, copy the URL below, and see it at this direct link: www.gatewayclassiccars.com/show/HOU/1500. Alternatively, if you want to see it in person, come to our Houston Showroom, located at 1910 Cypress Station Dr, Bldg 200, Houston, TX 77090. You may also call the showroom at (832) 243-6220 or email us at .