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SLs in the Real World

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by Eckart Scheffler, Croton-on-Hudson NY

 

After having a chance to drive the SL 65 and SLR extensively, see my report at http://www.oursl.com/NewsLetter/NL0605/eckart/, and driving my own SL500 on a regular basis, I was eager to get a chance to test the new SL550 and of course the upgraded 2007 SL55.

 

This opportunity arose during my recent trip to Germany. Under special arrangements made for writing this article, I was able to have a 2007 SL550 (labeled SL500 in Germany) available for one day and a 2007 SL55 (with the special performance option) for a whole week thereafter.

 

Arriving in Sindelfingen I was treated to a rare sight at the Center of Excellence:

 

The EXELERO Concept Car, a one-off coupe built on a Maybach 57 chassis for Fulda, the German tire manufacturer. This stunning creation was built as a showcase for the new ultra-high-performance tire Fulda Carat Exelero, and the car achieved a new high speed record of 350 kmh (218 mph) on standard tires, using an AMG modified 700hp Maybach V12 engine.

 

EXELERO Concept Car at the Center of Excellence, Sindelfingen, Germany

 

The first impression is overwhelming: The car appears to be oversize, immediately demanding your undivided attention.

 

23" wheels with 315/25 ZR 23 Fulda Exelero tires

 

The enormous, beautifully handcrafted 23” wheels bring the car down to size, anything smaller would not look right on this car. The 315/25 ZR 23 Fulda Exelero tires are the first "street" tires made to withstand record breaking speeds.

 

Maybach grille and low spoiler

 

The front end shows the Maybach grille with an extremely low spoiler to keep the car down at warp speed.

 

Exelero's tapered rear flank

 

The rear flanks of the car are tapered, the Maybach in the background looks almost small in comparison to the Exelero.

 

Rear view of the Excelero Concept Car

 

The sculptured rear of the car complements the beautiful flowing lines, while the hooded license plate bracket seems odd and out of place.

 

The interior of this two-seater shows strong Maybach influence

 

Headlights are sculptured into the fenders

 

Everything is simply stunning on a grand scale, such as the way the headlight unit is sculptured into the fender.

 

Top view of Excelero

 

The most impressive view of the car is from above, absolutely stunning!

 

After a private tour of the Maybach Manufaktur and lunch at the Mercedes restaurant, I picked up a 2007 SL550. Article continues here

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