Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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CARNOISSEUR raise the roof ON A DRIVE FROM BOSTON TO NEWPORT, THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG ROADSTER PROVES THAT THE DROP-TOP IS STILL TOPS, EVEN INTO THE FALL. BY CRAIG CARLSON O ne of my favorite cars of all time is the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, produced from 1954 to 1963. Beyond its distinctive styling, it was the first production car to offer direct fuel injection and a tubular chassis. Very advanced in its day, it still looks great. When I heard that Mercedes was going to offer a roadster version of its modern day SLS AMG Gullwing, I was intrigued. Then, when I actually saw the car, I was truly impressed. Mercedes-AMG designed the long hood and short deck proportions even better on the convertible than the coupe. The new roadster and the Gullwing share in common a 6.3 liter V-8 engine that produces 563 horsepower, though the roadster is 88 pounds heavier and has a top that retracts in only 11 seconds. One of my favorite features is the ability to drop the top while moving at speeds of up to 30 mph. The interior is equally as impressive, blending fine materials with cutting-edge design. Rich, perfectly stitched leather covers all surfaces and can be juxtaposed with optional carbon-fiber panels. Upping the ante on heated seats, a new Airscarf warms the head and neck, extending the top-down season through New England's fall months. The 2013 model will go a step further with a comprehensive media package, allowing your iPhone and other devices to interact with the Roadster at all speeds. At first it feels like a cockpit inside the car, with gauges and dials on all sides. I pressed the start button, and the roadster's throaty roar reminded 140 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM me of a 1960s muscle car. The next decision is what transmission mode to select—they range from comfort to manual and offer a wide range of driving experiences. I opted for sport, the middle setting, as comfort was too mild, and manual paired with paddle shifters is like driving a Formula 1 car, as the dealer explained. While the last option might not be appropriate for the Southeast Expressway, I'll admit I was tempted. I drove from Boston to Newport, a terrific combination of fast, open highway sailing and low-speed boulevard cruising. The acceleration did not disappoint at a manufacturer-claimed 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. At highway- speed the ride is firm and comfortable. There is a constant rumble from the dual exhausts, but it does not interfere with the outstanding (optional) Bang & Olufsen sound system. I approached the Route 24 exit and just tapped the massive six-piston caliper vented disc brakes, causing the 3,661-pound vehicle to decelerate quickly without drama. The superb handling was like an out of body experience. Cruising Newport was equally exciting, with a thumbs up from pedestrians at every traffic light. The car was docile in traffic and very comfortable overall. Mercedes-Benz will produce a limited number of AMG SLS Roadsters for this model-year, continuing the marquee as one of the world's best cars. Viti Mercedes, 975 Fish Road, Tiverton, Rhode Island, 401-624-6181; viti.com BC PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ