Figure 1: 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Front

A 510-horsepower AMG-built supercharged 5.5L 24-valve V-8 engine with fingertip manual-style shift paddles powers the SL55 AMG Roadster. The car I tested came with high-performance racing brakes with 6-piston front calipers, a retractable aluminum hardtop, and the AMG-tuned Active Body Control (ABC).

Figure 2: 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Rear

The SL55 is a 2 door roadster. There's no back seat, so this is a true 2-seater. The SL55 used in this review was equipped with AMG Performance Package (a $14,000 option) that adds 19" AMG Two-Piece Alloy Wheels, AMG Safety Car Front Bumper, and Active Body Control With AMG Nurburgring Calibration. With options, the total price of the SL55 AMG Roadster comes to a whopping $150,000.

Figure 3: Accessing the DVD-ROM

The navigation DVD-ROM is accessed via a small compartment in the left side of the truck.

Figure 4: Mercedes-Benz Car Navigation DVD-ROM, Located in the Trunk

A quick-release knob opens the compartment that houses the car navigation DVD-ROM drive, shown above. All U.S. maps are stored on a single DVD, which Mercedes-Benz updates every year (approximately). Updated mapping DVD's typically cost around $250, and must be purchased from Mercedes. To update the maps on the SL55, simply eject the old DVD and insert the new one.

Figure 5: 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, Interior

The 7-inch LCD center console is used to control the Mercedes navigation system, known as COMAND, as well as various other system controls, such as FM/Satellite radio, and cellular telephone calls. A slot-loading CD-ROM drive is located just above the console, and can play MP3's as well as regular audio CDs. Overall the styling and layout of the cabin is very pleasing, and the 7-inch wide screen display is large and easy to see from either the driver or passenger seats.