Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG top car of '03: Robb Report
By Associated Press Dec 30, 2002
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, a 493-horsepower roadster with a folding hardtop that sells for $114,000 US, was selected Robb Report's 2003 car of the year.
Runners-up in the luxury lifestyle magazine's annual competition were the Bentley Arnage T, Dodge Viper SRT-10, Ferrari 575 Maranello, Hummer H2, Jaguar XKR, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz E500 and Mini Cooper S.
But the Mercedes SL55 AMG won over Robb Report editors, who concluded the roadster boasts "the highest feel-good factor of any car built today," the magazine said Dec. 30, 2002.
The selection will be formally announced Jan. 3, 2003 at a Greater Los Angeles Auto Show media preview. The Auto Show opens Jan. 4 and runs through Jan. 12 at the downtown Los Angeles Convention Center.
"Thanks to its luxury interior, folding hardtop, and flexible engine, the SL55 never fails to relax you even as it invigorates," Robb Report writer Robert Farago said in the magazine's cover story.
The February car of the year issue hits newsstands Jan. 23.
"Of the nine vehicles that we tested, it was the only car that absolutely won everyone over," Robb Report editorial director Brett Anderson said.
The 27-year-old magazine is viewed as the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. The average annual income of a Robb Report reader is $800,000 US, with an average net worth of $4.9 million US.
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