Photos by Michael Ballard
Driver's Notebook: Sexy Swabian
April 1, 2004
The black and red
leather-swathed AMG cabin in this car challenges my general prejudice against
M-B’s factory interiors. It is, in a word, delicious. High-quality materials,
excellent craftsmanship, and a tasteful palette help me overlook the
still-annoying stereo controls.
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Beautiful detailing includes 20-inch turbine-style wheels and the liberal use of
mesh trim on the car’s fenders and grille. (Click image to enlarge)On the road, the GS03 performs almost
identically to a stock SL55—which is to say that it is as good as a car like
this has ever gotten. The larger wheels provide slightly sharper handling and better road feel, but otherwise
it delivers the same thrusting acceleration—accompanied by a mellifluous snarl
from the exhaust—and the same precise steering. It is a large, heavy car that
feels more at home on long sweeps than in tight bends, but remains surefooted
and flat through almost any corner a suburbanite will encounter. Around-town
driving is not necessarily dramatic, though; with the top up and judicious
pressure on the gas pedal, the GS03 becomes nearly docile in nature.
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An outsize Mercedes-Benz star mounted on a black background adorns the grille,
echoing the new factory look seen on the SLR and the forthcoming SLK. Like
most of the GS03’s bold stylistic elements, it is not likely to get lost in the
crowd. (Click image to enlarge)I have
the privilege of driving exceptional automobiles on a regular basis, but have
never gotten as much positive reaction from other drivers as I did during that
weekend with the GS03. On a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard that cuts through the
Los Angeles Country Club, the driver of an SL500 pulled alongside, slowed and
dropped behind me, and then maneuvered in front for a look through his rearview
mirror. When we stopped next to each other at a red light, I got a huge smile
and a hearty thumbs-up. He was by no means alone in his enthusiasm. Sometimes it
is hard to know how a car like this will be received—automotive indulgence is
just as likely to elicit hostility as approval—and I was stunned by the marked
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In just a few days, I became completely enamored of the
GS03 and wondered how I could experience an utter about-face in my view of an
SL55 when the difference was essentially skin deep. I believe that the wild
bodywork did the trick for me, transforming the SL55 from a logical expression
of a high-performance SL to a fabulous celebration of it. Adding to the GS03’s
appeal is limited production; only 50 examples will be built worldwide, and the
United States is slated for a scant 10 of the $189,000 cars. They are available
only through Los Angeles–based CEC. (Click image to enlarge)
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Lorinser GS03
- Engine: 5.5-liter V-8, supercharged
- Power: 493 hp at 6,100 rpm
- Torque: 516 ft lbs at 2,750 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Wheelbase: 100.8 inches
- Curb weight: 4,319 pounds
- Base Price: $189,000
CEC
310.203.3900
www.cecwheels.com
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