The redesigned 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Roadster receives a mild face lift. The car exhibits a more angular and ‘angry’ facade that looks very appealing in the new era of super cars. The unchanged AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine puts down an astounding 738 ft-lbs. of torque at only 2000 rpm. Coupled with 604hp available at 4800 rpm, this is one super convertible hardtop, and although 0-60 in 4.2 seconds is no longer the fastest of the fast, its still byond respectable. The car is extremely heavy coming in at over 4550 pounds, and I am not sure why the automatic transmission only offers five speeds. With a limited top speed of 155mph, I think a sixth gear would have been beneficial for cruising. The car comes fully loaded, the only option apart from color being the $2,230 adaptive cruise control. Considering the msrp clocks in over $190,000, I suppose that is to be expected.
I am no fan of communism. Even the blase, feel good kind being pushed by todays elitist educational facilities and social progressives makes me feel discuraged and nervous. However the one triumph I am waiting for is Fidel Castro’s death of old age. Cuba just celebrated its 50th year under communism, and although the last few were led by Fidel’s brother Raul, Fidel spent a good 45 years at the helm. He survived many assassination attempts throughout his early history, most from a newly nationalistic USA after WW2. Although by the late 70’s anti-communism had waned and many “inner circles” began to openly embrace new socialism, his triumph of will stands as one the most humorous (to me) world stories in the last half century.