2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Our next set of car keys also hails from Germany, but the similarities end there. This is the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, the first vehicle designed from the ground up by the in-house Benz tuner.

The SLS is AMG’s interpretation of the timeless 300SL Gullwing, from the huge silver three-pointed star and crossbar spanning the central intake to the top-hinged doors.

The long hood, short trunk body sweeps rearward past the small cockpit in one classic, wind-cheating stroke.

The SLS employs 21st-century supercar wizardry. The spaceframe is aluminum, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox is situated on the rear axle.

Behind the front axle centerline is a heavily revised version of AMG’s bread-and-butter 6.2-liter V8, here making 563 horsepower.

Dry sump lubrication contributes to the SLS’ ultra-low center of gravity, which allows it to carve corners like a jigsaw.

The SLS’ cozy leather and carbon fiber interior is proof that turning quick laps doesn’t need to be uncomfortable. Aeronautical design elements include propeller-blade air vents and a jet-inspired shifter.

When it goes on sale this April, the exotic SLS AMG will have a $200,000 price tag.