I bought a new toy today....

[Drag]

Argo,

I think that the Merc SL500 comes standard with the manumatic, like all other ultra lux roadsters. The AMG verion is a full automatic. Sure, it's not the same as manually swapping cogs, but it's better than nothing.

Still, though, between the SL500 and the Caddy XLR, the XLR has it beat in sheer power and weight, and the torque to weight ratio is on the side of the domestic for a change.

Also, in terms of performance per dollar, you're getting more out of the new Caddy, considering it's fully loaded price is $10K less than a BASE SL500. Fully loaded SL's are in the 100K+ range for every option that is standard on the Caddy. Not only that, but there are 2x as many Merc-Benz SLs on the road as Caddy XLRs, meaning better residual value at the end of lease, and more value to collectors if you keep it long term.

Damn it, where's SJ to help me stand up for the domestic automobile?!

Corvette= "The ability to pass with class"