WHAT IS IT? Mercedes and AMG have taken the V-8 version of the SL luxury sports car in a more aggressive direction.

HOW MUCH? $138,475 including the $2,600 gas guzzler tax, which is a third more than the basic SL550 ($99,375) or about half the price of an SL65 AMG Black Series ($299,000).

WHAT MAKES IT RUN? 6.2-liter V-8; 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

IS IT THIRSTY? The E.P.A. thinks so, rating its consumption at 12 m.p.g. in town and 19 on the highway.