Paddle-shifting the automatic transmission as you enter the corner, you'll hear the engine automatically rev to match the selected gear ratio blipping, it's called and the SL just rips along in a way no luxurious grand touring car has a right to.

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Our tester W8 wagon had a mere 9, 181 miles on the odometer when it arrived, but it clearly had warped front brake rotors, a rattle in the automatic transmission lever from overzealous shifting in the manual mode, and bushings that had already been flogged at a level equivalent to what 100, 000 miles of driving by any ordinary owner might do.

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Mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, it brings the car up to speed swiftly and with authority when pressed hard.

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Two-and-half-hour stints are a breeze, thanks to the surprising suppleness of the suspension, potent engine, smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission and quiet interior.

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It's not as smooth as a full automatic, but it's pretty darned pleasant--and still leaves you the option of shifting on your own.

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