Aluminum, being less dense than steel, has greater sound radiation, and yet the alloy-bodied SL summons a lush, refined quiet in the cabin to rival a fixed-roof car.

WSJ: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Review: The Beauty Is All on the Inside | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

Fast, elegant, swimming in technical comforts and refinements, the SL is a world-class piece of machinery.

WSJ: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Review: The Beauty Is All on the Inside | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

Both new SL-Series cameras feature a high-quality 27mm wide-angle Samsung lens with 5x optical zoom, delivering significant flexibility when compared to a traditional 3x optical zoom, 35mm lens.

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The 2013 Nissan LEAF is offered in three well-equipped models, the LEAF S, LEAF SV and LEAF SL. Standard features include a 6-way manual driver's seat, 4-way manual front passenger's seat, trip computer (instant and average energy consumption, driving time, outside temperature and autonomy range), Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), center console storage and 3.6 kW onboard charger.

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James drives it daily (he uses a vintage Mercedes-Benz SL in inclement weather).

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Yes, when I stomped the pedal from a standing start in the lightweight SL 550 (the all-aluminum body shaves 300 pounds off the previous generation roadster) and engaged its monstrous twin turbo V8, I could feel the skin on my face pulling back just as when I did the same thing in a V12 Aston Martin Vantage, a feeling I cannot replicate in my own 7-year old BMW 3 series.

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There is also a standard photovoltaic solar panel spoiler on SL models, which supports charging of the 12-volt battery for vehicle accessories.

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In addition, a new lower priced entry-level LEAF S grade joins the previous SV and SL grades, while an array of feature enhancements are added to the LEAF SL grade, including leather-appointed seating and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

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