Robb Report Names Mercedes-Benz SL500 as 2002 Car of the Year

MALIBU, Calif., Jan. 3 -- Citing it as a ``remarkable engineering and aesthetic achievement,'' the editors of Robb Report have selected the new Mercedes-Benz SL500 as the magazine's 2002 Car of the Year.

Announced at the 2002 Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the award is presented annually to an automobile, priced above $40,000, whose technical designs, styling and performance position it as the world's preeminent sports or luxury car.

In a cover piece written by Robert Ross, Robb Report's Senior Vice President-Creative Director and lifelong automotive connoisseur, the SL500 was chosen because it ``handily leapfrogs every other luxury performance automobile on the market in most areas by which greatness is judged. All the elements come together in the new SL: performance, handling, ergonomics and comfort, fit and finish, all combined with considerably advanced, yet usable technology.''

The magazine's judging panel similarly lauded the new Mercedes' magnificent styling: ``Mercedes designers have resurrected some clever styling clues from the SLR of the 1950s, but the retro-references are more understated and tasteful than those evident on other cars.''

Also contributing to the SL's selection was the vehicle's functionality as both a convertible and hardtop. ``Taking a cue from the smaller, more adolescent SLK, it has a retractable metal roof every bit as solid and coupe-like as its larger cousin, the CL,'' Mr. Ross explains.

Selection of the Mercedes-Benz SL500 resulted from months of testing by a panel of experts that boasts more than a century's worth of auto writing experience. This esteemed group includes, nationally syndicated writers Paul A. Eisenstein, Ken Gross, Patrick C. Paternie, J.P. Vettraino and Howard Walker. Rounding out the panel were Mr. Ross, Robb Report Senior Vice President and Editorial Director Brett Anderson and Editor-at-Large Paul Dean.

Finalists in this year's judging included the Aston Martin Vanquish, Lamborghini Murcielago, Porsche GT2, Maserati Spyder, BMW 745i and Lexus SC430.

Now in its 26th year, Robb Report is the international authority on the luxury lifestyle. Hitting newsstands on January 24, Robb Report's February issue provides discriminating automotive enthusiasts with an in-depth exploration of a wide array of new models and emerging technologies. Coverage also includes after-market products for the finest class of luxury cars and the most sought-after and elegant vintage vehicles.