If you want to experience real brute force then take a ride in a SL60 AMG 129 the performance is in a different league to the normal 500 model. With 380BHP the acceleration under kickdown/ full throttle realy is amazing, one must be sure to steer around any slow moving traffic before unleashing the sledge hammer in the back acceleration and then a relentless pull to the speed restrictor. I have to agree about the car being bit of a loose canon on UK roads fine on a long straight but needing respect on the twisty bits. Even the AMG cars feel like they need a bit stiffer setup, theres good ride qaulity but more scuttle shake with the hood down then I was expecting. Perhaps thats why they didnt make it any stiffer? The SL60 uses the SL600 brakes which seem OK providing you dont do to many high speed stops you have to remember that these cars are about the same weight has a contemporary S class!. I also think the long throttle action can be a bit intimmidating as not a lot happens at first and then all hell brakes loose.