2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R230) - Gran Turismo 5

Here is a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R230) in 34 Gran Turismo 5 pictures.

The photo travel location is San Galgano Abbey where atmospheric lighting changes (and messes everything up) in the process of the photo shoot.

 Topasblau (Topaz Blue) is the color.

"The 5th generation SL with further refinements in sportscar performance."

Based on the fifth-generation SL released in 2001, Mercedes-Benz's tuning arm, AMG, produced this mother of all high-performance luxury convertibles with the SL55 AMG. It shared the same powerplant with other AMG models designated with the numbers "55". Under the hood resided a supercharged 5.5-liter SOHC V-8 that cranked out an awesome 493 HP at 6100 rpm (up from the previous model's 469 HP) and 516.4 ft-lb of torque from 2750 to 4000 rpm (Of note, it nearly matches the output of the SL600, whose power and torque are rated at 493 HP and 590.2 ft-lb, respectively). The powerplant comes mated to AMG's 5-speed automatic transmission called Speedshift, which features quicker up-and-down shifts than the base gearbox, especially in manual mode.

Unlike the SL500, the SL55 AMG power comes on immediately and flourishes in the upper rpm spectrum. It accelerated like a rocket and seemed to completely shed its 1955 kg curb weight when the throttle pedal was floored. The car's handling is also sharper, thanks to AMG's tweaking of the ABC (Active Body Control). In the SL55 AMG, it provided better stability, most notably through thigh turns where rear traction and grip could be compromised.

The SL55 AMG has indeed delighted the tastes of many who like the look and feel of a Mercedes-Benz convertible, but wanted supercar performance. Later on the even better SL65 AMG was announced. This new high-performance monster goes beyond all imagination, with the specs being an unbelievable 604 HP maximum output, with a maximum torque of 737.7 ft-lb.

Gran Turismo 5 1944 Volkswagen Kubelwagen Typ82

Here is a 1944 Volkswagen Kubelwagen Typ82 in my Gran Turismo 5 pictures.

In Desert paint, it is pictured here at Siena - Piazza del Campo, one of the Photo Travel locations in Gran Turismo 5.

The Volkswagen Kübelwagen Typ82 '44 is a German off-road wartime vehicle which features in Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6. 

It is a non-amphibious vehicle closely related to the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen Typ166 '42. 

It appears alongside the Schwimmwagen in one of the Top Gear Test Track Special Events in Gran Turismo 5

And here is the in-game description:

"Volkswagen's military off-road vehicle, maximizing the high traction of the RR layout."

The unfortunate history of World War II did produce some benefits in terms of technology. In America the Jeep was born, and in Germany was the Kübelwagen. Soldiers who were forced to march long distances with heavy equipment before now had a different role, with the appearance of off-road vehicles that allowed travel on roadless paths.
The request made to Dr. Porsche was to create a 3-passenger car based on the "Volkswagen" (the people's car) that can drive on rough terrain. The weight had to be less than 550 kg, to enable transport on aircraft and boats.
The official order was given in January of 1939 by the German Army and a prototype was completed within the year. It is said that Dr. Porsche might have already had ideas for an off-road vehicle as a part of the people's car concept, which made this quick development possible. The rear engine, rear drive Volkswagen mechanism was simple and lightweight with good traction and a body structure that was easy and cheap to mass produce: it encapsulated all the advantages of Volkswagen.
The air-cooled engine obviously had no problems such as coolant leaks and was extremely reliable. With its proven durability, the advantage of the Volkswagen was clear, and its fame grew even after the war. The Kübelwagen was active not only in northern areas such as Poland and Russia, but even down on the African front.