It was with its 55-badged generation of tuned factory Mercedes models that the growth spurt that has taken AMG to the brink of launching its own hypercar started. Having been known for a handful of ultra-rare-groove saloons throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the company showed us the SL55 in 2002, and followed it with supercharged versions of the contemporary E-Class, S-Class and CL coupé. CL55s tend to be the most affordable of the lot today, and they pack a hulking 493bhp.
Merc’s famous M113K supercharged V8s have been known to develop cooling problems, so check for a healthy radiator (and no coolant leaking into the transmission lubricant) in any car you’re considering.
The Porsche Panamera gets the design appeal to match its dynamic and technical accomplishment; it's not as practical as some fast estates but still outstanding
MAZDA MX-5 - New Zealander Mad Mike Whiddett sends his rotary-engined Mazda MX-5 sideways - in a straight line - past spectators in the sponsors' enclosure.
The likes of Mad Mike Whiddett, Vaughn Gittin Jnr, James Deane and Dean Kearney are making 'FOS2017' a great one for the art of going sideway. Our gallery brings you the best slide-rulers from the Goodwood hill
