GENEVA SHOW EXTRAS.(News)

Mercedes muscle

When Mercedes-Benz wasn't telling its green story at Geneva, it was punching the accelerator on performance models, topped by the more aggressive than ever SL63 AMG and the restyled SLK55 AMG ("Reborn to Be Wild,'' AW, Feb. 25). The performance SL now is equipped with the same 6.3-liter, 518-hp, 465-lb-ft V8 that's on other AMG models, coupled to an SL-exclusive seven-speed automatic with a wet clutch in place of the torque converter. AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg promises double-clutch performance from what is otherwise an automatic.

Other Mercedes highlights included the CLC coupe, essentially a rebodied version of the old C-Class Sport Coupe, along with a lightly facelifted CLS and a CL500 4Matic.

Maybach millions

Another car receiving plenty of attention was the Maybach Landaulet. Unlikely to win any beauty contests, the big open-top limousine's breathtaking $1.2 million price was enough to draw crowds simply out of curiosity.

BMW keeps pace

BMW also dropped its environmental line long enough to remember that it's a performance-car producer. The company's hot entry at Geneva was the 4.0-liter, 420-hp, V8-powered M3 convertible. The third model in the M3 lineup, following the coupe and the sedan, is noteworthy because it debuts the M division's new seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.