Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006

Most Wanted Convertible Over $45,000
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Winner: Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

It's not hard to understand why we love the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible. Its exterior gets it just right, a perfect balance of sports car sinew and Mercedes' signature brand of understated elegance. It brims with the luxury buyers in this segment crave, offering keyless ignition, acres of creamy leather and a roof that deploys with minimum fuss. And it handles like a dream, with lightning-quick acceleration (thanks to a muscular 302-horsepower V8 or an even more pumped 493-hp V12), near nonexistent body roll, and more grip than you'll know what do with. No, the SL doesn't come cheap, but it's worth every penny; in many respects, it's the ultimate luxury drop top.

Honorable Mention: Porsche 911

It's true; the Porsche 911 is the standard many sports cars set out to beat. Why? Well, let's start with its steering, which is so precise it feels almost clairvoyant. It's got get-up-and-go that'll snap your neck back, thanks to a pair of beefy engines that each corral 325 and 355 rabble-rousing horses. When it's time to grind things to a halt, the 911's brakes respond with power and promptness. Topping it all off is a thoughtfully designed cabin that pampers the driver with comfort and style; seats are accommodating, and controls are user-friendly and a joy to behold. When it comes to luxury and performance, few can match Porsche's confident, hard-to-resist 911.

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