auto1101brakingnews_A.jpg: The 2002 Mercedes SL500 convertible

With 302 horses at your disposal, you'd think that stopping the 2002 Mercedes SL500 convertible would be an issue. Not so.


The car features the first brake-by-wire system. Hit the brakes and a computer begins slowing you within a fraction of a second. The system also determines which wheels have the most traction and applies the brakes accordingly to prevent a skid.


And just in case it pulls a Windows 98 on you, hydraulics act as a backup. Available next spring; price not set.