How do you take a vehicle that already excels in just about every way and make it better? By adding more power, of course.

For 2005, Mercedes-Benz pumped up the power of its G55 AMG sport utility vehicle by adding a supercharged single-overhead-cam 24-valve V8 engine that generated 469 horsepower, up from 292 hp for the standard G500 and 349 hp for the previous year's G55. It was linked to a five-speed electronic automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which allows the driver to manually shift gears up or down by nudging the shift lever left or right. The G55 also includes full-time four-wheel drive, an electronic stability control program, and a four-wheel electronic traction system.

Inside, features include automatic climate control, electronic cruise control, 10-way power front seats, a multicontour driver's seat, leather upholstery, a heated leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel, velour carpeting, a Harmon Kardon audio system, a navigation system, power windows and door locks, and much more.