Parker, I'm speaking on the subject because I've owned a Trans Am and did succesfully race it against lighter imports even if they had a better launch (like the Supra for example). Most street races are not off a red light to 30 mph, but what would you know?
Don't take my word for it, just google the 1/4 mile performance of the Evo and compare it against GM's RWD muscle cars.
BTW Nasser's CL55 is not re-badged. Here's an example of one with single exhausts (http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Pictures-c6082-pi11019619-2005-CL55-AMG.html) and one with duals (http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Pictures-c6082-pi11019619-2005-CL55-AMG.html)
Were both the Tans and SUpra stock. Because the Trans would have the upper hand. The supra, was (is ) a pig and needs to be tuned to be fast. As a matter of fact a non-turbo'd Supra will get beat by a IS300 (stock), they both have the same engine, but the IS300 is wayy lighter.
I know, because I live in the Washington,DC area where there are shops galore, and tuned EVO (in fact I regularly see 4 a day), Scobies on every street corner, and dudes asking when am I going to tune my IS300. In this realm I see Porsche TT's and Supras dualing at the stop light. Vipers and Lambos, going on the high way from 50 mph on.
And also due to my job, I typically see the end result of the races...
You can get the AMG package, which includes the badge, and wheels, but not the engine. But all factory AMG's come with the dual exhaust on each side, it is a distinguishing feature. As a matter of fact on the SL55 AMG's, part of the rear lights are blacked off, whereas the SL500 (550's) are not. The only true way to discern the difference (between CL55 and the garden variety) is the sound, and if one pops the hood.
