Motorweek Season 31 Episode 42 2012 Scion iQ & 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

In this episode of Motorweek, viewers get a closer look at two cars that couldn't be more different: the 2012 Scion iQ and the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

First up is the Scion iQ, a subcompact car that boasts a lot of features despite its small size. The iQ is designed for city driving, making it perfect for those who live in urban areas where parking space is at a premium. It can seat up to four people, but the rear seats are really only suited for children or small adults. The iQ comes with a front-mounted 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 94 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite its small size and low power output, the iQ is surprisingly quick and nimble, making it a fun car to drive around town.

Inside, the iQ is decorated with a lot of bold colors, and the dashboard is chock full of gauges and buttons. But the real standout feature is the infotainment system, which includes a 6.1-inch touchscreen display that can be used to control everything from the stereo to the climate control system to the available navigation system. The iQ also comes with a number of safety features, including stability control, traction control, and brake assist.

Next up is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, a high-performance convertible sports car that is equally at home on the racetrack or on winding mountain roads. The SLS AMG Roadster is powered by a front-mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine that puts out a whopping 563 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This gives the car a top speed of 197 mph and can propel it from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

The SLS AMG Roadster is also a work of art, with its long hood, short rear end, and sleek lines. But it's not just pretty - the car is also designed to be aerodynamic, with a rear spoiler that pops up at high speeds to increase downforce. The convertible top can be raised or lowered in just 11 seconds, and it folds away neatly behind the seats.

Inside, the SLS AMG Roadster is just as impressive. The leather and suede interior feels luxurious, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The dashboard is dominated by a large color display that can be used to control the car's various systems, including the stereo and the available navigation system. The SLS AMG Roadster also comes with a number of cutting-edge safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and front and rear parking sensors.

Overall, this episode of Motorweek offers a great contrast between two very different cars. The Scion iQ is a practical and affordable subcompact car that is perfect for city driving, while the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster is a high-performance sports car that is designed to be driven fast and hard. But both cars have a lot to offer, and viewers interested in either type of car will come away from this episode with a better idea of what to expect.