2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class news, pictures, and information

Mercedes-Benz CLS-CLASS is a Design Icon

The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is powered by one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, also the first engine developed entirely by AMG. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.2-liter features four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts wîth variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms), an 11.3-to 1 compression ratio and a variable intake manifold. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

AMG engineers designed the 6.3-liter engine block wîth an especially rigid bedplate at the main bearings, cast-in steel reinforcements and a sturdy closed-deck layout beside the cylinder head. The engine shares no parts wîth Mercedes-Benz V8 engines. The new 6.3 AMG engine revs freely to over 7,000 rpm, yet already produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels of the new CLS63 AMG via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission that can be shifted manually by either a conventional lever or Formula-1 style shift paddles on the AMG sport §teering wheel. To give performance-minded drivers total control of shifting, the manual mode of AMG Speedshift doesn't permit any automatic upshifts – even at max engine speed – or automatic downshifts, even under full load. AMG Speedshift electronic control provides 35% faster gear shifts and torque converter lockup from 1st gear.

The Super Model Gets a Hot Chassis

AMG engineers developed a sports suspension for the CLS63 AMG that's based on the Mercedes-Benz semi-active air suspension. For flatter cornering, the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars are stiffer than on the CLS550. The CLS63 AMG air suspension includes automatic level control that maintains ride height even when the car is loaded wîth passengers and cargo, and the driver can choose from three sport-comfort settings as well.

Speed-sensitive power §teering ensures low §teering effort for low speed maneuvers such as parallel parking but automatically reduces the §teering assist above 60 mph to provide good road feel.

To make sure the CLS63 AMG stops as fast as it goes, giant vented and perforated disc brakes all around feature 14-inch discs and six-piston calipers up front and 13-inch discs wîth four-piston calipers at the rear. Staggered 19-inch wheels wîth 8 ½ and 9 ½ inch widths carry 255 / 35 tires in front and 285 / 30 at the rear.

To help handle all the power, the ESP system can apply the brakes on just one wheel to transfer torque to the wheels wîth better traction, achieving much the same effect as a limited-slip differential. Beefier driveshafts, heavy-duty rear suspension parts and a stronger differential housing wîth cooling fins complete the package.

The AMG engine's exhaust system is just as sophisticated as the rest of the car. With the exception of the two exhaust manifolds, the complete exhaust systems of each Mercedes-AMG model have been designed specifically for that application.

All four catalytic converters are of ceramic material and feature thin-wall technology. Larger surface area in the catalytic converters provides reduced exhaust back pressure and more rapid heating on a cold start, to benefit both performance and exhaust emissions.

A 186-MPH Option

The CLS63 AMG can be ordered wîth the optional performance package that allows a 186-mph top speed instead of the usual 155-mph speed limiter. Other features in the package include AMG Airmatic sport suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, larger front discs (15.4- inch diameter), a limited-slip differential and a leather and Alcantara-wrapped AMG sport §teering wheel.

About AMG

The technicians at Mercedes-AMG actually assemble every engine by hand, ensuring precision tolerances. Individual workmanship and skill are paramount – each technician is responsible for a complete engine, an approach that has been labelled, 'One Man, One Engine.' The craftsman installs each and every part himself wîth the utmost care, from the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons to the wire harness. When the job is done, a plaque signed by the technician is affixed to the engine as a symbol of the personal pride and care taken wîth each engine.

AMG has been a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler since 1999 and is located near Stuttgart in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG employs 650 specialists in development, production and administrative areas. AMG develops each of its models, from the engine and driveline to suspension, brakes, chassis and aerodynamics. Each engine is produced and tested at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, and AMG models are assembled at the main Mercedes-Benz vehicle assembly plants.

Mercedes-Benz CLS coupe BOASTS TWO NEW MODELS FOR 2007 Trend-Setting Four-Door Coupe Adds Power To Its Stylish Line