2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class news, pictures, and information

Four-Door Coupe 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 6.3-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. AMG engineers designed the 6.3-liter engine block wîth an especially rigid bedplate wîth cast-in steel reinforcements at the main bearing, and a sturdy closed-deck layout beside the cylinder heads.

The cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, an innovative process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Sharing no parts wîth Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, the 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 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, its manual mode doesn't make any automatic upshifts – even at max engine speed – or automatic downshifts, even under full load. AMG Speedshift 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 Airmatic air suspension. The AMG-tuned Airmatic air suspension includes automatic level control that maintains ride height even when the car is loaded, and the driver can choose from three sport-comfort settings as well. For flatter cornering, the springs, shocks and stabilizer bars are stiffer than on the CLS550.

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 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. Stronger driveshafts, heavy-duty rear suspension parts and a stronger differential housing wîth cooling fins complete the package.

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.

A 186-MPH Option

The CLS63 AMG can be ordered wîth an optional Performance Package that allows a 186-mph top speed instead of the usual 155-mph speed limiter. Other features in the package include an AMG track-calibrated Airmatic sport suspension wîth stiffer spring rates, 19-inch forged alloy wheels, larger front discs (15.4-inch diameter) wîth two-piece construction, a limited-slip rear differential and a leather / Alcantara-wrapped AMG sport §teering wheel.

About AMG

	Vital Stats
Engine : 5.5 L., 8-cylinder Power: 382 hp Torque: 391 ft-lbs
7-speed Automatic

AMG has been a subsidiary of Daimler AG since 1999 and is located near Stuttgart in Affalterbach, Germany. AMG develops each of its models, from the engine and driveline to suspension, brakes, chassis and aerodynamics. The technicians at Mercedes-AMG 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.' 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. 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.