Commanding performance, a dynamic design and exclusive specification: Mercedes-AMG has succeeded in creating a most desirable car in the form of the new CLS 63 AMG. Powered by an 6.3-litre V8 engine that has been developed entirely by AMG, this singular four-door coupé is receiving its world premiere in Geneva.
With a maximum output of 378 kW/514 hp and peak torque of 630 newton metres, the new AMG powerpack boasts a higher specific output and specific torque than any other naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine in the world. The result is truly top-notch performance: the CLS 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and on to 200 km/h in 15.1 seconds, while top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The new 6.3-litre V8 engine from AMG is the first in the world to combine the high-revving concept with a large displacement. Developed exclusively by AMG, this high-performance engine delivers 20 percent more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines with a similar power rating. Made entirely from high-strength aluminium, the V8 naturally aspirated engine is packed with a wealth of fascinating racetrack technology that reflects AMG's rich motorsport heritage. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ports together with the sophisticated new variable intake manifold featuring two integral throttle flaps results in superlative cylinder charging.
The use of bucket tappets in the cylinder heads paves the way for a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds. Variable camshaft adjustment, an extra-rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder walls with a revolutionary new LDS coating are further attributes of this ultra-sophisticated V8 engine made by Mercedes-AMG.
This unique combination of a fast-running design and a large displacement achieves the best of both worlds: exhilarating high-revving flexibility accompanied by high pulling power at low engine speeds. The decidedly sporty character of the CLS 63 AMG manifests itself in the form of tremendous agility and dynamic responsiveness across all engine speed ranges. The new AMG V8 delivers a formidable 500 newton metres of torque to the crankshaft as low down as 2000 rpm, while the maximum of 630 newton metres is on tap at 5200 rpm.
The AMG V8 unit promises dynamic acceleration, instantaneous pickup and sheer driving pleasure at the highest level. With its new, sporty AMG soundtrack which was fine-tuned during an extensive series of tests, the eight-cylinder powerpack from Affalterbach offers all the spine-tingling excitement of a high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine that makes its presence both heard and felt at any engine speed.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with steering-wheel shift paddles
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission is responsible for transferring the engine's power to the wheels in the new CLS 63 AMG. Drivers are able to choose between fully automated gearshifts or changing gear manually: manual gearchanges can be performed either by using the selector lever or by pulling on the new silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles. The seven-speed automatic transmission caters effortlessly for both a dynamic driving style and a more comfort-orientated approach. Three shift modes specially configured for the sporty performance characteristics of the AMG V8 engine enable its tremendous power to be harnessed to best effect. Selectable using a switch in the centre console, the shift modes in the CLS 63 AMG - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort) and "M" (Manual) – differ in terms of their shift characteristics and shift speeds.
In the Manual "M" mode, the driver can truly harness the immense pulling power generated by the V8 engine, as there is no automatic downshift under full throttle or during kickdown; the transmission steadfastly remains in the selected gear. Plus, AMG SPEEDSHIFT does not automatically execute an upshift when it reaches the engine speed limit in Manual mode either, which allows drivers with a particularly sporty streak to make even better use of the high power at their disposal. As the engine speed approaches the lower limit, the transmission automatically changes down a gear.
Newly developed AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
The drive unit at the heart of the CLS 63 AMG is superbly complemented by both the AMG sports suspension and the AMG high-performance braking system. Taking the AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension with the Adaptive Damping System ADS II as a basis, the Mercedes-AMG engineers have developed a new AMG sports suspension, with both the springs and dampers now tuned far more firmly. AMG shock absorbers with modified characteristics in all three stages result in reduced body movements. Automatic self-levelling suspension all round ensures that spring travel remains exactly the same even when the car is fully laden. More robust anti-roll bars reduce body roll when taking bends at speed.
AIRMATIC DC enables the driver of the CLS 63 AMG to enjoy more comfort-orientated or very sporty handling characteristics; both the dampers and springs instantly respond as the current driving situation changes, but their settings may also be adjusted manually in three stages at the touch of a button.
AMG high-performance composite brakes at the front wheels
The CLS 63 AMG is fitted with new high-performance composite brakes at the front wheels. Internally ventilated, perforated disc brakes all round guarantee formidable decelerating power combined with excellent fade resistance. The chosen combination of wheels and tyres also has its role to play in the vehicle's dynamic handling capabilities: 255/40 and 285/35 wide-base tyres are mounted on 8.5-inch and 9.5-inch wide high-sheen AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels featuring a titanium grey painted finish and a new five-spoke design.
Muscular AMG bodystyling for sophisticated coupé appeal
The sophisticated coupé appeal of the CLS 63 AMG is underscored by the muscular AMG bodystyling, which includes a striking front apron with large air intakes and round fog lamps, side skirts and a prominent diffuser-look rear apron. Visual and acoustic highlights are provided by the AMG sports exhaust system's two sets of twin oval tailpipes in a chromed finish. The distinctive radiator grille with its three prominent silver-painted louvres and the "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings are further identifying features. The harmoniously integrated AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift at the rear axle by around 30 percent, further improving handling stability at high speeds.
Extensive, high-class standard appointments with nappa leather upholstery
The interior appointments of the CLS 63 AMG represent a delightful combination of exclusive, sporty styling, high-grade materials and an outstanding quality of finish. The design of the new AMG multicontour sports seats features a special AMG perforation pattern, crossways piping and double stitching; the seats are heated and feature an AMG badge plus Alcantara panels at shoulder level, and ensure excellent lateral support when taking bends at high speed. Both front seats offer individual power adjustment and different seat positions may be stored using the memory function.
The comprehensive high-quality appointments in the CLS 63 AMG include fine nappa leather in a choice of three colours for the seat upholstery, centre door panels and the centre armrest, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with new silver-coloured aluminium AMG shift paddles, chromed door sill panels bearing the AMG lettering as well as the AMG instrument cluster with a 320-km/h speedometer dial.
Also new is the AMG main menu, which displays the currently engaged gear and recommended upshifts in Manual mode, plus either the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage as well as the RACETIMER. The new RACETIMER function allows drivers of the CLS 63 AMG to record lap times on private racing circuits, storing not only the time for the fastest lap but also the average and top speeds as well as the lap length. The market launch of the new CLS 63 AMG is due to commence in the second quarter of 2006.