AMG works its magic on the CLS: 557 bhp and 800 Nm

November 21,2010

Continuing the German theme of unabashed performance at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has launched the AMG version of its new CLS „four-door coupe.“ Called the CLS 63 AMG, the new car is a 525 bhp / 700 Nm beast powered by a nominally-conflicting 5.5 liter twin turbo engine.

AMG wasted no time in working its black magic on the new CLS, dropping in a 5.5 liter V8 with gasoline direct injection and twin turbochargers. There’s an AMG Performance package that boosts output to 557 bhp and a whopping 800 Nm via increase in boost pressure. Torque is handled by AMG’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that debuted on the SLS gullwing. 0-100 km/h blinks by in 4.4 seconds and top speed is an electronically-limited 250 km/h.

AMG claims mileage improvement of 32 percent over the previous CLS AMG, if that is even of significance in this type of machine. The engine has a automatic Start/Stop feature that is active when the transmission is in Controlled Efficiency mode. That mode also starts the car off in second gear to save fuel. On the flipside, the same gearbox also has a Race Start function to give everyone hell.

AMG modified the CLS’ strut front / multi-link rear suspension with an electronic damping system. Electric power steering sharpens response while reducing engine load. Massive 360-mm carbon composite brakes are an option, tucked behind the triple-spoke titanium gray 19-inch alloys.

The CLS features full LED headlamps, taking advantage of the brighter, longer life of LEDs; it’s reportedly the first production passenger car to use full LEDs.

Inside, there’s the expected wood and leather, and a handsome steering wheel with flattened top and bottom sections.

Further AMG enhancements are of course possible, from carbon fiber trim to limited-slip rear differential, and naturally, unlocking the top speed to 300 km/h.

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