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Mercedes-Benz launches CLS 63 AMG
The new AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine boasts a combination of innovative high-tech components which, in addition to spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, also include a full aluminum crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and stop/start system. The eight-cylinder engine develops a peak output of 525bhp and torque of 700Nm But for those who want even more power, there is the AMG Performance package which sees output increase to 557bhp and 800Nm. Both variants of the CLS 63 AMG achieve exceptional performance: acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively, and the top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited). The major difference between both power units is the increase in the maximum charge-air pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. In addition, the CLS 63 AMG with the AMG Performance package features a special high-quality carbon fiber engine cover, a genuine carbon fiber AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, red-painted brake calipers and an AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara inserts in the grip area.
A major contribution towards achieving the fuel consumption figures has been made by the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission, a component used exclusively at Mercedes-AMG. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, the MCT transmission does away with the torque converter; instead, it makes use of a compact, wet start-up clutch. Also fitted as standard is the stop/start function: it is permanently active in the transmission's Controlled Efficiency ("C") mode, and switches the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. At the same time, "C" mode also means a "soft" accelerator response set-up with convenient and early gearshifts; moving off generally takes place in second gear. A green "ECO" symbol in the AMG instrument cluster shows the driver that the stop/start function is active. The engine and transmission come across as much more agile in the "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual) modes; in addition, the stop/start function is switched off. In "S" and "M" modes, the engine management system partially suppresses the cylinders: interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts than before. The highly emotional vocals are an appealing side effect of this lightning-fast process. An automatic double-declutching function and Racestart function are also included as standard. The suspension, steering and braking system of the new CLS 63 AMG complement the high-tech drive system perfectly. The AMG Ride Control sports suspension, with steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, as well as automatic level control, is enhanced further by an electronically controlled damping system - it automatically adjusts the damping characteristics depending on the driving conditions and reduces the roll angle of the body.
All of the AMG-specific design and appointment features ideally supplement the redesigned CLS interior. The extensive range of standard appointments also includes AMG sports seats in nappa leather, a new three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and flattened top and bottom sections, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with compact E-SELECT selector lever. Feedback can be sent to feedback@autoracing1.com Go to our forums to discuss this article |
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