Mercedes-Benz is out to raise the stakes with its rapid new CLS63 AMG — the third model to receive its torque-laden twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8.The aggressively styled four-door, pictured here officially for the first time having made its public premiere at today’s Los Angeles motor show, is scheduled to enter production next year. It will go on sale in the UK next May.
The new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8, first revealed in March, has been conceived to replace AMG’s naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8.The new engine will be offered in two states of tune. In standard guise, it kicks out 518bhp and 516lb ft of torque at 1750rpm. This gives the new CLS63 an additional 9bhp and 52lb ft over its predecessor.However, a performance package will lift those outputs to 549bhp and 590lb ft at 2000rpm. The heady reserves are channelled to the rear through AMG’s seven-speed MCT gearbox.Mercedes claims 0-62mph in 4.4sec in S (for Sport) and M (for Manual) modes — and 4.3sec with the optional performance package. Top speed remains limited to 155mph but an optional driver’s package can be ordered, which raises it to 186mph.
2012 CLS63 AMG Spec :
Displacement: 5,461 cm3
Bore x stroke: 98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio: 10.0 : 1
Power: 518 hp @ 5,500 r/min 550 hp @ 5,500 r/min*
Max. torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750-5000 r/min 590 lb-ft @ 2000-4500 r/min*
Engine weight (dry): 450 lbs
Fuel economy: 16 / 21 mpg city / highway
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed**: 155 mph 186 mph*