Autoblog

Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG mixes Wall Street and Miami Vice

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Making the swap from a naturally aspirated ~~6.3-~~ 6.2-liter V8 to a direct injection, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 hasn't at all reduced the Mercedes CL63 AMG's brawny beauty. The standard version gets 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Opt for the AMG Performance Package and you boost that to 571 hp and 664 lb-ft. All that power doesn't come with a bigger fuel price, either: at 22 combined miles per gallon with the help of stop/start and the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sport transmission, the new car posts a 25 percent increase in fuel economy over the 6.2-liter beast.

The AMG Performance Package that throws in all that extra gumption also comes with double-spoke wheels in titanium gray, extra carbon fiber trim under the hood and in the cabin, as well as a leather and Alcantara steering wheel. With it you get a 4.4-second 0-60 time, without you'll have to make do with 4.5 seconds.

Helping you keep things composed while on the move are crosswind stabilization added to the Active Body Control, Direct Steer and Torque Vectoring Braking, which brakes the inside wheel when necessary to maintain crispness when things go curvy. If you're looking for a bit of green, you'll find it in the regenerative braking. The rest better be in your wallet. All the details are in the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery of images below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Continue reading Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG mixes Wall Street and Miami Vice

Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG mixes Wall Street and Miami Vice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

How does one make the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class more exclusive than it already is? If you're Mercedes, you unveil the gonzo AMG variants. Appearance-wise, changes are minimal for the 2011 CL63 and CL65 AMG, save for the addition of Mercedes' new corporate face, which includes the standard LED running-light strip and some small tweaks to the rear fascia. The big news, however, centers on the changes underhood.

Gone is the naturally aspirated ~~6.3~~ 6.2-liter AMG V8 in favor of a smaller and more powerful 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged mill. In base form, this V8 cranks out 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque (increases of 18 and 125, respectively), and with the optional AMG Performance Package, these numbers increase to an even more robust 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. Sweet stuff, and when matched with Mercedes' AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic, 0-60 runs will take just 4.4 seconds (4.3 if you opt for the more powerful setup). What's most impressive, though, is that even with this added power boost, fuel consumption has been reduced by 27 percent. The range-topping CL65 AMG will carry over its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, though Mercedes has managed to coax an additional 17 horsepower from it for 2011. Output for the CL65 is now rated at 621 horses and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Both AMG CLs get a host new standard equipment as well. Mercedes-Benz's Direct-Steer system is on hand, as is a new crosswind stabilization feature that alters wheel-load distribution to keep things in line during heavy breezes. From there, a new torque-vectoring brake system applies one-sided braking during instances of understeer. The full suite of Mercedes-Benz driver aids is thrown in as well, including drowsiness detection, night-view assist, active lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist. After all, with so much power on tap, you'll need a nanny (or several) to help keep things in line. Interior upgrades are similar to what we've already seen in the 2010 S-Class.

Official pricing hasn't been released yet, but expect MSRPs to increase slightly over the 2010 models ($145,200 for the CL63 and $207,170 for the CL65). Shoppers in that tax bracket shouldn't have any trouble shelling out a few grand extra for the latest in CL-Class exclusivity.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG

Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG hit the interwebs

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes CL65 AMG and CL63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

We now have first looks at the two 2011 Mercedes CL models that we've really been waiting to see: the CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG. With the front end of the standard model firmed up, there isn't the massive visual difference there used to be between that one and the AMG versions. The CL63, riding on 19-inch wheels, gets the necessary aggression added to the lower front dam, losing its chrome accent and getting mesh instead. Sharper side and rear skirts maintain the anger, but out back AMG's trademark twin oval pipes have been replaced with squoval-like tips shaped to fit the cutout. Under the hood is said to be a 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque - a full 26 ponies more than the outgoing 6.3-liter.

The CL65 gets 20-inch wheels and puts some of that chrome back, applying a strip to the center of the front air dam and rear diffuser so you can tell it apart from the CL63. Or, more specifically, so people can tell your boss' CL car from yours. It keeps the joined oval pipes we've seen on 65-series AMG cars for a few years now. Under its hood resides the 6.0-liter, twin-turbo V12 biturbo giving a stout 630 hp and 737 lb-ft. You can examine both in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

[Source: Autoblog.it (translated)]

Leaked: Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG hit the interwebs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the new Mercedes-Benz CL AMG range?

Zach Bowman — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG - Click above for image gallery

Thanks to the folks at of 4WheelsNews, we may have an idea of what the facelifted Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG will look like. The site managed to get its paws on what looks to be some leaked images of the cars ahead of the range's official announcement. From what we can tell, it looks like the two heavy-breathing coupes will receive the Silver Arrow's new front-fascia treatment, which means a more upright grille, along with redesigned headlights and fenders. It looks like the hood will get a mild touch-up as well, and a more aggressive lower fascia with LED daytime running lights seems to have made its way into the mix.

Overall, the design is pretty sharp, and looks more at home on the CL than the big R-Class. We still don't know exactly what Mercedes-Benz will do when it comes to powertrain options. Our guess is that things will stay fairly similar to what's currently available, but some sources have pointed to the arrival of the same 5.5-liter V8 engine from the S63 AMG in the CL line as all but inevitable. If true, that would put the CL63 at 544 horsepower. Sounds good to us.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Are you the new Mercedes-Benz CL AMG range? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Topless Transformation: Mercedes-Benz CL loses its head

Noah Joseph — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Convertible conversion - Click above for image gallery

With every passing year, there seems to be more convertibles on the market. But if you live in a sunny clime like California's, enough sunshine is never enough. That's where convertible chop-shops like Newport Convertible Engineering step in. The folks at NCE will take just about any automobile and turn it into a custom cabrio to a buyer's specifications. The company's portfolio includes recent conversions of a Dodge Challenger, Toyota Prius, Cadillac CTS, Hummer H2, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and this Mercedes-Benz CL AMG. Unfortunately, from the photos seen here, the soft top doesn't seem to collapse quite flush with the rear deck, leaving something to be desired in terms of aesthetics - to say nothing of rearward visibility. Here's hoping there's a snug-fitting cover lurking in whatever trunkspace remains.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class AMG Convertible conversion

[Source: NCE via CarScoop]

Topless Transformation: Mercedes-Benz CL loses its head originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

Mercedes-Benz CL550 "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While so many other automakers have reinvented their logos over the years, Mercedes-Benz has stuck with the same one for 100 years now. One century ago, Daimler-Motoren-Gesselschaft went down to the local patent office and registered the Three-Pointed Star, the logo everyone knows and recognizes today. Just a few weeks later, August Benz & Cie did the same with their logo, the Benz name encircled by a wreath. These two icons later became integrated when the two companies banded together, but to celebrate the anniversary of their registration, Mercedes-Benz has announced a new special edition of one of its most upscale coupes.

The CL550 4Matic features a number of special Designo and AMG touches inside (light tan perforated leather with contrasting stitching and grey accents, gilded brass emblems on the center console) and out (special dark gray paint, new aero kit, and five-spoke 20-inch anthracite wheels with silver brake calipers) to differentiate itself from its more common counterparts. The special edition is available on either the rear-drive or all-wheel-drive 4Matic models around the globe, but since Benz made 4Matic standard equipment on the CL550 in the States, we'll only get the grips-at-all-paws variety.

No word on American-market pricing, but the package commands a hefty €17,850 ($23k USD) premium in Europe. Nobody said celebrating came cheap. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" CL550

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550

Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What the future holds for Mercedes-Benz coupes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz

Click above for more rejected renderings of the Mercedes-Benz CLC

Mercedes-Benz took the easy route when it comes to making its current CLC, using the previous C-Class coupe as a starting point instead of engineering a new entry-level model from the latest C-Class platform. That may be about to change, as CAR is reporting that MB will introduce a proper C-Class coupe to replace the CLC. The new model will ditch the cut-off hind-end of the current car, which isn't quite as pretty as its competition from Audi and BMW. A soft-top convertible is expected to follow a few months after the new 2010 C-Class coupe is introduced.

Moving up the Mercedes line, a new E-Class coupe is also in the works to offer a direct competitor to the Audi A5. We wonder if a "shooting brake" style hatchback could be offered as well. In any case, the two-door will lose its CLK nomenclature in favor of being known simply as a coupe. Also dead is the CL moniker, which will be replaced with an S-Class coupe. In addition to the expected gasoline and diesel-powered models, hybrids are expected to be offered across the entire Mercedes-Benz range in an effort to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLC renderings

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC

[Source: CAR]

What the future holds for Mercedes-Benz coupes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mystery model possibly CL 65 AMG

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

When we showed you a cloaked mystery Mercedes displayed on the AMG Private Lounge website last week, speculation was that it might be the new C-Class in some shape or form. We disagreed after inspecting the profile shot and only finding one door handle. Turns out our speculation may have merit, as one intrepid shutterbug happened to be passing through the show hall for the upcoming AutoRAI show in Amsterdam and spotted the new CL 65 AMG, au naturale. This model better fits the silhouette of the teaser pic and justifies our reservations about it being the C 63. Because the CL65 will be shown in Amsterdam, though, we're a little unclear as to how it debuting later at the New York Auto Show will constitute a world debut. AMG's mystery debut in New York could still end up being a C coupe or something totally unexpected from Benz. But if it is the CL 65, showgoers should be in for a treat. This thing looks mean, and should have the muscle to back up the looks with its 6-liter twin-turbo V12. Expect around 612 hp and a whopping 738 ft-lbs of torque to propel this über coupe to 62 mph from a rest in about 4.5 seconds.

[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl via GermanCarScene]

Mystery model possibly CL 65 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche 928: Images and speculation

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Porsche

At the 1977 Geneva Auto Show, Porsche introduced the world to the 928, a - gasp - front-engine GT car that would compete with some of the great touring cars of its day. The portly Porsche achieved limited popularity over its 17-year run, but served as a sign of things to come when the Cayenne was introduced seven years later. Porschophiles the world over decried this latest offering as another bastard product that would water down the heritage of the automaker. No matter how much profit may have been generated by the Cayenne, or the Boxster for that matter, respect from Porsche's die-hard fanatics waned.

Fast-forward to 2006 and the controversy of Porsche's ever-expanding line-up comes to the fore again, this time in the form of the four-door Panamera. The new FR platform will allow Porsche to compete with other German manufacturers in the burgeoning $100k+ sedan market and also allows the automaker to resurrect the 928 moniker by shortening the wheelbase and lopping off its rear doors. Porsche wants a dog in the most prestigious of fights and in the realm of the high-price GT, stiff competition from BMW's M6, Merc's CL (now with AMG muscle), Aston Martin's DB9 and Jag's XKR proves that the market exists.

Car and Driver has put together what limited information is available about Porsche's new GT to come up with the above rendering and some technical speculation. As mentioned previously, both the Panamera and the 928 will share a platform, with the GT expected to share approximately 60 percent of the sedan's parts. A shorter wheelbase, coupled with a stiffer, multi-link suspension setup and the loss of a few pounds should lend a great deal to the 928's sporting pretenses. Motivation will come from a NA V8, producing upwards of 350 HP, with the option of cannibalizing the Cayenne's twin-turbo V8, making well over 500 HP and placing M.B.'s and BMW's high-po offerings directly in its sights. Gear selection will be similar to what's offered in the Panamera, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channeling power.

Pricing is expected to begin just above the 911's $90k, then head due north towards the mid-$100,000 market. If all goes according to plan, Porsche will debut the 928 sometime in 2011, with sales beginning the following year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

2012 Porsche 928: Images and speculation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Oct 2006 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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