Paris Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

While Eric was milling around at the Mercedes press conference, he overheard a guy with a thick French accent proclaim, "As the Americans are fond of saying – there is no replacement for cubic inches." While he may have lost something in translation, the meaning sticks, and then some -- the vehicle hosts an AMG-developed 525 hp 6.3L V8 capable of hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 4.6 seconds. As is the case with most Mercedes vehicles, the speed is governed to 155 mph.

Like most vehicles tuned by Mercedes AMG unit, the changes to the body of the vehicle are as much for performance as they are for style. The wheels are light aluminum alloy, the front and rear fascia aid in aerodynamics, and the air dams suck more air into the engine compartment. Active body control sport suspension aids in the vehicle's improved handling over the automaker's lesser coupe models.

Although Mercedes gave the press the skinny on the car well before its Paris show debut, it's still a sight to behold. Check out more information from Mercedes and pics by Eric after the jump.

Press Release

Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the range-topping version of the new luxury coupé, the CL 63 AMG. Under the bonnet is an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine that was devel-oped independently and delivers a maximum output of 386 kW/525 hp and 630 Newton metres of peak torque for guaranteed scintillating performance. A glance at the high-tech specification of this exceptional two-door coupé emphatically under-lines its exclusive status: in addition to the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMG high-perfor-mance braking system is also fitted as standard. PRE-SAFE®, the anticipatory occupant protection system, is included too and may be supplemented by the addition of both the innovative new PRE-SAFE® Brake and DISTRONIC PLUS as an option.

The CL 63 AMG represents the highlight of Mercedes-AMG's 2006 model initia-tive so far, which has encompassed ten brand new high-performance AMG models to date. At the heart of the eight-cylinder flagship model is the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine.

From its displacement of 6208 cc, the high-revving, naturally aspirated drive unit musters up 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and generates its peak torque of 630 Ne-wton metres at 5200 rpm. This gives the AMG powerpack a higher power-to-swept-volume and torque ratio than any other naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine in the world. The CL 63 AMG is propelled from 0-100 in just 4.6 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.