In production
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New AMG bodystyling, including a front apron with large air intakes, enhances the visual impact of the S-Class and the CL-Class. The rear apron with a striking black insert and integrated, rectangular tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel is also eye-catching. AMG side sill panels round off the AMG bodystyling. 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and wide-base 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres fill the wheel arches perfectly and provide optimum contact with the road. 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are available as an option in a twin-spoke design with 255/35 and 275/35 tyres. Mounted on the front axle there are perforated brake discs and silver-painted brake callipers featuring Mercedes-Benz lettering; the V6 models have a more generously proportioned braking system.
Wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel in black ash give the high-quality vehicle interior a dynamic feel. The AMG Sports package also includes velour floor mats with AMG lettering and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs.
The AMG Sports package is available for all S-Class models with a short or long wheelbase, as well as for the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC. It costs between 5831 and 7973 euros (including 19% VAT); the market launch commences in June 2009. In addition to the S-Class and CL-Class, the E-Class Saloon, the E-Class Coupé and the C-Class can be equipped with the AMG Sports package.
The new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: masterpiece among the luxury coupés
Thernlaunch of the new CL-Class in autumn 2006 will be the culmination of arnMercedes-Benz coupé tradition going back over 50 years. The two-doorrnmodel combines peerless exclusivity and charismatic design with thernsort of cutting-edge technology that no other manufacturer can matchrnworldwide. The luxury Coupé raises the bar in terms of vehicle safetyrnwith the PRE-SAFE® brakes: the unique system automatically brakes thernCoupé before an imminent rear-end collision. Furthermore, Mercedesrninnovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system,rnthe Intelligent Light System with five light-ing functions andrnPRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection all come as standard. Twornpowerful engines with 8 or 12 cylinders are available, delivering arnnotable increase in output and torque. Thanks to their exemplaryrnsmoothness they also live up to the Mercedes heritage of superbrnmotoring refinement.
The large Mercedes Coupés have beenrnsynonymous with style and exclusivity in the automotive industry forrndecades. They set the standard in terms of design and equipment,rncombine exemplary safety with an outstanding level of comfort andrnassured handling. In short, Mercedes Coupés are extraordinary dreamrncars - automobile classics.
Familiar Mercedes features havernbeen given a contemporary twist, resulting in a harmonious blend of thernclassic and contemporary. Examples include the hallmark Mercedesrnradiator grille with its wide chrome louvres and the design of thernC-pillar. The unique, slightly downwards-tapering pillar configurationrnis a typical feature of the large Mercedes Coupés whose roots go rightrnback to the 1950s: in 1956 the 220 S/SE Coupé (W 180/W 128 modelrnseries) first captured attention with this striking C-pillar design,rnand a few years later the concept was further refined in the suc-cessorrnmodel, the 220 SE Coupé (W 111/112).
Other design features whichrnwere already acclaimed back then have also been reinterpreted for thernCL-Class, keeping alive the large coupé tradition of the Mercedes-Benzrnbrand: the fully retractable side windows, for instance, whoserncontinuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large,rncurving panoramic rear window. In the early days this was a typicalrnstyling feature of the Mercedes Coupés, and in its stylisticallyrnevolved form for the new CL-Class it is just as appealing as in the 220rnSE Coupé of 1961.
Interior: equipment for even the most discerning driver
Stylernfinds its way into the interior too: the large side window aperturerndraws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and softrnleather upholstery. In an instant you realise that everything in therninterior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation.rnThe atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat andrnenjoy. Five stylish colour combinations are available; automaticrnclimate control, COMAND with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as arnglass sunroof are all part of the standard specification, elements thatrncome together to deliver a unique motoring and comfort experience.
Inrnthe top-of-the-line CL 600 the Exclusive PASSION leather appointments,rnspecially selected poplar wood and an Alcantara roof liner with quiltedrnseams provide the finishing touches to an exquisite first-classrnambience, a look and feel also echoed in the seats with their designornstyling, the chromed door sill panels and floor mats with leatherrnedging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontourrnseats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-discrnnavigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7® surround sound system withrnDVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.
Comparedrnwith the outgoing model, the new Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-range coupérnhas grown slightly in every dimension. 5065 millimetres long, 1871rnmillimetres wide and 1418 millimetres high, the body is 75 millimetresrnlonger, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres higher than before,rnproviding even more comfort and space on all four seats. The bootrncapacity has been increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (VDA measuringrnmethod).
Control system: fewer switches for more functions
Arnnewly developed control system, which has already been successfullyrnimplemented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehiclerninteraction even further. Above all, it provides convenient, rapidrnaccess to frequently used functions such as car radio, DVD player, carrnphone or navigation system. Depending on the driver's own preference,rnthese systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console,rnpressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using thernCOMAND controller on the centre console. This central control unit isrnlinked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to therninstrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main andrnsub-menus that activate the various functions.
The standard-fitrnautomatic climate control with four independently adjustablerntemperature zones is also integrated into the new control system. Therndriver and front passenger can select temperature, air distribution andrnother settings either using the COMAND controller and menu-basedrncontrol, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath thernair vents. The COMAND system allows other individual climate settingsrnto be adjusted such as air distribution and the footwell temperature.
Thernnewly developed integral seats in the CL-Class provide maximumrnindividual seating comfort. "Integral" means that all components of thernseat-belt system are in-corporated directly into the seat; hence thernseats form an important component in the occupant protection system.rnThe standard specification already provides electric adjustment of thernfore-aft setting, inclination of the seat and backrest, seat height,rnhead restraint and length of the front seat cushions. Pneumatic lumbarrnsupports allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the backrestrncontour to suit their build and consequently reduce the strain on thernback muscles.
Optional extras include luxury seats with activernventilation (standard in the CL 600) that provide even more individualrncomfort, along with the further enhanced multi-contour seats with ninernair cushions, and dynamic multicontour seats with massage functionrn(standard in the CL 600).
The driver and front passenger seatsrnwith multicontour function have been awarded the AGR ("healthy backrncampaign") seal of approval.
Active Body Control: the perfect combination of dynamism and comfort
Thernstandard specification in the new Mercedes Coupé features technologicalrninnovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world.rnFirst and foremost is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system,rnwhich in its latest, even more sophisticated guise deliversrnunprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciablernimprovement in ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and usingrnspecially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all butrnentirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occurrnwhen moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-secondrnspeed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to anyrnsituation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to tenrnmillimetres to reduce drag and improve handling stability.
Intelligent Light System: five lighting functions to match driving and weather conditions
ThernIntelligent Light System, which makes driving even safer in the dark,rnis equally unique. Together with bi-xenon headlamps it forms part ofrnthe standard specification for the new CL-Class and provides fiverndifferent lighting functions that are activated to match driving andrnweather conditions: the new country road mode illuminates therndriver's-side edge of the road more widely and brightly than thernexisting low-beam headlamps. Motorway mode, which comes onrnautomatically when driving above 90 km/h, delivers a uniform cone ofrnlight that illuminates the entire road width. In the centre of thisrncone the driver is able to see around 50 metres further. The enhancedrnfog lamps are also new, which Mercedes-Benz uses to provide betterrnorientation in adverse weather conditions. Active light function andrncornering light function are also part of the standard-fit IntelligentrnLight System on the CL Class.
PRE-SAFE®: automatic partial braking before an impending accident
Mercedes-Benzrnis the world's first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupantrnprotection system that recognises a potential accident situation in itsrnearly stages and takes anticipatory occupant protection measures:rnPRE-SAFE® is standard-fit on the new CL-Class. During emergency brakingrnor when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat intornthe most favourable position so that seat belts and airbags havernmaximum effect on impact. It also inflates air cushions in the dynamicrnmulticontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and supportrnthe driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE® also closes the side windowsrnand the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics arerngenerated.
Mercedes-Benz has just made this multi-award-winningrnanticipatory protection system even better in the CL-Class with thernnewly developed PRE-SAFE® brakes. They operate in tandem with BrakernAssist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which warns the driver of an imminent rear-endrncollision with visual and audible signals and automatically calculatesrnthe required braking pressure to prevent an accident. Thisrnbraking-power support is available as soon as the brake pedal isrnoperated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, thernPRE-SAFE® brakes trigger automatic partial braking where an accident isrnimminent and slow the CL Class down using around 40 percent of therntotal braking power.
The automatic partial braking provides therndriver with another clear warning to act. If the driver thenrnimmediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is availablernand the accident can - depending on the situation - be averted at thernlast moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® brakes reducernthe impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehiclernoccupants.
As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE® brakesrnalso utilise state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation inrnfront of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radarrnsensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80° arernlocated behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additionalrnlong-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres.
Mercedes-Benzrnalso offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with thernoptional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.
Assistance systems: radar sensors make parking child's play
Thernnewly developed parking guidance system (optional extra) also works onrnthe basis of radar technology: the sensors measure the length of arnparking space when driving past and show on the cockpit display whetherrnthere is sufficient space to park. Once reverse gear is engaged, therndisplay then includes a symbolic representation of the parkingrnmanoeuvre; guide lines show the required steering angle and indicaternthe path into the parking space.
Night view assist with infraredrnheadlamps, reversing camera, voice control for car radio, DVD changerrnand navigation as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are otherrnoptional Mercedes assistance systems for increased handling safety andrncomfort.
Engines: eight and twelve-cylinder powerplants with noticeably more power
Thernnew luxury Coupé is ready for any challenge on motorways and ruralrnroads thanks to Mercedes' most powerful engines to date. Therneight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp andrngenerates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. As suchrnthe newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26rnpercent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque.rnEquipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shiftingrncamshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intakernducts, the new V8 is among the most advanced, powerful engines in itsrndisplacement class. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h inrnjust 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).
An ultra-modernrnbiturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600rngenerates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhancedrnnumerous de-tails of the power unit and, compared to the predecessorrnmodel, have increased out-put by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Thernmaximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved furtherrnby 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up torn3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6rnseconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). And despite the significantrnper-formance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel thanrnthe previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.
Mercedes-Benz hasrncombined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the new DIRECTrnSELECT gearshift: the driver can select the transmission settings "P",rn"N", "R" and "D" by nudging a lever on the steering column. Operatingrncommands are transmitted electronically by wire.
Tradition: seven generations of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé
Thernnew CL-Class ushers in the seventh generation of the large MercedesrnCoupés. The two-door model replaces the world-beating outgoing model,rnwhich joins the ranks of the best-selling luxury coupés with aroundrn46,800 units sold. The history of the large Mercedes Coupés stretchesrnback to 1952 when Mercedes Benz launched the legendary 300 S Coupé - arn"car for the world's elite" was the verdict of the motoring press inrnits day. In 1956 it was followed by the 220 S Coupé as part of the Wrn180 model series, which fired the public's imagination with itsrnunitised "Pon-toon" body in particular. And in 1961 the220 SEb Coupé (Wrn111 model series) took up the baton with its stylish elongated body.
Inrn1981 the SEC Coupés from the C 126 model series were based on the thenrnS Class and remained in the Mercedes-Benz line-up for 10 years withrnover 74,000 units produced. In 1992 the Geneva Motor Show was host tornthe launch of the successor model (C 140 model series), powered for thernfirst time by a 290 kW/394 hp twelve-cylinder engine. The predecessorrnto the new CL-Class Coupé celebrated its world premiere in March 1999,rnsetting new standards with leading edge Mercedes innovations such asrnthe Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and bi-xenon headlamps.
Mercedes-Benz has built over 178,000 luxury coupés since 1952.
The launch of the new CL-Class in autumn 2006 will be thernculmination of a Mercedes-Benz coupé tradition going back over 50rnyears. The two-door model combines peerless exclusivity and charismaticrndesign with the sort of cutting-edge technology that no otherrnmanufacturer can match worldwide. The luxury Coupé raises the bar inrnterms of vehicle safety with the PRE-SAFE® brakes: the unique systemrnautomatically brakes the Coupé before an imminent rear-end collision.rnFurthermore, Mercedes innovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC)rnsuspension system, the Intelligent Light System with five light-ingrnfunctions and PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection all come asrnstandard. Two powerful engines with 8 or 12 cylinders are available,rndelivering a notable increase in output and torque. Thanks to theirrnexemplary smoothness they also live up to the Mercedes heritage ofrnsuperb motoring refinement.
The large Mercedes Coupés have beenrnsynonymous with style and exclusivity in the automotive industry forrndecades. They set the standard in terms of design and equipment,rncombine exemplary safety with an outstanding level of comfort andrnassured handling. In short, Mercedes Coupés are extraordinary dreamrncars - automobile classics.
Familiar Mercedes features havernbeen given a contemporary twist, resulting in a harmonious blend of thernclassic and contemporary. Examples include the hallmark Mercedesrnradiator grille with its wide chrome louvres and the design of thernC-pillar. The unique, slightly downwards-tapering pillar configurationrnis a typical feature of the large Mercedes Coupés whose roots go rightrnback to the 1950s: in 1956 the 220 S/SE Coupé (W 180/W 128 modelrnseries) first captured attention with this striking C-pillar design,rnand a few years later the concept was further refined in the suc-cessorrnmodel, the 220 SE Coupé (W 111/112).
Other design features whichrnwere already acclaimed back then have also been reinterpreted for thernCL-Class, keeping alive the large coupé tradition of the Mercedes-Benzrnbrand: the fully retractable side windows, for instance, whoserncontinuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large,rncurving panoramic rear window. In the early days this was a typicalrnstyling feature of the Mercedes Coupés, and in its stylisticallyrnevolved form for the new CL-Class it is just as appealing as in the 220rnSE Coupé of 1961.
Interior: equipment for even the most discerning driver
Stylernfinds its way into the interior too: the large side window aperturerndraws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and softrnleather upholstery. In an instant you realise that everything in therninterior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation.rnThe atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat andrnenjoy. Five stylish colour combinations are available; automaticrnclimate control, COMAND with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as arnglass sunroof are all part of the standard specification, elements thatrncome together to deliver a unique motoring and comfort experience.
Inrnthe top-of-the-line CL 600 the Exclusive PASSION leather appointments,rnspecially selected poplar wood and an Alcantara roof liner with quiltedrnseams provide the finishing touches to an exquisite first-classrnambience, a look and feel also echoed in the seats with their designornstyling, the chromed door sill panels and floor mats with leatherrnedging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontourrnseats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-discrnnavigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7® surround sound system withrnDVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.
Comparedrnwith the outgoing model, the new Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-range coupérnhas grown slightly in every dimension. 5065 millimetres long, 1871rnmillimetres wide and 1418 millimetres high, the body is 75 millimetresrnlonger, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres higher than before,rnproviding even more comfort and space on all four seats. The bootrncapacity has been increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (VDA measuringrnmethod).
Control system: fewer switches for more functions
Arnnewly developed control system, which has already been successfullyrnimplemented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehiclerninteraction even further. Above all, it provides convenient, rapidrnaccess to frequently used functions such as car radio, DVD player, carrnphone or navigation system. Depending on the driver's own preference,rnthese systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console,rnpressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using thernCOMAND controller on the centre console. This central control unit isrnlinked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to therninstrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main andrnsub-menus that activate the various functions.
The standard-fitrnautomatic climate control with four independently adjustablerntemperature zones is also integrated into the new control system. Therndriver and front passenger can select temperature, air distribution andrnother settings either using the COMAND controller and menu-basedrncontrol, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath thernair vents. The COMAND system allows other individual climate settingsrnto be adjusted such as air distribution and the footwell temperature.
Thernnewly developed integral seats in the CL-Class provide maximumrnindividual seating comfort. "Integral" means that all components of thernseat-belt system are in-corporated directly into the seat; hence thernseats form an important component in the occupant protection system.rnThe standard specification already provides electric adjustment of thernfore-aft setting, inclination of the seat and backrest, seat height,rnhead restraint and length of the front seat cushions. Pneumatic lumbarrnsupports allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the backrestrncontour to suit their build and consequently reduce the strain on thernback muscles.
Optional extras include luxury seats with activernventilation (standard in the CL 600) that provide even more individualrncomfort, along with the further enhanced multi-contour seats with ninernair cushions, and dynamic multicontour seats with massage functionrn(standard in the CL 600).
The driver and front passenger seatsrnwith multicontour function have been awarded the AGR ("healthy backrncampaign") seal of approval.
Active Body Control: the perfect combination of dynamism and comfort
Thernstandard specification in the new Mercedes Coupé features technologicalrninnovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world.rnFirst and foremost is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system,rnwhich in its latest, even more sophisticated guise deliversrnunprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciablernimprovement in ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and usingrnspecially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all butrnentirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occurrnwhen moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-secondrnspeed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to anyrnsituation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to tenrnmillimetres to reduce drag and improve handling stability.
Intelligent Light System: five lighting functions to match driving and weather conditions
ThernIntelligent Light System, which makes driving even safer in the dark,rnis equally unique. Together with bi-xenon headlamps it forms part ofrnthe standard specification for the new CL-Class and provides fiverndifferent lighting functions that are activated to match driving andrnweather conditions: the new country road mode illuminates therndriver's-side edge of the road more widely and brightly than thernexisting low-beam headlamps. Motorway mode, which comes onrnautomatically when driving above 90 km/h, delivers a uniform cone ofrnlight that illuminates the entire road width. In the centre of thisrncone the driver is able to see around 50 metres further. The enhancedrnfog lamps are also new, which Mercedes-Benz uses to provide betterrnorientation in adverse weather conditions. Active light function andrncornering light function are also part of the standard-fit IntelligentrnLight System on the CL Class.
PRE-SAFE®: automatic partial braking before an impending accident
Mercedes-Benzrnis the world's first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupantrnprotection system that recognises a potential accident situation in itsrnearly stages and takes anticipatory occupant protection measures:rnPRE-SAFE® is standard-fit on the new CL-Class. During emergency brakingrnor when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat intornthe most favourable position so that seat belts and airbags havernmaximum effect on impact. It also inflates air cushions in the dynamicrnmulticontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and supportrnthe driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE® also closes the side windowsrnand the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics arerngenerated.
Mercedes-Benz has just made this multi-award-winningrnanticipatory protection system even better in the CL-Class with thernnewly developed PRE-SAFE® brakes. They operate in tandem with BrakernAssist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which warns the driver of an imminent rear-endrncollision with visual and audible signals and automatically calculatesrnthe required braking pressure to prevent an accident. Thisrnbraking-power support is available as soon as the brake pedal isrnoperated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, thernPRE-SAFE® brakes trigger automatic partial braking where an accident isrnimminent and slow the CL Class down using around 40 percent of therntotal braking power.
The automatic partial braking provides therndriver with another clear warning to act. If the driver thenrnimmediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is availablernand the accident can - depending on the situation - be averted at thernlast moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® brakes reducernthe impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehiclernoccupants.
As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE® brakesrnalso utilise state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation inrnfront of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radarrnsensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80° arernlocated behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additionalrnlong-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres.
Mercedes-Benzrnalso offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with thernoptional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.
Assistance systems: radar sensors make parking child's play
Thernnewly developed parking guidance system (optional extra) also works onrnthe basis of radar technology: the sensors measure the length of arnparking space when driving past and show on the cockpit display whetherrnthere is sufficient space to park. Once reverse gear is engaged, therndisplay then includes a symbolic representation of the parkingrnmanoeuvre; guide lines show the required steering angle and indicaternthe path into the parking space.
Night view assist with infraredrnheadlamps, reversing camera, voice control for car radio, DVD changerrnand navigation as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are otherrnoptional Mercedes assistance systems for increased handling safety andrncomfort.
Engines: eight and twelve-cylinder powerplants with noticeably more power
Thernnew luxury Coupé is ready for any challenge on motorways and ruralrnroads thanks to Mercedes' most powerful engines to date. Therneight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp andrngenerates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. As suchrnthe newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26rnpercent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque.rnEquipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shiftingrncamshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intakernducts, the new V8 is among the most advanced, powerful engines in itsrndisplacement class. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h inrnjust 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).
An ultra-modernrnbiturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600rngenerates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhancedrnnumerous de-tails of the power unit and, compared to the predecessorrnmodel, have increased out-put by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Thernmaximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved furtherrnby 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up torn3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6rnseconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). And despite the significantrnper-formance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel thanrnthe previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.
Mercedes-Benz hasrncombined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the new DIRECTrnSELECT gearshift: the driver can select the transmission settings "P",rn"N", "R" and "D" by nudging a lever on the steering column. Operatingrncommands are transmitted electronically by wire.
Tradition: seven generations of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé
Thernnew CL-Class ushers in the seventh generation of the large MercedesrnCoupés. The two-door model replaces the world-beating outgoing model,rnwhich joins the ranks of the best-selling luxury coupés with aroundrn46,800 units sold. The history of the large Mercedes Coupés stretchesrnback to 1952 when Mercedes Benz launched the legendary 300 S Coupé - arn"car for the world's elite" was the verdict of the motoring press inrnits day. In 1956 it was followed by the 220 S Coupé as part of the Wrn180 model series, which fired the public's imagination with itsrnunitised "Pon-toon" body in particular. And in 1961 the220 SEb Coupé (Wrn111 model series) took up the baton with its stylish elongated body.
Inrn1981 the SEC Coupés from the C 126 model series were based on the thenrnS Class and remained in the Mercedes-Benz line-up for 10 years withrnover 74,000 units produced. In 1992 the Geneva Motor Show was host tornthe launch of the successor model (C 140 model series), powered for thernfirst time by a 290 kW/394 hp twelve-cylinder engine. The predecessorrnto the new CL-Class Coupé celebrated its world premiere in March 1999,rnsetting new standards with leading edge Mercedes innovations such asrnthe Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and bi-xenon headlamps.
Mercedes-Benz has built over 178,000 luxury coupés since 1952.
Mercedes-AMG is unveiling the range-topping version of the newrnluxury coupé, the CL 63 AMG. Under the bonnet is an AMG 6.3-litre V8rnengine that was devel-oped independently and delivers a maximum outputrnof 386 kW/525 hp and 630 Ne-wton metres of peak torque for guaranteedrnscintillating performance. A glance at the high-tech specification ofrnthis exceptional two-door coupé emphatically under-lines its exclusivernstatus: in addition to the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the AMGrnsports suspension based on Active Body Control, the AMGrnhigh-perfor-mance braking system is also fitted as standard. PRE-SAFE®,rnthe anticipatory occupant protection system, is included too and may bernsupplemented by the addition of both the innovative new PRE-SAFE® Brakernand DISTRONIC PLUS as an option.
The CL 63 AMG represents thernhighlight of Mercedes-AMG's 2006 model initia-tive so far, which hasrnencompassed ten brand new high-performance AMG models to date. At thernheart of the eight-cylinder flagship model is the AMG 6.3-litre V8rnengine.
From its displacement of 6208 cc, the high-revving,rnnaturally aspirated drive unit musters up 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm andrngenerates its peak torque of 630 Ne-wton metres at 5200 rpm. This givesrnthe AMG powerpack a higher power-to-swept-volume and torque ratio thanrnany other naturally aspirated series-produced eight-cylinder engine inrnthe world. The CL 63 AMG is propelled from 0-100 in just 4.6 seconds,rnwith top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
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