[hks786]

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[hks786]

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is set to make its world debut at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but before the live reveal the German automaker decided to share a sneak preview of its sleek new design.

Although the current CLS AMG is powered by Mercedes-Benz’ sensational 6.2-liter V8, the 2012 model will make the switch to the automaker’s latest 5.5-liter turbocharged V8. Despite the decrease in displacement, the CLS63 AMG should offer plenty of performance, with the new mill rated at 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. A Performance Package will also be on offer, boosting power to 550 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the boost in power, fuel economy is projected to increase by 33 percent to 16 city, and 21 highway miles per gallon. Shifting duties for the CLS63 AMG will be handled by Mercedes-Benz’ seven-speed multi-clutch transmission.

As with the powertrain, the features list is equally impressive: COMAND with 40GB Hard-Drive GPS Navigation, Bluetooth interface, 14-Speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with Dolby Digital 5.1, HD Digital Radio, in-dash 6-disc DVD/CD Changer, in-dash SD Card Reader, iPod/MP3 Media Interface, SIRIUS satellite radio, power tilt/sliding sunroof with one touch pen/close, multifunction leather sport steering wheel with shift paddles, 14-way power adjustable seats with 3 position memory for seats, heated front seats, headlamp cleaning system an much, much more.

As with any Mercedes-Benz wearing the AMG designation, CLS63 will sport improved suspension, braking and aerodynamic touches to boost performance in all areas from standard CLS model. The lesser CLS, known as the CLS550, will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 with 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.

Sales of the CLS 63 AMG should begin in summer 2011. Segment rivals will include the new Porsche Panamera Turbo and the high-performance version of Aston Martin’s new Rapide. Audi will also enter this “four-door coupe” segment with the A7 and performance S7 variant.

[hks786]

In terms of performance, it is amazing. However, I'm not sold on the design yet. It looks big, imposing and mean but it looks bulky and heavy. The old CLS did have a weird banana shape but at least it looked tight and sleek. This looks huge!

Need to see it on the road.

[Sniz]

I think I liked the previous design better.

[hks786]

Also, interior is very nice. The design isnt the best but the quality of materials look really good and for once Merc have made a nice steering wheel and the dials look good.

I hate the row of LEDs though. Look how long they are across the bumper!

[lyjw88]

Hmm..I gotta see this in person before make any judgement.
I used to hate the new E class in pics but after seeing it in person, I bought one myself lol

[wisesoul]

My god that will be a monster with a tune, those numbers are really conservative. Also looks good to me!

[DimSum]

Yes>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!

V8tt Cls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[M3_WC]

I love the looks. I like how Benz is pushing the envelope.

This car is full of all sorts of "win".

[CaliE90]

that interior is just pure sex

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by Sniz

I think I liked the previous design better.

This

A modded CLS55 (like the one a few threads down) will always be a winner

[BillLee]

i like it.

[Greeney]

That thing is ridiculous... SO mean.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by Jz

that interior is just pure sex

It is indeed

[jhv]

need some shots of the booty

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by hks786

In terms of performance, it is amazing. However, I'm not sold on the design yet. It looks big, imposing and mean but it looks bulky and heavy. The old CLS did have a weird banana shape but at least it looked tight and sleek. This looks huge!

Need to see it on the road.

I was honestly waiting for you to post this thread seeing as you've made pretty much all the new-gen CLS threads. I'm kind of disappointed with the design. It's just average. Menacing, sure, but it doesn't look like something I'll remember once it's phased out of production. Imo, the previous-gen CLS AMG isn't that amazing to me either...too banana-esque, and I hated the foglight surrounds and taillights. I don't understand why everybody loved it (and I still remember your old PS which was way better lol).

Originally Posted by hks786

Also, interior is very nice. The design isnt the best but the quality of materials look really good and for once Merc have made a nice steering wheel and the dials look good.

I hate the row of LEDs though. Look how long they are across the bumper!

That steering wheel is fucking perfect. It's the jewel of the entire interior. I keep saying I have a new fav wheel, but if it's as good to feel in person as it looks in pics then this might be my new fav. Also, there's something about this interior that reeks of retro Benz to me, idk what it is though. I love it.

You actually pointed out the one major flaw with that bumper. They stretched the hell out of those intakes. There's nothing separating the edges of those LEDs and the lips of the fenders. It's almost caricature-esque. Also wish they did something clever with the hood instead of a simple bulge.

I'm bitching about it a lot but I mean it still looks good.

[stickypaws]

Apparently the headlamps are now 100% LED. They're also the new intelligent system (beam spreads or retreats depending on approaching cars.) According to MB, using LED headlamps means they last the lifetime of the car. Temperature is 5500K.

[ibeclueless]

pretty nice

[footie]

Will this not be the first time in as long as I remember that an AMG car will develop less power than it's M rival?

[ghosthi32]

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-20...enz-cls63-amg/

[Hula-Hula]

Originally Posted by footie

Will this not be the first time in as long as I remember that an AMG car will develop less power than it's M rival?

Wait... What? First E55 AMG made 354 or something and the E39 M5 400 and didnt the second gen E55 AMG make like 476 and the E60 M5 507? I mean, not to insult your memory or anything...

Looks better in the launch edition photos on autoblog though... Still don't like the mirrors!







Whoops, sorry about the way too big pictures...

[footie]

^ We both are kind of right about this one. The two cars aren't on sale at the same time or should I say for a brief time they overlap.

The W211 E55 had 469hp and was built between 2003 and 2006 which had more power than the E39 M5 but the E60 which came in 2005 overtook the E55 until the E63 came to regain it's crown.

It's each brand reacting to the competition.