Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the span of two weeks, Mercedes-Benz announced two new CLS-based production models: the recently revealed CLS63 AMG and plans to produce a wagon version inspired by the CLS “Shooting Brake” Concept shown at the Beijing Motor Show. Now we’ve learned that another CLS variant could combine the two.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake would adapt all the go-fast bits of its sedan counterpart into the five-door model set to go into production in 2012. That means the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out between 518 and 550 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque depending on the spec. We’ve yet to get official word from M-B if the CLS Shooting Brake is bound for U.S. shores, but if the AMG version does come to fruition, don’t expect it much before 2013.

Additionally, AMG execs told us that diesel performance models from the in-house tuner are a long way off. More to the point, AMG officials believe that gasoline engines have the potential to return just as much torque and fuel economy as their oil-burning counterparts, negating the need to develop high performance diesels. Here’s hoping they’re right…

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2012 CLS63 AMG, the bi-turbo V8 version of its thoroughly restyled and utterly delectable sedan.

AMG’s new baby – the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 – is finding a home in nearly every new Mercedes product, and when fitted to the CLS63 the blown mill is good for 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque… in standard form. Option up for the AMG Performance Package and Merc’s in-house tuner turns up the boost from 14.5 to 18.8 psi and output rises to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of twist. Equipped with AMG’s seven-gear “Speedshift” MCT automatic tranny, the CLS63 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 in standard guise and 4.3 seconds with the AMG pack. Similarly, top speed also rises from 155 to 186 mph with the performance upgrade. And if you care, both variants clock in at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

In addition to the reworked engine and transmission, the front axle has been widened by nearly an inch and AMG fitted its independent adaptive suspension with electronic damping and a three-stage traction control system. The 19-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 255/35 tires in front and 285/30s out back, while 14.2-inch drilled and ventilated discs are fitted at all four corners.

A special “Launch Edition” will be available when the CLS63 goes on sale this coming summer and comes coated in matte grey paint with a mix of carbon fiber and piano black interior trim, alcantara headliner and AMG sports seats swathed in “Corteccia Pearl” leather. Make the jump for all the details and specs.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long after Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off of the shapely new CLS-Class at this year’s Paris Motor Show, sources within the automaker have told Autoblog that the AMG-fettled CLS will bow at next month’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Much like the revised S63 and CL63, expect the 2012 CLS63 AMG to use the automaker’s new twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8, churning out 544 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That power will be managed via Merc’s latest seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission sending power solely to the rear wheels. An AMG Performance Package will be on hand, as well, boosting output numbers up to 571 hp and 664 lb-ft. We can’t wait to experience this beast firsthand.

Naturally, expect a bulgier, more aggressive exterior appearance complete with large AMG wheels and a host of LED lamps up front. Interior refinement will likely feature sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel with paddle shifters and, of course, carbon fiber trim.

Stay tuned for official images and details closer to the car’s official debut in Los Angeles.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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