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Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG And CLK 63 AMG To Debut In Geneva

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on February 15, 2006

Mercedes has just broke news power-hungry CLS and CLK owners  
everywhere have been longing to hear - the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG  
and the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG will be making their world debut at  
the Geneva Motor Show this March.

Although it's hardly been a secret the two have been in development,  
today marks the first official confirmation the two models will see  
series production.

So what can we look forward to in the new models? In the CLS 63 AMG,  
future owners can expect to see the 6.3-Liter V8 AMG engine.  The new  
378kW/514 horsepower engine was developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG,  
and helps propel the four-door coupe from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds  
and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

In addition to the power enhancements, the CLS 63 has also been  
fitted with a host of other AMG goodies as well. An AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G- 
TRONIC transmission, new AMG sport suspension, a new AMG high  
performance braking system, and a number of new exterior and interior  
AMG styling elements round off the lovely new CLS.

As for the CLK 63 AMG, it too features a wealth of AMG goodies.   
Available as either a coupe or cabriolet model, the CLK 63 AMG is  
powered by the AMG 6.3-Liter V8, an engine that pumps out 354 kW/481  
hp and 630 Newton metres – more than any other vehicle in this  
class.  To transfer the power to the asphalt, Mercedes has equipped  
the CLK 63 with their SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, and the new  
AMG sport suspension and new AMG composite braking system help make  
the CLK a tad bit more manageable.  In terms of appearance, the CLK  
63 AMG will benefit from numerous AMG styling elements, including a  
redesigned front apron, new AMG sports steering wheel and  
multicontour AMG sport seats.

We'll keep you posted when more details of the models are released;  
in the meantime, check out a few photos by visiting  
www.eMercedesBenz.com as well as the full press release below.  Enjoy.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show 2006: World premiere for a  
host of new products

Stuttgart, Feb 15, 2006

A host of new models from Mercedes-Benz will be making their world  
debut at the 76th Geneva International Motor Show. They include the  
exclusive high-performance models CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG (the  
latter in Coupé and Cabriolet versions), whose bullish eight-cylinder  
engines and sophisticated suspension technology make for a gripping  
driving experience. Also meeting the public for the first time is the  
newly facelifted SL-Class and its AMG versions, the SL 55 AMG and SL  
65 AMG. For the new GL-Class, Geneva will mark not only a European  
debut but also, for the state-of-the-art GL 320 CDI and GL 420 CDI  
diesel models, an international premiere.
The new CLS 63 AMG is an exceptional automobile offering impressive  
performance, dynamic styling and an exclusive interior. The four-door  
Coupé is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, which was developed  
entirely by Mercedes-AMG. The new 378 kW/514 hp AMG power plant has  
the highest specific power and torque of any naturally aspirated  
eight-cylinder production engine in the world. The refined Coupé has  
a 0 - 100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds, on its way to a governed top  
speed of 250 km/h.

The high-performance engine of the new CLS 63 AMG is partnered by the  
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, which offers the driver a  
choice between fully automatic and manual shifting, with changes  
actuated either at the selector lever or Formula 1 style, by a press  
of the aluminium gearshift paddles. Appropriately, the powerful  
engine is also mated with the new AMG sports suspension, based on the  
semiactive air suspension system AIRMATIC DC which incorporates the  
ADS II Adaptive Damping System, and with the new AMG high-performance  
brake system, which provides plenty of stopping power thanks to  
composite front brakes and vented and perforated brake discs on all  
wheels.

The refined coupé styling also incorporates powerful AMG styling  
elements, while the interior impresses with a blend of exclusive  
sportiness and superior materials and build quality. Standard  
specification includes AMG sports seats with nappa leather  
upholstery, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with new  
aluminium AMG gearshift paddles and the new AMG instrument cluster  
with 320 km/h speedometer scale and red needles.

CLK 63 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet

In the CLK 63 AMG Coupé and Cabriolet models too, which are likewise  
making their world debut in Geneva, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine  
creates an awesome driving experience. The CLK 63 AMG produces more  
power and torque – 354 kW/481 hp and 630 Newton metres – than any  
other vehicle in this class. The new AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC  
transmission complements it perfectly, helping to ensure dynamic  
power delivery.

The new AMG sports suspension, new 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and  
luxurious and dynamic standard appointments add to the exclusive and  
sporty theme of the CLK family. In addition, the front wheels are  
equipped with a new AMG high-performance composite brake system.

The dynamic AMG bodystyling, featuring a new, more distinctively  
contoured front apron with side air vents, underscores the CLK 63  
AMG's position as a sporty flagship model combining dynamism with  
exclusiveness. These qualities are also on display in the interior of  
the two eight-cylinder models, for example in the new AMG ergonomic  
sports steering wheel, multicontour AMG sports seats and exclusive  
nappa leather upholstery.

R 63 AMG - sporty, fun-to-drive vehicle for up to six people

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine used in the CLS 63 AMG and CLK 63 AMG  
also powers the R 63 AMG. With maximum power of 375 kW/510 hp,  
maximum torque of 630 Newton metres and permanent all-wheel drive,  
the AMG Grand Sports Tourer offers an unprecedented combination of  
inimitable sporting performance, generous space and top-level comfort  
for up to six people.

The combination of AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC, all-wheel drive, the AMG  
high-performance brake system and AMG sports suspension incorporating  
AIRMATIC air suspension and adaptive damping provides highest levels  
of active safety and caters for both sporty and comfort-oriented  
driving styles. New-design front and rear aprons in the typical AMG  
mould convey unadulterated dynamism.

SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG now even more dynamic and exclusive

Also making their debut in Geneva are the facelifted versions of the  
SL 55 AMG and SL 65 AMG. These high-performance AMG roadsters have  
undergone changes to their engineering, design and appointments and  
now offer an even more exclusive driving experience. A new  
supercharger and larger throttle valve in the further improved AMG  
5.5-litre V8 supercharged engine of the SL 55 AMG result in improved  
fresh air intake and an increase in maximum output from 368 kW/ 500  
hp to 380 kW/517 hp. Maximum torque has also increased, from 700 to  
720 Newton metres.

On both AMG roadsters, the AMG sports suspension based on second- 
generation Active Body Control has been further enhanced and takes  
the reduction of body movements under dynamic conditions to new  
levels – with no concessions on the high standards of ride quality.

The newly developed AMG high-performance brake system featuring large  
composite front brake discs and aluminium six-piston fixed callipers  
can be finely and sensitively controlled and offers very short  
stopping distances and excellent fade resistance. On the V12 top  
model, a multi-disc differential lock maximises traction.

The facelifted exterior styling of the two AMG roadsters is now even  
more distinctively dynamic. The front aprons now have an even more  
prominent, more dynamic "V" shape, and chrome-ringed foglamps. The  
front apron of the SL 65 AMG also has side air vents to maximise  
airflow to the auxiliary engine oil cooler. Other features of the  
facelift include black ribs and chrome highlights on the AMG radiator  
grille and new rear lights with special AMG colouring. Inside the  
vehicle, a sporty ambience is created by new genuine carbon trim parts.

New generation Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Four years after its launch, the successful Mercedes-Benz SL-Class  
has received significant upgrades to its engineering, styling and  
appointments. The measures include sportier tuning of the engines,  
powertrain and suspension. A new V6 engine, a new V8 and a more  
powerful V12 provide unadulterated driving enjoyment. The active  
suspension system – second-generation Active Body Control – and more  
direct steering create a noticeably sportier driving experience  
allied to typical SL comfort. Remodelled front-end styling, new rear  
lights and new alloy wheels give the facelifted SL-Class a sportier  
appearance too – even when it is standing still. Redesigned equipment  
features, carefully selected materials which show close attention to  
detail and new colours enhance the interior ambience. The steering- 
wheel gearshift paddles supplied with the 7G-TRONIC Sport option  
accentuate the dynamic character of the facelifted SL-Class.

The GL-Class – new highlight in the off-road market

For the new GL-Class, Geneva marks both a European debut and, in the  
case of the GL 320 CDI and GL 420 CDI models – which feature state-of- 
the-art diesel technology and standard-fitted diesel particulate  
filter – an international debut as well. The seven-seater premium off- 
road model, the new highlight in the luxury sports utility vehicle  
market, impresses with excellent handling both on and off road and  
pampers its occupants with lavish spaciousness and the comfort of a  
luxury saloon. Another milestone is the GL-Class's integrated PRE- 
SAFE® safety concept, an all-time first in this class.

With its calm surfaces, powerful lines and striking details, the  
styling of the new GL-Class gives the luxury-class off-roader an aura  
of power and exclusiveness, and imparts an energetic sense of forward  
thrust even when the vehicle is stationary.

Four state-of-the-art engines – two petrol and two diesel units –  
provide this multi-talented vehicle with superior performance. The  
two direct-injection diesel engines in the new GL 320 CDI and GL 420  
CDI models meet the most stringent current emissions standard – Euro  
4 – and are fitted as standard with a maintenance-free, additive-free  
diesel particulate filter, which cuts engine-out particulate  
emissions by 99 per cent.

Thanks in particular to third-generation high-pressure common-rail  
injection featuring maximum injection pressures of 1600 bar,  
increased firing pressures, up to five injections per cycle, special  
orifice nozzles and new-design piezoelectric injectors for more  
precise injection timing, the GL 420 CDI's new V8 diesel engine  
offers sporty performance and maximum power of 225 kW/306 hp. The  
already proven V6 diesel engine used in the GL 320 CDI develops  
maximum power of 165 kW/224 hp and massive maximum torque of 510  
Newton metres. All engine versions of the GL are equipped as standard  
with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with DIRECT  
SELECT gearshift.

For more Mercedes-Benz news and information, visit us at  
www.eMercedesBenz.com.